A Revolutionary Gin from Sir Isaac Newton's Iconic Apple Tree

A Revolutionary Gin from Sir Isaac Newton's Iconic Apple Tree

After more than 300 years, the legacy of Sir Isaac Newton’s law of gravitation continues to inspire innovation in unexpected ways. On a warm January afternoon in Cambridge, England, I journeyed through cobblestone streets and picturesque meadows to discover a spirit that encapsulates both historical significance and cutting-edge technology.

The Cambridge Distillery Experience

In the tranquil village of Grantchester, I arrived at the Cambridge Distillery, renowned for its avant-garde approach to gin-making. The distillery, founded by William and Lucy Lowe in 2012, has evolved from the UK's smallest distillery to one of the largest dedicated vacuum gin distilleries globally. Unlike traditional distilleries, Cambridge Distillery resembles a high-tech laboratory, with its beakers and flasks more akin to a chemistry lab than a conventional gin distillery.

William Lowe, a Master of Wine and a PhD student at Cambridge, has revolutionized gin-making by vacuum distilling each ingredient individually at optimal temperatures. This method, inspired by 17th-century British chemist Robert Boyle, allows for a level of precision in flavor extraction akin to that of a perfumer or master winemaker. This meticulous approach has earned him the title of "the world's first gin tailor."

The Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

Among the distillery's groundbreaking creations is the Curator’s Gin, crafted in exclusive collaboration with the Cambridge University Botanic Garden (CUBG). This gin features rare botanicals such as lemon lavender, ginger rosemary, and apples from a descendant of Sir Isaac Newton’s legendary apple tree. The result is a spirit with a complex profile of citrus, spicy, and herbaceous notes, blending seamlessly into a floral fragrance.

The apple tree used for this gin is a clone of Newton's original tree at Woolsthorpe Manor in Lincolnshire, England, where Newton famously pondered the concept of gravity. 

Although the original tree still stands and bears fruit, its younger scion in Cambridge was damaged by Storm Eunice in 2022. Despite this setback, the distillery has preserved enough apple essence to continue production until a new sapling matures.

A Global Legacy

Newton's apple tree has left a global imprint, with its descendants now found across six continents. While many outside the UK and Europe are scions of scions, the essence of Newton’s apple continues to inspire and captivate. Emma Michalak, operations manager at Woolsthorpe Manor, notes that Newton’s story has resonated with many in recent years, highlighting the enduring impact of his discoveries.

A Toast to History and Innovation

The Cambridge Distillery's Curator’s Gin represents a unique confluence of historical legacy and modern innovation. By incorporating apples from Newton’s iconic tree into their gin, the Lowes have created a spirit that not only honors a scientific pioneer but also pushes the boundaries of gin-making.

This extraordinary gin offers a taste of history with a contemporary twist, celebrating the remarkable journey of a single apple’s influence on the world of spirits.