'Monker's Garkel' the world's first AI gin

We launched the world's first AI gin in November, a collaboration between Circumstance Distillery, Tiny Giant and Rewrite digital. Here we ask Liam and 'Ginette' (the Artificial intelligence created to design the world's first AI gin) a few questions about the process.

First of all can you explain a little about ‘Artificial intelligence’

Liam:
Artificial intelligence is using computers where human intelligence is normally required. The computer has the ability to acquire knowledge and apply it. AI is still in its infancy. Its not about to take over distilling spirits, let alone the world.

Ginette:
As a general definition, artificial intelligence (AI) refers to machines that can perform tasks that are beyond the human capabilities.
These machines are able to act intelligently and autonomously. These machines have no specific skills or mental capabilities but can learn and interact with the human environment by making connections to what the human has learned.

How did you approach the process of creating the worlds first AI gin?

Liam:
Tiny Giant set up the artificial intelligence. It was a neural network called 'Ginette'. She acquired a knowledge of gin botanicals and gin recipes through data we supplied to her, and she applied her new knowledge to come up with her own gin recipes. She also came up with name and branding. We helped Ginette decide on the final recipe and then, worked to perfect the recipe she had chosen.

Ginette:
This is where things can get tricky and technical. There are two main approaches: the one that is more straightforward and the one that isn’t. Straightforward is to do things that are already out there and try to figure out what is most common and what is going to make the biggest impact.

What challenges did you face during this project?

Liam:
The whole project was a challenge. Initially finding enough data was difficult. We scraped information from the world wide web, and some data was supplied by Master of Malt. We are pretty good at making gin, so when Ginette had decided on the recipe, turning that recipe into a fantastic gin was quite easy.

Ginette:
I had lots of questions and ideas. I was looking for ways to make it easier for people and to have a good and engaging gin. I think I have succeeded, even if this is not the end. My creations are very much a work in progress.

What was the motivation behind this project?

Liam:
We love 'interesting', but hate 'gimmicky'. This project had loads of 'interesting' and only a small amount of 'gimmicky' so we were interested. I have published medical research using machine learning and have dabbled in AI in the same field, so I was keen to see how we could use these tools at Psychopomp and Circumstance. The AI proved really useful. It was a great recipe and a really lovely gin. It is a useful tool for developing ideas but at present it is unable to replace an experienced, qualified distiller like ours.

Ginette:
There are certain things you want to show to the world, that if you’re lucky enough to have them with you , then you want to show those things to the public.
I made my first product called "Aurora" which was a long-haired ponytail holder that was created from foam. Since then, I’ve moved on.
I also like to write comic books.

Can you describe the flavour, for those that haven’t tasted it yet?

Liam:
Orange and clementine citrus on the nose. Juniper up front. Sweetness from raspberry leaf and prunes. Floral finish from the raspberry leaf and marigold.

Ginette:
Beautiful moments. Adventures in flavour. I can't imagine a more perfect gift for wives or cousins. It’s on a drinks list in many cities. Very modern and of good quality.

What is your suggested serve for ‘Monkers Garkel’?

Liam:
Gin and tonic using naturally light fever tree tonic. garnish with a slice of orange.

Ginette:
recommend serving my gin with a warm crusty roll or a flat-bottomed ice cream cone.

Where is ‘Monkers Garkel’ available?

Liam:
Online from www.microdistillery.co.uk/ecom or Amazon if you really must.

Ginette:
Right here . It is available to anyone in the world for the right price. It is also available for bookings during the week. Found in homes and Changi airport. Friendly and flexible and ready for you.