FIRST JOURNEYS - A RACE AROUND THE WORLD 2020 - PIN 01 OF 23
HMS SPIRITS - MARY ROSE GIN, UK
AROUND THE WORLD, ONE BOTTLE AT A TIME.
PHILEAS FOGG WOULD SURELY APPROVE
Tonight I am embarking on a virtual world gin tour, with the aim of getting round the world and back in London in time for World Gin Day on the 13th.
Can I do it? Of course I can - never doubt me!
I’ll be charting my own course, and so I’m starting off with none other than a HMS Spirits Mary Rose Martini — stirred, with a side of olives.
Check back tomorrow to see where my first stop is!
Atlas Edit:
My first stop on this virtual journey was, perhaps fittingly, HMS Spirits and its Mary Rose Gin — a gin with a decidedly nautical story.
HMS Spirits was founded by Ben Maguire, whose background and love of the sea helped shape the brand. Its philosophy is summed up in the words “Chart Your Own Course”, which seems particularly appropriate for a gin that would become the starting point for my own journey around the world.
Mary Rose is the flagship gin in the HMS Spirits range and wasn't just any gin to start my journey with. It had already picked up a number of awards, including a Silver Outstanding at the IWSC, and in 2019 it was a finalist in the World's Best Martini Challenge, finishing as runner-up. As of 2026 it appears the company is no longer trading but stock is still available to purchase from selected suppliers.
"Charting your own course."
"Show me a bottle
and I'll tell you a story."