Mother's Ruin

Along came the cocktail

This episode takes a look at the history of cocktails from their early beginnings to prohibition and James Bond. We also discover Osmoz grape gin via the Craft Gin Club's monthly box of delights, and we have the final of the Tin Gin World Cup. 

A look behind the labels

Join us to take a look at some of the fascinating fables behind gin bottles, gin labels and gin names. Matthew takes a quiz to test his knowledge on the subject, plus we have the semi-finals of the Tin Gin World Cup featuring Gavin Webster, and we put Ginfusions garnish packs to the test. 

Gin and crime

Gin has been linked with some of the most heinous crimes in British history. But was gin really to blame, or were there more complex factors at play? This week we also hold the quarter final of the Tin Gin World Cup alongside comedian and whiskey drinker Gavin Webster, whom we try to convert to gin while trying some ready-mixed tinned gins.

Gin, industry and Birmingham's Best-kept secrets

This week we take the podcast to Birmingham. This city holds some of the best-kept secrets in gin, from the largest still in Europe to the best gin bar in the UK, 40 St. Paul's. We meet some of the people involved, and talk about gin drinking at the peak of Britain's Industrial Revolution. 

Gin gets the blues: Gin in music

In this episode we look at the story of gin in the 20th century through the lens of music - from Jazz and blues to hip-hop...via George Formby. We also taste Unicorn Tears, Try out a juniper perfume and bring you all the latest gin news on World Gin Day.

Gin meets tonic

In this episode we bring the history of gin timeline through Britain's imperial century - where it meets tonic water, through prohibition and up to the present day. We also have guest Ben Crompton from Game of Thrones tasting a GOT themed cocktail. 

The recovery

This week we see gin move out of the gutter an into the gin palaces, as the dawning of the 19th century hails a new beginning for gin. We also make Purl, and bring you the latest gin news. 

The gin craze

In this episode we talk about the dark years of the 'Gin Craze', give you a roundup of this week's gin news and review Old Curiosity's Lavender and Echinacea gin. 

The origins of gin

For our very first episode, we look at the origins of gin, from early Middle-Eastern alchemy to the Dutch golden age. We also make and taste Dog's Nose, a forgotten (and frankly disgusting) hot gin-beer concoction that's not for the weak of stomach.