Meet Ruby: The Heart of Inn and Still’s Craft Distillery

At Inn and Still, we don’t just serve exceptional spirits—we craft them right here on-site with pride and precision. Meet Ruby, our stunning copper still, a gleaming symbol of our passion for creating extraordinary Vodka, Gin, and Spiced Rum. Ruby is not just a showpiece; she’s hard at work every day, producing the high-quality spirits our pub is renowned for.

Close-up of a copper and stainless steel distillation still used for making gin, vodka, and rum at Inn & Still in Helston, Cornwall, set in a rustic room with exposed beams and a tiled floor, showcasing the traditional craftsmanship involved in spirit production.

How Ruby Works Her Magic

Distilling with Ruby is both an art and a science. Ruby operates using a traditional pot still method, a technique refined over centuries to deliver the purest and most flavourful spirits possible.

The Process: It all begins with a fermented mash of grains, fruits, or botanicals—depending on whether we’re producing vodka, gin, or rum. The mash is heated inside Ruby’s chamber, causing the alcohol to evaporate before the water. As the alcohol vapour rises, it passes through Ruby’s tall copper neck, where the copper naturally removes impurities like sulphur, leaving behind smooth, clean vapours.
The Condensation: From there, the alcohol vapour travels through a series of pipes into Ruby’s condenser, where it cools back into liquid form. The final product is a crystal-clear spirit that’s been distilled to perfection, bursting with flavour and ready to be bottled.
Gin’s Special Touch: For our gin, the magic of Ruby’s distillation process is taken a step further. As the alcohol vapour rises, it’s infused with a basket of carefully selected botanicals—think juniper, coriander, citrus peel, and more. These botanicals release their fragrant oils into the vapour, creating a perfectly balanced gin that’s aromatic and refreshing.

Ruby’s Signature Creations

Three bottles of Bal Maiden Gin, Bucca Rum, and Conger Vodka illuminated on a rustic wooden surface, with a warm, ambient light highlighting their intricate designs against a dark background.

Ruby’s craftsmanship shines through in every spirit she produces, each unique and full of character:

Vodka: Triple distilled for purity, our vodka is clean, smooth, and crisp, making it ideal for sipping straight or mixing into your favourite cocktail.
Gin: Infused with a harmonious blend of botanicals, our gin is bold yet balanced. The subtle interplay of flavours makes it a refreshing option for both gin enthusiasts and those just discovering its wonders.
Spiced Rum: Our Spiced Rum is a warm, inviting blend of spices that will transport your senses. Ruby’s distillation gives it a smooth base, while the carefully selected spices add a rich depth of flavour that’s perfect for sipping on its own or mixing into a rum cocktail.

A Distillery Experience Like No Other

While we don’t offer formal distillery tours, Inn and Still provides something even more special—an authentic distilling experience that you can see firsthand. Ruby, with her glowing copper body and intricate design, sits proudly in our pub for all to admire. You’ll feel connected to the craft as you sip on the very spirits Ruby has worked so hard to perfect.

At Inn and Still, every glass tells a story. Ruby isn’t just a piece of equipment; she’s the beating heart of our distillery, transforming raw ingredients into the smooth, flavourful spirits you enjoy. We take pride in sharing Ruby’s creations with our guests, knowing that each pour is a testament to time-honoured tradition and innovation.

Whether you’re unwinding after a long day, celebrating with friends, or simply enjoying a perfectly crafted drink, Ruby’s creations are sure to impress. Her presence adds a unique charm to Inn and Still, making each visit a little more special.