I have always been a lover of travel and adventure, and there’s nothing quite like the freedom of setting sail on the open seas. But now, there’s a new reason to get excited about cruising with PO Cruises’ newest ship, Iona.
Iona is set to revolutionize the cruising industry with the world’s first gin distillery at sea, and as a gin enthusiast myself, I couldn’t be more thrilled.
The custom-made copper still will produce Iona’s signature Marabelle Gin, made from 18 botanicals including sea kelp, citrus, and blackberry, all sourced from the local area. Passengers can attend gin masterclasses and even create their own unique blends, making for a truly immersive and unique experience.
And, as a result of their partnership with Salcombe Gin, Iona’s exclusive gin will also be available across the PO Cruises fleet.
This addition to Iona’s already impressive list of amenities is sure to delight gin enthusiasts and adventurous travelers alike, and I can’t wait to raise a glass to Iona’s first-at-sea gin distillery.
- Iona, PO Cruises’ new ship, will feature the world’s first gin distillery at sea.
- Passengers on-board Iona can attend gin masterclasses and even blend their own gin to create unique recipes.
- Iona’s signature gin, Marabelle Gin, will be made from 18 botanicals and inspired by local ingredients at various destinations that the ship will cruise to.
- PO Cruises partnered with Devon-based distillery, Salcombe Gin, to bring Iona gin still dreams to life and offer passengers over 300 varieties of gin at the ship’s dedicated gin bar.
Custom-Made Copper Still
I’m excited to learn that PO Cruises’ new ship Iona will feature a custom-made 450-litre copper still, allowing for the signature Marabelle Gin to be distilled, bottled, and labeled on-board the ship.
The craftsmanship and distilling techniques used to create this still are top-notch, ensuring that the gin produced is of the highest quality.
The design and construction of the copper still are also worth mentioning. It’s a beautiful piece of machinery that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
The still has been designed to fit perfectly on the ship, maximizing space while still allowing for efficient distillation.
It’s clear that PO Cruises has spared no expense in creating a gin distillery that will truly be one of the standout features of Iona.
Signature Marabelle Gin
Can’t wait to try the Marabelle Gin made from 18 botanicals, including heather, citrus, and sea kelp, on my upcoming cruise on PO Cruises’ Iona! This signature gin will be distilled, bottled, and labeled on-board the ship, and is the perfect representation of the bold and daring spirit of the ship.
Here are three things to know about the crafting process and botanical ingredients that make Marabelle Gin unique:
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Crafting the Marabelle Gin involves a custom-made 450-litre copper still, which allows the delicate balance of botanicals to shine through. The distillation process is carefully monitored to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
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The gin is made from 18 botanicals, including heather, citrus, green apple, blackberry, rose petals, mint, and sea kelp. These ingredients are sourced from around the world, and each one is carefully selected to ensure the highest quality.
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The result is a gin that is smooth, complex, and bursting with flavor. The Marabelle Gin is the perfect representation of the adventurous spirit of Iona, and I can’t wait to enjoy it while sailing the seas.
Gin Masterclasses
Excited to explore the world of gin, I plan to attend one of the two gin masterclasses during my upcoming PO Cruises’ Iona voyage.
During the class, I will have the opportunity to learn about the history of gin and taste different varieties of this popular spirit.
But the real highlight of the class will be creating my own gin. Using locally inspired ingredients, I will blend my own unique recipe and taste my own masterpiece.
I can’t wait to see what kind of flavor combinations I can come up with and to raise a glass of my own creation to the beautiful ocean views on board Iona.
Local Ingredients-Inspired Gins
During my PO Cruises’ Iona voyage, I plan to sample the limited-edition gins inspired by locally sourced ingredients at the ship’s dedicated gin bar.
The crafting process of these unique gins involves the use of ingredients that are specific to the destinations that Iona will be cruising to. The distillers at Salcombe Gin have worked tirelessly to create blends that incorporate the flavors and aromas of these ingredients, resulting in gins that are truly one-of-a-kind.
One of the locally inspired gins that I’m excited to try is the Scottish Heather Honey Gin. This gin is made using heather honey sourced from the Scottish Highlands, which gives it a sweet and floral flavor.
Another interesting gin is the Norwegian Lingonberry Gin, which features the tart and tangy flavors of lingonberries that are commonly found in Scandinavian cuisine.
The other locally inspired gins include the Caribbean Pineapple Gin and the Mediterranean Olive Gin, both of which are made using ingredients that are synonymous with their respective regions.
Overall, I’m looking forward to experiencing the unique flavors of these locally inspired gins and learning more about the crafting process behind them.
Dedicated Gin Bar
I’m really looking forward to exploring the dedicated gin bar on board PO Cruises’ Iona, where I can sip on unique and flavorful gins inspired by local ingredients and enjoy the lively atmosphere. The bar will feature over 300 varieties of gin, including Iona’s signature Marabelle Gin made from 18 botanicals such as heather, citrus, green apple, blackberry, rose petals, mint, and sea kelp. But the experience doesn’t stop there. Passengers can attend gin tasting sessions and learn about the history of gin, as well as blend their own gin to create their own unique recipes.
To give you an idea of the variety of gin-based cocktails available, here’s a table showcasing some of the options at the dedicated gin bar:
| Cocktail Name | Ingredients | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pink Grapefruit Collins | Pink grapefruit gin, fresh lime juice, soda water, sugar syrup | A refreshing citrusy drink perfect for a warm day at sea. |
| Spiced Pear Martini | Spiced pear gin, triple sec, lemon juice, simple syrup | A sweet and spicy take on the classic martini. |
| Cucumber & Mint Gimlet | Cucumber gin, lime juice, fresh mint leaves, simple syrup | A light and refreshing cocktail with a hint of mint. |
| Blackberry Bramble | Blackberry gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, crème de mure, soda water | A fruity and slightly tart cocktail perfect for a summer evening. |
| Smoky Negroni | Smoky gin, sweet vermouth, Campari | A bold and flavorful twist on the classic Negroni. |
Whether you’re a gin aficionado or just looking to try something new, the dedicated gin bar on Iona is sure to impress. With a wide range of gins and gin-based cocktails to choose from, as well as gin tasting sessions and the opportunity to blend your own gin, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Souvenir Bottles
I can’t wait to purchase a souvenir bottle of the exclusive gin made on board PO Cruises’ Iona, to bring a taste of the ship’s unique spirit and flavors back home with me.
The bottle design is just as impressive as the gin itself, with the label taking the shape of a gin pennant flag. This symbol of hospitality flown by sailors for years is a fitting representation of the warm and welcoming atmosphere on board Iona.
Passengers can choose from a range of pricing options for their souvenir bottles, depending on the size and type of gin they want to take home.
Whether you’re a gin fanatic looking for a unique addition to your collection or simply want to savor the taste of Iona’s Marabelle Gin long after your cruise has ended, the souvenir bottles are the perfect way to do so.
Partnership with Salcombe Gin
As a gin enthusiast, I’m thrilled about PO Cruises’ partnership with Salcombe Gin. The partnership brings together two beloved British brands to create a beautifully crafted and locally inspired gin.
Salcombe Gin’s brand history dates back to the 19th century. At that time, the town of Salcombe was a hub for fruit and spice imports from around the world. Now, the distillery uses a unique blend of botanicals sourced from the local area. These botanicals include citrus fruits, wildflower honey, and Macedonian juniper, to create award-winning gins.
The crafting process for Iona’s signature gin is a true testament to the skill and expertise of Salcombe Gin’s team. The custom-made 450-litre copper still allows for precise distillation of the 18 botanicals used to create Marabelle Gin. This results in a smooth and complex flavor profile.
The partnership with Salcombe Gin not only allows for the creation of a one-of-a-kind gin at sea but also supports a local British brand with a rich history and commitment to quality.
Standout Attraction on Iona
The gin distillery on board PO Cruises’ new ship is set to be a standout attraction, according to PO Cruises’ president Paul Ludlow.
The Iona Gin Distillery: The First at Sea! is tailored to the ‘bold and daring’ spirit of the ship, offering passengers a unique experience that they won’t find anywhere else.
Guests can attend masterclasses to learn about the history of gin, blend their own gin, and taste Iona’s signature Marabelle Gin made from 18 botanicals.
The ship also has a dedicated gin bar serving over 300 varieties of gin.
The addition of the gin distillery on board Iona is a game-changer in the cruise industry and sets PO Cruises apart from their competitors.
As a gin lover myself, I can’t wait to raise a glass to this standout attraction on Iona.
As for future plans, PO Cruises has already announced that the limited-edition gins will have recipes inspired by ingredients local to the various destinations that Iona will cruise to.
This means that passengers can enjoy a taste of the region they are visiting while on board the ship.
I can only imagine the endless possibilities for creative gin blends that the distillery can come up with in the future.
The Iona Gin Distillery is just the beginning, and I’m excited to see what other innovative ideas PO Cruises has in store.
How is the custom-made copper still on Iona different from other gin distilleries?
At first glance, the copper still design on Iona might seem like any other gin distillery. But the distillation process differences, including the use of 18 unique botanicals such as sea kelp, create a gin tailored to the ship’s bold and daring spirit.
Will Marabelle Gin be available for purchase outside of the ship?
Marabelle Gin, the signature gin of Iona, will be available for purchase outside of the ship. However, its availability and distribution will be limited due to its exclusivity. Pricing may vary depending on the location and retailer.
What specific ingredients are used in the local ingredients-inspired gins?
Using locally-sourced ingredients, Iona’s limited-edition gins boast unique flavor profiles inspired by the ship’s destinations. From Scottish heather to Devonshire strawberries, these gins offer a taste of the region’s best flavors.
How many different types of gin will be available at the dedicated gin bar?
The dedicated gin bar on-board Iona offers over 300 varieties of gin. Passengers can attend gin tasting sessions and purchase souvenir bottles of the ship’s exclusive gin. The bar also serves limited-edition gins inspired by local ingredients.
Are there any age restrictions for attending the gin masterclasses on board Iona?
Like a refreshing gin and tonic on a hot summer day, I was curious about attending the gin masterclasses on Iona. Age restrictions vary between classes, but they are available to all passengers over 18 years old.