Mother's Ruin

Gin began its life as a miracle cure for all ills, but later came to be regarded as a deadly poison. Here we uncover the truths and myths behind gin’s effects on the human body. We also have an interview with Dobson and Parnell, a restaurant and gin bar hailed as one of the best in the world.

This week we re-visit the topic of gin bottles, names and labels. Why does the Gordon's bottle bear the symbol of a boar? What was so different about the Beefeater brand when it launched, and where do Roku, Rock Rose and Kouru get their names? We also interview Costswolds Gin to find out all about the origins of their whiskey-style bottle design.

This week's episode looks at gin's relationship with food. Can you cook with gin? Can gin-soaked foods get you drunk? And what is the science behind gin as an aperitif? We also talk to the team from Fezziwig's Gin Yard in Liverpool, who give us all the bartender secrets on choosing a good gin. 

In this show we complete the gin glossary from N-Z. What does ‘nose’ mean, what is ‘vacuum distillation’, and who was Zosimos of Panopolis? Find out this week. We also have an interview with the head distiller at Newcastle Gin, and in battle of the gins we pitch two old toms against each other.

Some jargon-busting in store in this episode, as we cover part one of the A-Z gin glossary. We also interview Suzy Hobbs of Mr Hobbs gin, and we have a brand new section - battle of the gins - in which Elephant gin battles it out with Durham gin.

This week we revisit the topic of gin and crime, as we head to prohibition America, and learn about bathtub gin, speakeasys, wiseguys and bootlegging. We also make Al Capone’s favourite cocktail, the Southside Gin Fizz, plus all the latest gin news.

Join us as we interview none other than Sam Galsworthy, co-founder of the great Sipsmith brand. We also explore gin's relationship with literature, and how it affected the lives of some of the greatest 20th century writers. 

More festive fun in store this week with a quick Christmas tasting, plus we show you how to make your own colour-changing gin at home. We also explore the origins of gin and booze-related words and phrases, including 'mother's ruin', 'tonic' and 'drunk as a newt'. 

Mother’s Ruin returns in time for Christmas. This week we explore gin’s relationship with religion, spirituality and the supernatural. Plus we have some incredible gin-related gift ideas, and the latest gin news.

In the final episode of this season (back soon), Mat takes the Great Big Gin Quiz, plus we visit the Poetic License distillery, taste some homemade infusions with guest Katherine Tanney and play some disastrous outtakes.