Ullswater Steamers’ popular gin cruises – complete with live music – are taking place throughout June and July.
The gin tasting events, which are held in partnership with Pooley Bridge-based Chesnut House, take place as part of a two hour cruise on Ullswater.
Darren Todd, of Chestnut House, said: “They are pretty popular, but none of them are sold out yet.”
Last year, two-thirds of those who went on the gin cruises were from Cumbria, with visitors and holiday-makers filling the remainder of the places.
Guests also get to try three gins from a Cumbrian distillery and one from Chestnut House – making four gin and tonics in total – alongside musical entertainment from Fiona Hanlon, of Fiona Music in the Lakes.
And if a particular gin has taken a customer’s fancy, full bottles are available for sale on the boat.
The capacity on the steamer is normally 110, but that is lowered to 60 for the gin tasting evenings, just in case it rains.
Darren said it was quite nice the way the boat was set up as it creates four areas.
“People who want to dance and have a big party stay up on the top bit, but the music goes around the boat, so you can just sit at the front and have a chat with your friends and have a few gins if you want,” said Darren.
Darren, who hosts the evening, gives a small talk on the history of gin and its enduring popularity.
He said that it is gin’s flexibility of flavours and its refreshingness with tonic which makes it such an appealing drink.
“People get to taste gins which they will not have tasted ever before,” said Darren.
Last Friday, a group got to taste gins which included mango and passion fruit, strawberries and cream and a Mediterranean variety with citrus flavours. “Gin is having its day at the moment definitely, “ said Darren,
Chestnut House, which has been in existence for seven years and is managed by Darren, is “the best shop in Cumbria” according to Trip Advisor, with Grasmere Gingerbread in the number two spot.
“We have nearly 500 gins now, along with rums, vodka and craft ale,” said Darren.
Cruises are taking place on June 9, 16, 23 and 30 June, plus July 7, 14 and 21. They run from 7pm to 9pm and depart and return to the pier at Pooley Bridge.
In addition, to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III, each passenger will receive a coronation year souvenir boarding pass with a special offer to visit on another day in the 2023 season.
There is also talk of having cocktail cruises next year.
