Cambridge, England – In a unique blend of history and innovation, Cambridge Distillery has unveiled a gin crafted using apples from a descendent of Sir Isaac Newton’s famous apple tree, the very tree that inspired his groundbreaking theory of gravity.
The distillery, founded by William and Lucy Lowe in 2012, has gained a reputation for revolutionizing gin-making through vacuum distillation, a process that extracts the purest flavors from each ingredient at optimal temperatures. Their latest creation, Curator’s Gin, is the result of an exclusive collaboration with the Cambridge University Botanic Garden (CUBG). This extraordinary gin incorporates rare botanicals, including apples from Newton’s legendary tree, alongside lemon lavender and ginger rosemary, creating a complex, floral spirit with citrus and herbaceous notes.
The apple tree, a descendent of the one at Newton’s birthplace in Woolsthorpe Manor, where he formulated his theory of gravity in the 17th century, has become a symbol of resilience and discovery. Though the Cambridge tree was felled by Storm Eunice in 2022, enough apples were harvested to sustain the gin’s production until a new sapling reaches maturity.
The distillery’s scientific approach mirrors its historical inspiration. William Lowe, a Master of Wine and a PhD student at Cambridge, describes their process as akin to perfumery or fine wine-making, focusing on the perfect balance of temperature, timing, and pressure for each botanical.
Cambridge Distillery is no stranger to crafting unique and storied gins. Among its offerings is Anty Gin, distilled using red wood ants, and a custom gin made to capture the distinct smell of “wet dog.” Their ongoing collaboration with CUBG also includes a gin inspired by Charles Darwin’s 19th-century voyage aboard the HMS Beagle, blending botanical specimens collected during his travels with modern distillation techniques.
As Cambridge Distillery continues to explore new frontiers in gin, its tribute to Newton’s apple tree stands as a testament to the fusion of science, history, and flavor, offering gin enthusiasts a literal taste of innovation.
