Favorite Things, P

Pinkster – deliciously smooth, raspberry infused creating the soft pink hue – is the liquid brain child of a once frustrated accountant Stephen Marsh. Due to health issues, his physician strictly forbade drinking alcohol of any sort until they could ascertain what the root of his ailments were.

A once hobbyist making fruit infused concoctions from his barn in the village of Newton in Cambridgeshire, Marsh turned his attention to experimenting with gin when the doctor finally lifted the two year alcohol embargo, though with strict instruction – vodka or gin only due to the yeasts and sugars found in beer and wine.

My “Love Be Gin” began in July of 2014 when I was introduced to Pinkster at The Gog Farmshop South of Cambridge. Established in 1919, the award winning Gog sources the best quality products from around the United Kingdom.

I happened to be working in Cambridge that Summer and a dear friend invited me to The Gog for lunch as a catch up was long overdo. Knowing all of my dining particularities and my love of interesting places coupled with being near to the office, The Gog would give us adequate time for an enjoyable lunch in the country along with time for a bit of exploration. We set out early as the Café did not take reservations and was a popular lunch destination.

We parked in a gravel lot and walked to the Café. I noticed upon entry that this was a restaurant that did not have table service, I started to wonder. As we moved closer to the ordering counter I realized the vast assortment of freshly baked scones, cakes, baguettes, and scotch eggs that were on display behind the glass on the shelves below. I was then handed a menu where the offerings from the kitchen included soups, salads, sandwiches and more prepared with fresh ingredients of the season and local to the area.

After lunch, we strolled the grounds and to my surprise learned of the cornucopia of epicurean offerings that were available. There was something of interest for absolutely everyone –  the chef,  the entertainer, the family, the foodie, the music lover, the weekday worker looking for lunch, the weekend cyclist peddling through the countryside, the dog lover searching for a peaceful spot to have a bite to eat with their canine companion, and the wine and spirit enthusiast. Surprisingly more than just food was a part of The Gog’s portfolio. Additional accoutrements included relevant gifts and gadgets, food classes and events, live music, and even the cult classic Big Green Egg, the versatile cooking device that is more than just a BBQ.

It was in the Deli building that fateful day that I found Pinkster on display. My curiosity moved me to pick up and admire this intriguing treasure. I stood in wonderment as my finger traced the smooth edges of the sleek, glass vessel. The combination of the pink liquid, the modern packaging, and the minimalist labeling was beautiful.

The girl behind the cheese counter happened to witness my private interlude and quickly shared that Pinkster was a gin locally produced just an approximate five miles away. As I learned more, I realized what a perfect gift this would be, something unknown and unavailable in California or the United States for that matter.

It was not until the next Summer almost one year after my initial  encounter that I would learn the Pinkster story. Several months prior to my departure to Cambridge, I phoned Stephen Marsh. I explained to him that I was his biggest fan in the United States and shared my desire to arrange for a tour and a tasting for a small group of friends. The rest is history.

Two taxis transported our group of seven to the small village approximately seven miles southwest of Cambridge. After winding through narrow, unmarked streets and getting lost a couple times, we finally arrived at the Pinkster headquarters and were warmly welcomed by Stephen.

Our time was spent in the very barn were Pinkster was conceived. History was shared, questions were asked, cocktails of various sorts were demonstrated, poured, and enjoyed while playful discussions went late into the evening.

Pinkster fun facts include:

• Pinkster packaging is manufactured in France! Yes, the sleek, heavy, modern bottles housing this “liquid rose gold” comes from my favorite country. Pinkster is available in three convenient sizes- 5cl, 35 cl, and 70 cl.
• Pinkster to Go, 3L on Tap! Perfect for picnics, tailgates, boating, and more. I find it economical and very beneficial for replenishing the beautiful French glass bottles  – bouteille en verre – that I admire so.
•  Soft pink hue was an unexpected effect or gift in my opinion,  resulting from the maceration of real raspberries that are a part of Marsh’s secret spirit recipe.
• Recycled raspberries from the maceration provided a basis for unique new products –  Boozy Berries, Gin Jam, and Pinkster Royale. By products of Pinkster production are re-used to produce other wonderful things.
•  Spanking the mint – a commonly used phrase that means gently hitting the leaf of the mint in the palm of your hand which causes a warming effect and extracts the oil that enhances the aromatics and intensifies the taste.
• Quality mixers – Hello Fever Tree, so nice to meet you! Headquartered in London, the award winning beverage company was founded on the basis of making premium mixers utilizing resources from around the world and filling a neglected sector of the beverage industry.

Cocktail concoctions are endless, special recipes abound including those for any holiday. Try the ones referenced in this piece honoring Valentine’s Day.

Since Pinkster’s humble beginnings and certainly my visit to the Pinkster headquarters in Newton, Pinkster has become a known favorite across the United Kingdom. Many are Drinking Pink and many are selling it as well. Retailers such as Majestic Wine and Harvey Nichols, combined with the mushrooming list of pop-up shops, farm shops like The Gog, restaurants, pubs, and bars are spreading the soft pink glow which continues to aid Pinkster’s marketshare to grow. Hopefully one day soon, that marketshare will spill across the pond and land on the shores of the United States so that the many of you that have not yet been introduced will have the pleasure to experience this lovely liquid libation.

What a most wonderful find, not only the drink, not only the pink, but the pleasure to know and learn from this gracious man-kind. He opened his barn, he allowed us in, sharing his story with a new found friend.

I think of his journey often and how circumstances changed the course of his life, his passion became his profession with the encouragement of family, friends, and wife. His story, as is he are very much inspirations for me.

In my recent post To the Sea You & Me – Bilbao…Wow, Wow, I mention that discoveries are inevitable in any new city…and talking to people are all part of the adventure. I must also add that if you are interested in something or someone, it costs nothing to seek, reach out, and ask. This is exactly what I did in 2015 when I rang up Stephen Marsh.

Once again, I was not disappointed as this was another amazing adventure resulting in a once in a lifetime experience not only introducing me to a new very favorite thing but also to a new very inspiring individual whom I am still in touch with today. In honor of Pinkster and it’s creator Stephen Marsh a poem by your very loyal #1 fan!

Who would think that drinking Pink would be my way today
Let the love begin
Let the love be gin
Celebrate with Pinkster in every way
Each and every single day

Spank the mint
Enjoy the lovely pink tint
It’s smooth drunk neat
It won’t knock you off your feet

  Deliciously dry
Made from barley not rye
It’s a Raspberry thing
that Pinkster brings

It’s now the time
Let go of the beer
Let go of the wine
‘Cause very quickly you will find
That Pinkster truly is just divine

                                                       Let the love begin

                                                        Let the love be gin
Celebrate with Pinkster in every way
Each and every single day

Let The Love be Gin, Happy Valentine’s Day!

Asante!

Featured photograph above was taken in London, England –  August 2, 2014 by xo Sandrella.