An Essex-based distiller is launching a re-brand for one of its gins which harks back to the pre-1860s era of gin palaces.

East Anglian Daily Times: Christopher, Miranda and James HaymanChristopher, Miranda and James Hayman (Image: Archant)

Hayman’s, a family gin firm based at Witham, is now run by James and Miranda Hayman, the fifth generation of the distilling dynasty, with the support of their father, Christopher.

The company, whose roots date back to 1863, says its Family Reserve Gin will replace Hayman’s 1850 across its pubs and restaurants and off-licences and retailers sales.

Although the original company was sold, the Hayman family retained part of the business and continues to distil gin.

The new limited-edition bottle will be released in batches of 5,000 bottles with each being individually numbered alongside the batch number.

Both the Family Reserve recipe and the distillation process will remain the same as Hayman’s 1850 with the gin rested in aged Scotch whisky barrels for three weeks.

The company says the drink differs from others in its range as coriander and juniper are more prominent compared to citrus.

James Hayman, managing director of Hayman Distillers, said: “We have watched with interest the increase of cask-rested gins since we introduced Hayman’s 1850 in 2011.

“However, we believe this category is now becoming more about innovation rather than history.

“Hayman’s Family Reserve very much focuses on the style of gin served in gin palaces prior to the single bottle act in 1861. We wish to remain true to this style rather than be categorised as a cask rested or barrel aged gin.

“To our family, gin is about the botanicals - not the impact of the wood. The impact of the cask is minimal. First and foremost, it is a fine gin that is versatile for classic and modern gin cocktails. That is where we see its place on the back bar.”

Hayman’s produces a range of six different styles from the gin family which follow the evolution and history of gin over the last 150 years. The complete range includes Hayman’s London Dry Gin, Hayman’s Old Tom Gin, Hayman’s Sloe Gin, Royal Dock Navy Strength, Hayman’s Family Reserve and Hayman’s Gin Liqueur.