In episode 212 of The Drinking Hour podcast, David Kermode is joined by Alex Watson to chat about all things Renais Gin, the brand he founded with his actor sister, Emma. Produced using the skins of grapes, Renais is sourced from the vineyards of Chablis, where Alex and Emma’s father is a winemaker. The gin is heavily influenced by the experience of enjoying wine and the concept of terroir.
Watson and Kermode dive into the story behind the drink, addressing assumptions that it’s merely another celebrity-endorsed product and explaining how it pays homage to the Watson family’s roots. Having spent much of their childhood amongst the vines, both Alex and Emma initially learnt about wine and spirits through their father – a respected winemaker and UK ambassador for the region of Chablis.
Throughout the episode, Watson shares how he grew up experiencing the world of drinks through a winemaker’s lens, taking on positions within the hospitality industry and Diageo before Renais was eventually born.
Watson explains the distilling and production process involved to make Renais, a journey that begins in France but ends in England. From steeping the product in Kimmeridgian limestone to adding grape extract, Watson explains his choice of botanicals – inspired by the philosophy of terroir.
Discover more episodes of The Drinking Hour with David Kermode here
