Hayman's distillery

Introduction to Hayman’s

A Distillery with Passion for Craft

Hayman’s is an iconic English gin distillery that stands as a testament to traditional distilling methods and family heritage. Based in London, the spiritual home of gin, Hayman’s has established itself as a guardian of authentic English gin styles, creating spirits that honor both history and craftsmanship. The distillery produces a range of classic gin styles that celebrate the rich legacy of English gin production dating back to the gin palaces of the 19th century.

Their commitment to traditional methods in a modern world has made them respected ambassadors for authentic gin throughout the global spirits community.

Why We Have a Soft Spot for Hayman’s

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that remain true to their roots while maintaining exceptional quality, and Hayman’s exemplifies this philosophy perfectly. What sets Hayman’s apart is their unwavering dedication to traditional two-day gin production methods and their authentic period recipes that have been preserved through generations of family distilling knowledge.

Their gin portfolio showcases the diverse styles that defined different eras in gin’s rich history, offering both connoisseurs and newcomers a genuine taste of gin’s evolution through time.

The History Behind Hayman’s

Origin and Development

The Hayman family’s gin legacy began in 1863 when James Burrough, the great-grandfather of the current owner Christopher Hayman, purchased a London distillery and began producing gin. This rich heritage makes Hayman’s one of England’s longest-serving gin-making families, spanning over 150 years and five generations.

After James Burrough’s original company (which created Beefeater Gin) was sold in 1987, Christopher Hayman established Hayman Distillers to continue the family tradition of authentic English gin production. In 2013, the company rebranded as Hayman’s of London, further cementing their connection to the capital’s illustrious gin history.

The People Behind

Today, Hayman’s is led by Christopher Hayman, who boasts over 50 years of gin distilling experience, alongside his children James and Miranda, making it a true family enterprise. This family involvement ensures the preservation of recipes and techniques that have been passed down through generations.

The Hayman family takes immense pride in maintaining the standards and traditions established by their forebears, while sensitively adapting to contemporary tastes and expectations. Their collective expertise and passion for authentic gin production is evident in every bottle that leaves their distillery.

The Craft and Production

From Raw Material to Finished Product

Hayman’s production begins with carefully selected botanicals including juniper berries, coriander seed, orris root, angelica root, cinnamon, cassia bark, nutmeg, and lemon and orange peel. Following traditional methods, these botanicals are steeped in English wheat spirit for a full day before distillation, allowing for full flavor extraction.

Distillation takes place in traditional copper pot stills, which helps to create a smoother, more refined spirit. Hayman’s insistence on this two-day process—rather than the faster methods adopted by many modern distilleries—demonstrates their commitment to quality over convenience.

Maturation and Storage

Unlike many spirits that require aging, most Hayman’s gins are designed to be enjoyed immediately after distillation, capturing the fresh, vibrant character of the botanicals. Their Old Tom Gin and Royal Dock Gin are examples of historical styles that maintain period-appropriate production methods.

However, their Gently Rested Gin does spend three weeks in whisky barrels, adding subtle woody notes while still maintaining the gin’s essential character. This careful approach to storage and maturation ensures that each gin style in their range maintains its authentic historical profile.

Selected Products from Hayman’s

London Dry Gin – The Heart of the Range

Hayman’s London Dry Gin represents the quintessential English gin style, with its perfect balance of juniper, coriander, and citrus. With a clean, crisp profile featuring bright citrus, pronounced juniper, and a subtly spiced finish, it’s both an excellent introduction to the house style and a versatile cocktail ingredient.

Bottled at 41.2% ABV, it delivers enough intensity to stand up in classic cocktails while remaining accessible for gin newcomers. This is the gin that best represents Hayman’s commitment to traditional English distilling.

Old Tom Gin – A Taste of Gin’s Golden Age

This historically accurate recreation of the sweeter style popular in the 19th century offers a fascinating glimpse into gin’s evolution. Less dry than London Dry but not as sweet as Dutch genever, it features gentle sweetness balanced with botanicals for a rich, rounded profile.

Expect notes of candied citrus peel, licorice, and a subtle sweetness that makes it perfect for classic cocktails like the Martinez or Tom Collins. At 40% ABV, it’s an elegant expression that appeals to both historians and modern mixologists looking for authentic ingredients.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and Tastings

Hayman’s distillery in Balham, South London, offers visitors an immersive experience into the world of traditional gin production. Their guided tours take guests through the entire gin-making process, from botanical selection to distillation and bottling.

The tasting sessions typically include their core range of gins, allowing visitors to understand the distinct characteristics of each historical style. Interactive gin masterclasses are also available for those wanting a more hands-on experience, offering the opportunity to create your own gin under expert guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hayman’s?

Hayman’s is a family-owned English gin distillery with over 150 years of gin-making heritage. They produce a range of authentic, historically-accurate gin styles using traditional two-day distillation methods and family recipes passed down through five generations.

Their focus on preserving traditional English gin styles while maintaining exceptional quality has established them as respected guardians of gin’s rich heritage.

Where is Hayman’s located?

Hayman’s distillery is located in Balham, South London, England. After periods in Essex and various London locations, they established their current distillery in 2018, bringing their gin production back to the capital where their family gin legacy began in the 1860s.

This London location is significant to their identity as makers of authentic English gin in the city synonymous with the spirit’s development and global popularity.

What characterizes Hayman’s?

Hayman’s is characterized by their commitment to traditional two-day distillation methods, authentic period recipes, and the preservation of classic English gin styles. Their gins showcase the different expressions that have defined gin’s evolution from the 19th century to the present day.

Each Hayman’s product reflects meticulous attention to historical accuracy combined with exceptional quality, offering gin enthusiasts a genuine taste of various eras in gin’s development.

Where can I buy gin from Hayman’s?

You can find selected bottles from Hayman’s at Vault of Spirits. We carefully select the best expressions from their range, ensuring you have access to these authentic English gins that represent the true heritage of this classic spirit.

From their flagship London Dry to their historically accurate Old Tom and Royal Dock expressions, we offer the perfect gateway into the world of traditional English gin production.