Oddfellows Westcountry Gin Launch (by Amy Laver)

The other week, Amy Laver headed to Oddfellows for their West country gin tasting and very kindly, reported back for us (Disclaimer: at EE HQ, we are aware that this was a hard job and took a certain amount of sacrifice, but we are proud and pleased that Amy made the leap and took one for the team!)

Here’s what she had to say about it:

I was very excited to be asked by the lovely Stephanie of Exploring Exeter to attend The Oddfellows Westcountry Gin Launch the other week.  A local independent gastro pub providing tastings of their delicious food offerings coupled with one of my favourite things, gin, what’s not to like?!

Conveniently located within tripping distance of my workplace and scheduled to start just after clocking off time, I skipped down the road with anticipation (and my friend Carla, as it seemed rude to drink alone).

On arrival we were greeted with an array of gin bottles and sparkly glasses.  A bit overwhelmed we both opted for the Salcombe Gin.  With hindsight it would have been more sensible if we had chosen different ones to try, but armed with our booty we approached the nice lady whose job it was to help us match tonic and garnish to our chosen tipple.  We were not disappointed, grapefruit tonic and a slice of pink grapefruit were just the ticket.

We people watched whilst we enjoyed our drinks and the canapes arrived just on time.  Offering tastes of the new menu I did not manage to sample the whole range but I can particularly recommend the steak and triple cooked chips.  I usually think it’s a bit overrated and too trendy for me (it seems to be everywhere!) but the pulled pork with apple wrapped in pancetta were the highlight.

Time to move towards the rear of the room where the gin delights were laid out for tasting.  We started with the Trevethan which turned out to be a warming Cornish delight.  Next, on to the Tarquin’s.  And this time, navy strength.  It turns out that actually gin really benefits from a splash of tonic and this one was good and strong. 

Probably by far my favourite, and I’m not sure I’m supposed to have one, was Barbican Botanist.  A very fragrant small batch handcrafted gin which rivals its better known friend, Plymouth Gin.  If you like fennel and liquorice notes, this is the one for you.

Finally, Dartmoor Beast.  Definitely not for the faint hearted!

Thank you to Oddfellows for a fab event showcasing produce lovingly created by talented local suppliers.  I am hopeful Steph will think of me next time she gets such a great invite.

If you are a gin fan and want more recommendations for where to drink it Forn have a fantastic gin menu, also Circa 1924 infuse their own!

PS, If you are reading this as a West country gin creator we are always more than happy to review!

About the author: Amy Laver is a proud Exeter ‘girl’, a lover of all things local, Mum to two gorgeous girls, and is at her happiest when dancing.