Reviews East London Liquor Company

If you hadn’t noticed, it was World Gin Day a few weeks back and the repercussions are still being felt!

I was recently a guest at a Zomato meet up for bloggers at the East London Liquor Company. It was a great opportunity to try their very own distilled gins with Fever Tree’s tonics.

The East London Liquor Company (ELLC) is in London’s hip East End and has a stunning bar with exposed brickwork and glass pieces, a copper distillery and boutique shop.

We kicked off the evening with a talk about tonic water and particularly the history.

Now, we all know that gin was big in the UK during the days of the empire but it wasn’t until the British in India discovered it went well with their medicinal quinine tonic that the humble gin and tonic was born and exported back to Britain (thank goodness!).

We then had a tour of the distillery, which sits behind glass panels and forms a highly visual back drop to the bar. We tried two gins neat and got an insight into the creative process....

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The Vibe

The fires burn and flicker in the rich dark cavern of the East London Liquor Company. The understated bar – rich in the incense of gin production – is kept in reverent semi-darkness, as we the congregation come to worship at the feet of the Gods Gin and Vodka. Monumental, iridescent copper totems: the two glowing Holstein Stills – the Ferrari of the distillery world, I’m told – take centre stage. They are the altar at which we thirsty cult members come to take our herbaceous juniper Eucharist. This is East London’s response to any accusations of style over substance. There is so much artisanal passion and craft poured into these cocktails, it had me extolling – take my life’s possessions, where do I sign?

The Order

Here the staff have such knowledge and enthusiasm that I was prepared to allow someone else to order for me – a very rare occasion. They regularly import unique alcohols or experiment with small batches from their own kitchen, so ask and you will be rewarded. This also has the fringe benefit that you avoid looking at the rather sad little jokes in the menu – when will this ghastly trend come to an end? Don’t let that put you off your drink. If in doubt try the Darjeeling Sour, which is refreshing and floral – a great starter drink, or try the unique take on the Old-Fashioned. Alternatively, ask to taste their signature vodka and gins. All are carefully constructed, delectable and potent.

The Game

This is a destination in its own right, which more than merits the journey to get there. With Victoria park on hand and the canals I see this working very well as a reward at the end of an afternoon walk or following a pub roast, to take things up a notch. Or go for an early drink and walk into Laureston Village for dinner. Either way you are getting massive points for this quality boozer.

The Faults

As cult members, the staff are at risk of letting their passion for their craft get the better of them, don’t ask too many questions and remember to keep control of your free will.

Sex Factor

4. Like all cults, passion is infectious resulting in a sex factor of HIGH.

I attended the Saturday Whisky School, and it was O for Owesome. The School gives you a tour and overview of the process, but the highlight is the chance to taste some of the ELLC range and come up with a custom blend to take home. Ryan was a superb host who knew his stuff, but also tailored the experience to the audience. From the novice who wants to get to know whisky all the way up to the whisky nut who wants to pretend to be blender for a day, this is the place to be. Highly recommend, cheers Ryan!

Visited for the Whiskey Tasting tour. Started off with an amazing old fashioned, followed by a short tour of the site (by Joe who was great), then onto the tasting which was great fun, got to try new make before it enters a barrel, and then 4 or 5 of the products the distillery produces. A nice bar and with great atmosphere too. A must for whiskey lovers in London!

Incredible cocktails from Jamie. His playlist is also amazing. This place could really benefit from some Dj decks. I recommend Jamie as the Dj. His music taste in impeccable.

I bought the Whisky Lover’s Tour and Tasting as a birthday present for my partner, and we both really enjoyed it! The room downstairs where we tasted 5 whiskies really set the scene; being dark, moody and full of casks. The host was brilliant, imparting lots of whisky knowledge whilst also giving us the space to enjoy and taste whiskies together. Overall, a really well put together experience in a gorgeous hipster distillery. I’ll be returning for sure!

Was given the whiskey tour as a gift and really enjoyed the whole experience. Great tour guide (Jess) - showed great knowledge of the process. Tasting was excellent and we both really enjoyed the varieties of whiskey on offer. Went to the restaurant afterwards, small but perfectly comfortable. Staff were very attentive, food great and this rounded off a lovely afternoon for us both. Would highly recommend to any whiskey or whisky drinker.