From its early days delivering an alcoholic ginger beer door to door by horse and cart, to the present day with a worldwide reputation for creating botanically brewed beverages, we go behind the brand with Fentimans – and find a company very much holding on to heritage and values of the past
Firstly, can you tell us how it all started and how the brand has evolved since its launch?
Fentimans was created in 1905 by Thomas Fentiman, who began brewing an alcoholic ginger beer, delivering it door to door by horse and cart. Fentimans is now owned by Thomas Fentimans’ great grandson, Eldon Robson, and although the recipe for the ginger beer remains the same, the majority of our products are now non-alcoholic with a variety of flavours.
The brand has always been very traditional in its values and proud of its heritage and I don’t think this has changed much over the years. We’ve always produced a premium product that’s made in England with the finest ingredients.
What makes you so special?
What makes Fentimans unique in its quality is the time-honoured process used to make our drinks. Each drink is brewed for seven days and uses the finest botanicals to create the finest drink possible.
Ginger beer was your first brewed drink. Is this the most popular flavour?
Yes, closely followed by Rose Lemonade.
Can you describe the botanical brewing process?
Chinese ginger root is bruised, crushed and milled before being added to a copper pot where it’s gradually heated with spring water. This botanical liquid is then filtered into a wooden vat where the finest herbs, natural flavouring, sugar and brewers yeast are added and all the ingredients are stirred together. The liquid is then left to brew for seven days.
What is the Fentimans drink of summer?
We have just launched Sparkling Lime and Jasmine, which is a delicious soft drink and a great alternative to alcohol. Our Rose Lemonade and Wild English Elderfower are also popular summer drinks which can be enjoyed as a soft drink, but are also great with a dash of gin.
Image thanks to recipesandreviews.co.uk @emily_etc
Where can we find Fentimans?
Fentimans is available in supermarkets and high-end retailers, including Waitrose and Harrods — no more horse and cart deliveries!
What’s next in 2016? Do you have any events or project coming up?
In August we’ll be launching a summer pop-up in Soho, as well as hosting workshops at UK festivals. Watch this space….
For more information, visit Fentimans
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