8 Interesting World Gins To Try

Although the British Isles is considered the home of gin, this article is a love letter to a unique collection of eight interesting gins from other world nations that are currently getting noticed. Let’s call it ‘Around the World in Eight Gins’!

Although some may be harder to find than others, once experienced, it won’t be hard to see why each is so highly regarded by judges and why they stand out in the global gin market because of local terroir, botanical herbs, fruit, flowers, or in recognition of their innovation and craftsmanship.

Our tour of these world gins begins in Spain, where gin drinking was first taken to legendary new heights back when gin and tonic was turned into an art form.

GIN MARE MEDITERRANEAN GIN (SPAIN)

Gin Mare is an iconic spirit brand, characterised by its savoury Mediterranean-inspired botanical profile of Spanish Arbequina olives, Greek thyme, rosemary from Turkey and Italian basil. The perfect gin to manage the emotions, this heady herbaceous gin gets you into a holiday spirit. As its aromas heighten the senses, you’re mentally transported to a place in the sun where vistas of azure blue sea brush with mother nature’s herbal bounty and coax you to taste the sunshine. As their marketing states: the Med is more than a place, it’s an attitude.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42.7%
Find here: £37.50

MONKEY 47 SCHWARZWALD DRY GIN (GERMANY)

Monkey 47 is named after its 47 botanicals (including lingonberries) many of which are sourced from Germany’s Black Forest. What’s special about this dry gin is the obsession with variety and innovation. They’ve fine-tuned a production process involving maceration, batch distillation, percolation and oxidisation. The local water used is soft and high quality and the handcrafted final product is bottled at a healthy 47% ABV. The custom-made, decanter-style bottles are dark glass to keep the exotically aromatic liquid protected from harmful ultraviolet rays. The gin is crisp, citrus-forward, reassuringly heavy and, as you’d expect, complex enough to please a true gin enthusiast’s curiosity.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 47%
Find here: £41.95

DOROTHY PARKER NEW YORK GIN (USA)

Deemed by some as the best American floral gin, Dorothy Parker Gin from the New York Distilling Company is made using a blend of traditional and contemporary botanical ingredients including juniper, elderberries, citrus, cinnamon and hibiscus petals. Although the floral notes are prominent, this is still very much a proper gin. The cinnamon spiciness develops wonderfully and is fantastic in gin cocktails.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 44%
Find here: £34.75

FOUR CORNERS AMERICAN GIN (USA)

Made ‘from America’, this all-American gin is handcrafted using ingredients crisscrossing all four corners of the United States including wild juniper from the Pacific Northwest, yerba santa from the Mojave desert to Maine cranberries and wild cherry bark from Florida. The wide variety of botanicals works in harmony to showcase the best of the nation’s regions in one glass. It’s a terroir gin that celebrates the diverse and vast, iconic landscapes of the country. This gin was created to be a true taste of America and celebrated its success when it won double gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: $43.99

AMAZZONI GIN (BRAZIL)

The gin boom in Brazil is in full swing. Made at the first dedicated gin distillery in Brazil, Amázzoni Gin includes five botanical ingredients unique only to Brazil that shine alongside more traditional gin botanicals. These include cocoa, Brazilian chestnut, maxixe (a local cucumber-like vegetable) water lily and cipò cravo, a native flower similar to clove. It’s naturally earthy, floral and has some spice. A must-try.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £37.25

GEELONG GIN (AUSTRALIA)

Adelaide-based Australian Distilling Co’s Geelong Gin out-tasted 60 gins from some of the world’s greatest gin brands this year when it won the overall Best of Class Platinum Award at the 2024 International SIP Awards. Proudly parochial, this uniquely Australian dry gin champions local ingredients to taste of the community that inspired it with overtones of raspberry sweetness to balance its peppermint gum and black pepper flavours. A story of innovation waiting to be discovered, Geelong is designed to be paired with a basil garnish in a G&T served as an aperitif.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42.7%
Find here: $83.00

ROKU GIN (JAPAN)

In Japan Roku means ‘six’ and each bottle of Suntory Roku Gin is infused with six uniquely Japanese botanicals that ripen throughout the year. Celebrating all four seasons of Japan, harvests occur at the peak of their season or “shun”. They include floral cherry blossom (sakura flowers are handpicked in Spring), and herbal Sencha and Gyokuro teas (plucked in Summer). In autumn it's time for the spicy Sansho pepper and winter is when the zingy yuzu fruit bursts into ripeness. Celebrate the bounty of nature, and careful craftsmanship and experience a year in Japan in every sip. Garnish with thin slices of ginger in a gin and tonic.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £31 (£25 Clubcard Price)

INDLOVU PINK GIN (SOUTH AFRICA)

Don’t poo poo this South African gin until you’ve tried it - it’s made using elephant-foraged botanicals, yes, ingredients eaten - then excreted - by elephants. Despite a varied diet, elephants only digest around 50% of their food which leaves a rich variety of pre-foraged plant life including roots, bark, fruit, flowers and seeds behind for reuse! To make Indlovu Pink Gin (Indlovu means elephant) the dung is collected by hand, GPS coordinates and date of collection noted, then dutifully washed, sterilised and dried for distillation with other ingredients including prickly pear. “The Bare Necessities of life will come to you” and give back as 15% of profits are donated to the Africa Foundation to support wildlife conservation. A gin that encapsulates the spirit of Africa and dares to be different is never to be forgotten. The circle of life.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: R369.00

So, the question is, how adventurous a gin lover are you? What flavours from around the world will you be adding to your home gin collection next and how much will you enjoy sipping these diverse gins that are so deserving of your attention? Happy sipping!

By Robbie Jerram

9 Amazing Wines Not Made From Grapes

The world of fruit wines has evolved significantly from those days where it was labelled as country wine and the most renowned product may have been scrumpy. But fruit wines, and here we are specifically referring to those not made from grapes which also excludes ciders, may be a quintessential summer drink that is increasing in popularity. These wines may conjure up images of fruit picking from farms or foraging within countryside and making homemade versions of wine from strawberries, brambles and other fruits that may be found in your garden. However, the market for fruit wines has become more sophisticated as consumers broaden their palates and seek locally grown produce in their efforts to increase sustainability but also to enjoy healthier but tasty options. Fruit wines will also undergo a fermentation process similar to wine, which will involve yeast, but that may be where the similarity ends as the different types of fruits will vary in their production methods.

Fruit wines are an exciting addition to the world of wines, on an international scale, and may appeal more to younger generations but also to those that might feel daunted by the plethora of choices and complexities within grape wines and the snobbery that may surround them. You can even go on a fruit wine tour across your region to explore and enjoy these creative wines without having to travel too far. Well, we don’t know about you but we can’t wait to discover more about the wide range of options for fruit wines. You certainly don’t need to stop at just a few types to sample as there are a myriad of flavours, we would certainly encourage you to traverse your region and visit local farms and open spaces to discover as many as you can. Here are a few fantastic fruit wines that we thought to highlight within our selection.

Wine That’s Fruit (WTF) Whitecurrant Wine

This limited edition whitecurrant wine will be the closest taste that you can imagine to a dry, white wine, but without the grapes! Wine That’s Fruit started in 2019, are based in Herefordshire and specialise in making their wines using fruit juices that are not concentrated. The fruits themselves are sourced locally and the company name’s acronym suggests a cheeky spirit to this family run brand! This wine is intriguing, not least as whitecurrants appear so rarely in drinks that many people might wonder what they are! Whitecurrants are part of the same family as blackcurrants but have a flavour profile resembling gooseberries or grapes.

As such, this whitecurrant wine has a tart, dry taste with a natural wine flavour profile with hints of pear on the palate. It is slightly fizzy to provide that refreshing sensation and will pair well with cheese and sardines. It is in a handy can size for a mindful drinking session. You can buy a pack of four or buy a taster pack in which you can be spoilt for choice to sample other flavours from the WTF fruit wines range!

Size: 250ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: - £19.40 for 4

Wine That’s Fruit (WTF) Strawberry Wine

This is a slightly sparkling variety in the WTF range but it is amongst the sweetest. Still, its appearance is similar to a Rosé wine from riper climates and on the nose there is that sensation of juicy, ripe strawberries. There are subtle bubbles within this strawberry wine which would be ideal as an aperitif and would therefore appeal to fans of Rosé Champagne and Kir Royale cocktails. This summery, fruit forward concoction is a crowd pleaser and will pair well with some strawberries and cream at Wimbledon! It is also vegan friendly, gluten free, with no preservatives, no sulphites and it is served in an eco friendly, recyclable can for added benefits!

Size: 250ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £19.40 for 4

Cairn O’Mohr Spring Oak Leaf Wine

This medium sweet fruit wine is likely to surprise many as it’s not made out of flower blossoms or fruits but is made from actual leaves, which will definitely be a good talking point if you bring this to a summer party! This Perthshire based winery has been crafting award winning fruit wines since 1987 and is certainly worth a visit during its tours on Wednesdays and weekends. Their ingredients are obtained locally through foraging, with the local landowner’s permission, of course! 

A winemaking process lasting 2-3 years is undertaken in the creation of these wines which involves the harvesting, fermentation and storage. The Spring Oak Leaf Wine is a delightful blend of leaves and citrus fruit juices which is dangerously quaffable and it’s unbelievable that this is not a grape wine as its flavour profile is similar to a Viognier and is a fruity refreshing taste on the palate.  This is an intriguingly tasty wine to drink by itself before or after dinner. Plus, there are no added preservatives, low level sulphites, it’s vegan friendly and gluten free to provide that healthier drinking option overall!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.3%
Find here: £9.40

Lindisfarne Ginger Wine

This caramel coloured ginger wine is made on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, which has a monastery that was founded in 643AD as an inspiration. However, another source of inspiration for this brand, whose production goes back as far as the 1950s, is also that of the Lindisfarne Gospels, which can be seen via the Medieval style font on these Lindisfarne wine bottles. All of this history, plus a Viking connection, proves to be a draw to visitors to this remote location, which is only connected to England by a causeway!

This ginger wine has received plaudits during the Winchester Drinks Festival and has been recognised as a perfect pairing with whisky for those whisky cocktails. Indeed, its ginger smell is pronounced on the nose and its sweet flavour profile suggests that it may appeal to those lovers of ginger liqueurs as there is almost a candied taste. This ginger wine would also work well as a substitute for ginger beer to make a boozier rum cocktail but could equally be drunk by itself, on the rocks, and evokes those images of cosier nights leading up to the festive season.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £9.95

Lyme Bay Winery Cherry Wine

The Lyme Bay Winery is located in Axminster in Devon and is close to Lyme Regis, which was the home of the famous palaeontologist and fossil hunter, Mary Anning. You could therefore visit on a day trip to see the sights and indulge in a wine tasting tour to sample some of their fruit wines too!

This is a sweet wine with an instantly detected authentic cherry aroma which resembles black cherries. Plus, there is a hint of almonds, in the flavour profile, with a slightly dry aftertaste which conjures up that image of a slice of Bakewell tart and indeed this would pair well with desserts! As an award winner of a gold prize in the Taste of the West in 2022, this will be a good drink to add to your digestif collection.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £10.99

Lyme Bay Elderflower Wine

Another wine that we’re highlighting from the many fruit wine flavours is its elderflower variety. This is a light, crisp, easy drinking wine that is ideal for those outdoor summer celebrations! It is an elegant off dry wine which is best served chilled for picnic season. Tangy on the palate and floral on the nose this is an ideal wine to serve whilst lounging in the garden or having flirty walks by the river or beach. You can drink this by itself or for that extra twist, this could be added to an Elderflower Spritz cocktail! This wine is made using local ingredients and on the Lyme Bay website there is even a recipe to make some homemade elderflower wine yourself!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £12.79

Cairn O’Mohr Gorse Wine

Fields of yellow gorse flowers instantly spring to mind with this wine which is made from foraged wild gorse flowers! This is a medium sweet wine which has been awarded 2 stars at the Great Taste Awards. With a golden honey colour, this wine has a slightly sweet flavour with hints of honey and depicts that summer meadow  joy. Its aftertaste is reminiscent of a light fruit brandy and this Gorse wine pairs well with peppered mackerel and as it does not oxidise as readily this can still be enjoyed within 7-10 days of opening.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.2%
Find here: £14.60

Lindisfarne Elderflower Wine

As Elderflower wines are quite popular, it is exciting to explore the range in their taste and flavour profiles. This elderflower wine from Lindisfarne is medium sweet and a golden yellow colour with higher alcohol content. It is described as an aromatic wine and is slightly sweeter on the palate and resembles mead in taste. As such, it will be ideal to drink during or after a meal as it is full bodied in nature and could also be enjoyed with tonic or lemonade or as a winter’s version as a mulled cocktail.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £9.95

Nudist Drinks Rabarba Brut Organic 2022

We are extremely delighted to include this entry within our selection as I discovered this delicious sparkling rhubarb wine whilst on holiday in Tallinn, Estonia sitting on a summer’s day at the Nudist winery. Indeed, its UK distributors Winestorrs Limited had made a similar discovery of this sparkling rhubarb wine in Tallinn and sought to bring this over to the UK market as a distributor and so we are delighted that you are also able to sample these wines easier now too! Although, you might still wish to visit Tallinn too for a spot of wine tourism at the winery as these wines are fermented and made onsite. 

Surprisingly, this is Estonia’s first organic sparkling wine and it has been rewarded for its efforts with the prize of 2019’s Best Organic Drink award from the Ministry of Rural Affairs. This organic sparkling rhubarb wine resembles Champagne but has a tart flavour profile with that fruity taste of rhubarb and it is an unfiltered wine. Its fermentation process is through cold pressed Estonian rhubarb juice and it will be just as suitable for all of your celebrations!  

This is a playful, new age alternative which even has the hashtag #fakechampagne to encourage you all to take this journey to discover Champagne alternatives and we will be there with you! There are also lower ABV and alcohol free versions of this sparkling rhubarb wine which may be available for international sales at future stages, fingers crossed!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £16

The final treat in our selection is a hybrid, as we always like to give you that bit extra! This product is a blend of fruit and wine that is revolutionising the market with its youthful, fun energy to appeal to younger generations. Let’s enter the world of the brand, Joy.

Joy Orange Spritz

Bursting on to the ready to drink cocktail scene in August 2023, the Joy brand epitomises the energetic spirit of the fruit wine market. It is a wine within the Concha y Toro portfolio, which also includes the red wine Casillero del Diablo. This Orange Spritz is the recipient of the Product of the Year award in a consumer survey of product innovation and it is easy to see why with this tasty, tangy marmalade blend with white wine, with a good price point, which will appeal to fans of Aperol Spritz as that go to summer drink.

This is a zesty, aromatised blend with bitters and a fruity profile which is best served chilled and with ice in time for Apéro hour and to imagine being on a sunny, coastal holiday.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 8%
Find here: £7

Hopefully, this selection will now entice you to explore the wider world of wines outside of grape based wines. There are many types of fruits, berries and leaves locally grown to provide that inspiration and we would love to know which new wines you have now tried within this burgeoning industry propelling fruit forward wines. You can stay local to become immersed in the innovation of emerging fruit winemakers or travel internationally to discover fruit wines within the US, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria and more countries, which sounds very exciting to us to see this wine evolution!

By Latoya Austin

5 Tasty Herbal Substitutes To Use During the Chartreuse Shortage

There's chatter all over the beverage world about a Chartreuse shortage. Chartreuse is a potent liqueur available in two iterations - Green, a strong and powerful version, and Yellow, a sweeter and lighter version - made of a secret concoction of herbs, spices, honey, and bittering elements still meticulously hand measured and produced in a Carthusian monastery in the mountains of south-eastern France.

Due to a global interest in more complicated cocktails, a rise in the popularity of herbaceous flavours, and the increased demand for many specific modern classic recipes, demand for Chartreuse has increased in recent years. But, because of its small-scale production - ironically, one of its most exciting selling points - demand has recently been exceeding supply. This has made it difficult for many bars and cocktail enthusiasts to order or stock the popular liqueur. Many sites suggest general, herbal and floral alternatives but the uniqueness of Chartreuse comes from the alpine flavours highlighted with bittersweet backing. This list will get you closer than any other list because it focuses on the herbaceous, alpine nature of the popular spirit and will get you closer to the flavours of the original for use in beloved classics or brand new mixtures. Below is just a selection of where to start when trying to find Chartreuse substitutes. 

Metté Liqueur de Bourgeons de Sapin (Tree Buds) 

Alpine flavours are rare in the UK. Though these sap and tree liqueurs are extremely popular in southern Europe, that flavour profile hasn't yet made it to the British Isles in staggering quantities. Whether it's blamed on the smaller amount of mountainous regions, unexplored flavour diversity, or simply an undereducated consumer base, there just aren't as many options for UK residents as there are in other countries around the world. Luckily, this liqueur is doing its best to offer an entry gateway into alpine flavours. It is sweet, it is greenish in the bottle, and it has beautiful notes of forest fauna and The powerful and unique Alpine flavour that makes it work in place of Chartreuse in cocktails.

Size: 350ml
ABV: 25%
Find here: £19.04

Distillerie de Grandmont Le Chemin Des Moines Liqueur

This liqueur wins the nomination for balance when it comes to replacing Chartreuse and cocktails. It won't be the most Alpine, but it also won't be the most floral. It won't be as strong as Chartreuse, but it won't be so light that it would need some support from a stronger spirit. It is strong enough to offer some backbone to the cocktail just like Chartreuse does, and also has quite a bit of honey character. It is floral, but has a bright grassy flavour that hints toward the mountainous blend used by the monks. The bitterness cuts through the sweetness more so, making it a bit less pleasant as a neat serve or on the rocks. But that's not usually how Chartreuse is enjoyed either. It brings a light root spice character which will complement any savoury elements to any modern or classic cocktail.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 55%
Find here: £44.45

Cappelletti Amaro Alta Verde

This pale green color amaro is a perfect substitute for when Chartreuse isn't available, and confusingly not mentioned on any other list of substitutes or alternatives. It's hard to imagine why this might be for many global publications. For The Three Drinkers, it is recommended with one unfortunate caveat. The liqueur is usually available all throughout the US through a magnificent importer, but seemingly only available in Europe where it is produced in Italy.  That being said, it is only a widely accessible option for some readers. Though it is so delicious, it might be worth planning an Italian holiday. The light natural colour breaks the mould for amari in the marketplace, while also making it a perfect alternative to Chartreuse in flavour and presentation of the cocktail colour. The bitterness comes from a wormwood varietal which balances out sweet and citrus flavours. It has heaps of Alpine, it is versatile and adaptive depending upon the cocktail recipe or ingredients it is paired alongside.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 24%
Find here: $29.99

Amaro Pasubio 

Another gem from the house of Cappelletti, Pasubio is a mountainous blend of fruit and herbaceous while being a controversial addition to this list only on the colour consideration of Chartreuse substitutes. Pasubio is a maceration of many plants and roots mixed with mountain blueberries. The colour, therefore, is a dark brownish purple. While this can be gorgeous and magnificent in many things, many cocktails calling for Chartreuse are banking on the bold green and yellow colours to enhance the drinker's experience. In this case, the visual experience will be slightly muddied. Another unique consideration for adding this spirit as an alternative is the strength period rolling in at 17%, it is not going to bring the spirituous nature that Chartreuse drinkers are looking for. In this case, then, it would be beneficial to fortify it with a stronger spirit as the base or simply more of the bass spirit to provide the balance of strength. Though not the easiest replacement, bold intense alpine flavours and the unique addition of the forest fruits will offer immediate solace to anyone enjoying the cocktail.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 17%
Find here: $24

Génépi des Pères Chartreux

Finally, if finding Chartreuse is proving impossible, but you want something with a similar herb blend, this is the spirit for you. It's made by the same monks in the same monastery, so it will have a very similar blend of herbs and botanicals. Though genepy liqueurs are generally softer and very much more floral, this one gets as close to the herb structure as any on the market. In order for the herbs to come through in the same way, A larger amount must be used. For longer cocktails, or bigger glasses, this could bring some of the herbs you're wanting from the mountainous region.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £33.95

The earthy, natural, vegetal, and bittersweet flavours of Chartreuse may not always be readily available to order directly from the source. Luckily, there are lots of options that can be combined to get an alpine touch or the green boozy boost that many exciting modern cocktails require. This list is by no means comprehensive, but definitely a strong start and a guide to many new fascinating flavours.

By Zach Sapato

Celebrating Aidy as the Top 100 Most Influential People in Drinks Are Revealed!

As the UK’s number one magazine for everything off-trade drinks, Drinks Retailing is always worth keeping an eye on. Their annual list of the 100 Most Influential People has returned this year, with more industry voters than ever before looking across the entire drinks industry and putting names forward.

Be it through innovation, pushing the industry forward, combating injustices, raising issues, or generally using their voice to positively shape drinks retailing communities, voters were asked to pick the people they thought deserved a spot on the list.

All of this is why we’re so delighted and proud to reveal that our very own Aidy Smith came in 5th place in this year’s list! Woohoo! As the UK’s only television presenter with Tourette Syndrome and one of the few LGBTQIA+ personalities, championing fair representation and using his influence to break down barriers is close to his heart.

Not only has he raised these issues on television, radio, and social media, but he’s also launched DRINKLUSIVE, the results of which you can find all across our website and socials. The first of its kind, it’s an inclusivity mentorship and incubator programme that gives aspiring content creators the chance to shine in the drinks space. Alongside this, he’s also been busy exploring Cognac in a new Amazon series of The Three Drinkers and regularly entertaining us on Instagram. Whether they are from LGBTQIA+, ethnic-minority or disability groups, Aidy is at the forefront of diversifying the people writing and creating in our industry, and it’s amazing to see him recognised for this work in this list.

We'd like to send big congratulations to Helena, too, who also featured in this years list! To find out more about her new and exciting adventures, head over to Flock and Hive!

The full list and magazine are well worth a look to see the exciting work going on across the whole industry. You can find Drinks Retailing here, where it’s free to sign up and read the beautifully designed magazine.

Congratulations to Aidy, Helena and everyone building a better drinks industry for all - onwards and upwards!

Five English Bacchus to Try This Spring

Image credit: Will Wong

Most wine drinkers know Sauvignon Blanc, but what about Bacchus? He was the Roman god of wine and vegetation, who showed mortals how to cultivate grapevines and make wine. Humanity then took at least three millennia to honour his immortal legacy, by naming a hybrid grape after him.

The modern Bacchus grape was born in 1933 when viticulturists Peter Morio and Bernhard Husfeld crossed the Silvaner-Riesling with Müller-Thurgau grapes at the Geilweilerhof Institute for Grape Breeding (now consolidated into the Julius Kühn-Institut, the German Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants) in The Pfalz. The hybrid infant was christened as “Geilweilerhof (Gf) 32-29-133”. However, it was not until 1972 that the German authorities approved it for general cultivation; with its divine rebirth to becoming Bacchus. 

As an early ripening grape, Bacchus does not always achieve high enough acidity to make a single varietal wine in its native Germany. It is often used for blending into Müller-Thurgau, to give the latter more flavour. 

With the cooler climate in England, Bacchus grapes are able to retain higher acidity with lower yield. These conditions result in higher quality wines in a style somewhere between premium French and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. It is no surprise that Bacchus is increasingly hailed as England’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand. It is now also the fourth most planted grape in the UK after Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, the grapes used in making traditional method sparkling wines.

How does Bacchus taste?

The Bacchus grape is often associated with key aromas of hedgerow, elderflower and pear. Some believe that the floral characters of the grape could be more akin to that of its parent, Riesling. 

In the last decade, English winemakers have been experimenting and pushing boundaries with varying styles of Bacchus such as the five examples below. They range from light, floral and zesty, to gooseberry and cut-grass flavours and then the lightly oaked-aged Kit’s Coty Bacchus from Chapel Down, the largest wine producer in England.

What Food Goes with Bacchus?

The aromatic delicate notes and high acidity pair well with Thai green curry, and Vietnamese cuisine, as long as there is no fiery chilli to overpower the wine.

A more traditional pairing would be fresh seafood, or spring vegetables such as English asparagus in season now. You could also serve Bacchus as an apéritif (still or sparkling) with accompanying canapés.

With a little bottle age, preferably under three years, it becomes more gastronomic. Try it with smoked trout, aubergine moussaka, or goat’s cheese.

We now take a tour around southeast England where these five Bacchus are produced, from Essex to Kent and Surrey…

What Bacchus Should I Try?

Tuffon Hall Single Estate Bacchus Amelie 2022, North Essex

Image credit: Will Wong

Angus and Pod Crowther have been running their hundred-year old family farm and vineyard since 2014. Indeed, this very wine is named after their first daughter. It recently won the local conservation farm prize and then the equivalent for the whole of Essex, one of England’s biggest counties. Sustainability is at the heart of their business practices. 

If you are new to Bacchus, the Tuffon Hall is an ideal introduction to a grape that is no poor cousin to Sauvignon Blanc. Cut-grass, asparagus and lemon on the nose. On the palate, there is generous lemon rind and grapefruit with crisp acidity. As the temperature of your wine rises in the glass, its flinty minerality begins to shine with a long finish so best served between 12-14ºC, and not straight out of the fridge.

It pairs well with fresh or smoked seafood. Oysters, crab, prawns, scallops and fresh salmon all work. Try spring vegetables such as English asparagus and broad beans as well as creamy goats cheese.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £15.99

New Hall Wine Estate Single Estate Bacchus 2022, Crouch Valley, Essex

Image credit: Will Wong

In 1969, the first vines were planted at New Hall Farm by Bill and Sheila Greenwood. Two years later in 1971, the first New Hall Vintage was produced from just over 30kg of fruit.  The wine was made and bottled by Mrs Greenwood in her kitchen - a total of 18 bottles.

Today, New Hall is still family-run under the stewardship of Chris Trembath, keeping it within the Greenwood family with Chris’s daughter Becki as General Manager since 2016. She is now the third generation of the family to be working at the vineyard.

Made by the same former head winemaker for the above Tuffon Hall, Steve Gillham created a very different style here. Still very pale and grassy, this Bacchus is more intense with a big personality on the first sip. The grapefruit then comes through with a flinty and steely finish. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £16.50

Yotes Court ‘On the Nod’ Bacchus 2021, Mereworth, Kent

Image credit: Will Wong

Yotes Court is much more than just a vineyard. It boasts an English Heritage Grade 1 listed property originally built for James Masters in 1656, nestled in 20 acres of gardens. It fell into disrepair over time and in 2008, the new owner Susannah Ricci poured her heart and soul into restoring the main house to its former glory, and transformed the other buildings on the Estate: The Clockhouse, Granary and Garden Cottage, which are all Grade 2* listed buildings. 

At 140m above sea level, a former apricot orchard has become one of the highest vineyard block in England. In the early years the fruit was grown exclusively for one of the UK’s leading still and sparkling wine producers, Chapel Down, with 60 acres of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes harvested annually for their Traditional Method sparkling wines. In 2018, Susannah decided to expand the area under vines and planted a further 10 acres with a view to crafting wines under the Yotes Court brand. Their wines are made in collaboration with Defined Wine Ltd outside Canterbury under the guidance of winemaker Nick Lane.

2021 was only the second Bacchus vintage for Yotes Court Vineyard, with 11,000 bottles released. This very vintage was served on board Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class in June 2023, to celebrate English Wine Week. Compared with Tuffon Hall and New Hall above, this has a much more restrained gooseberry nose and on the palate, it’s all Granny Smith apples followed by pink grapefruit once the wine has had a chance to open up in your glass. Zesty with crisp acidity. Balanced and complex. No need to shout.

So again, avoid serving straight out of the fridge. Take the chilled bottle out 20 minutes ahead and you can keep it cool later. It’s perfect with asparagus and it stood up well against mature cheddar which was a surprise. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £17

Chapel Down Kit’s Coty Bacchus, Single Vineyard, North Downs, Kent

Image credit: Will Wong

A premium flagship produce from England’s largest wine producer in both sparkling and still wines. Chapel Down is the Official Sparkling Wine of the England & Wales Cricket Board, as well as the Official English Sparkling Wine of Ascot Racecourse and the Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race. They are also Official Supplier to the London Stock Exchange.

The only lightly oaked Bacchus amongst the five, the Kit’s Coty is an understated and refined gem waiting to be discovered. The nose is subtle and restrained. It definitely is not a copycat of Sauvignon. On the palate, crisp acidity is balanced with green apples and elderflower. 

An elegant and delicate gastronomic wine that pairs well with sushi, but go easy on the wasabi in your soy sauce. Lightly dressed salad also works but avoid vinaigrette dressing or lemon juice that could overpower this wine.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £30

Litmus Orange Bacchus 2022, Dorking Surrey

Image credit: Will Wong

Probably the only English Bacchus made from six weeks of skin contact with no added sulphur during fermentation. This historic method of winemaking has become once again en vogue in recent years with the Pét-Nat and natural wine following. 

Despite it being labelled as an orange or amber wine, it is pale lemon in the glass. It has a pronounced herbaceous nose, with a grassy undertone. Bone dry on the palate, with a gripping astringency due to the tannins from prolonged skin contact, it is one of a kind. If you like dry rosé, this could make an interesting alternative.

This orange Bacchus with notes of fennel is a little reminiscent of contemporary Greek retsina. Its bold flavour is able to stand up to oily meat or fish. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £20

Why Bacchus?

England made headlines with outstanding sparkling wines that rival some of the best Champagnes. And now with the warmer climate, the quality and quantity of still wines such as Bacchus are on the rise. 

If you are a fan of the steely Pouilly-Fumé or Sancerre from the Loire in France, or the aromatic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, it is really worth trying English Bacchus that share some of the citrusy and herbaceous characteristics. It is an understated grape that awaits your discovery and appreciation; with lower carbon footprint too.

If you are based in the UK, why not visit your favourite producers this spring and summer? Many have cellar doors and tasting rooms, with open days and guided tours for you to learn more about the people and places behind their labels. Go explore!

By Will Wong

Elevating Cocktails With Tea

In the modern realm of craft cocktail bartending, bartenders are always looking for ways to impart complex flavour profiles with real depth into their signature slings. From organic produce such as fresh fruit and vegetables to specialist ingredients such as acid powders and thickening and emulsifying agents, anything that can add complexity in flavour and texture can and will be employed.

To understand how to use tea effectively, we must first understand the variations of tea. The two major categories are herbal teas made using various herbs and spices steeped in hot water and include chamomile, ginger, and peppermint teas, and tea coming from the tea plant, Camellia Sinensis, which has six further subcategories; green, white, yellow, oolong, black and dark. The difference between these six types of tea is how the raw leaves are processed post-harvest.

Tea has versatility in not only breadth but also depth. When using tea in a cocktail there are two main questions to ask yourself before starting your process - What kind of tea do I want to use? And what kind of flavours do I want to extract from the tea leaves? The answer to these questions will determine what kind of tea leaves to use and how to impart their flavours into your libation.

With this knowledge, we will explore some of the delicious brew-based cocktails created by bartenders worldwide and the various techniques they employ!

SPIRIT INFUSION

The Earl Grey Marteani was created by legendary New York City bartender Audrey Saunders for the opening menu of her bar Pegu Club. This gin-sour serve is a brilliant introduction to tea, cocktails, and both in combination, owing to its ease of replicability and the fact that it is just damn delicious.

The recipe calls for Earl Grey tea-infused gin, which may seem daunting to a beginner but requires no speciality equipment and minimal active time. Simply add ¼ cup or 8 grams of loose leaf earl grey tea to 750ml of London Dry Gin and leave to steep for at least 2 and up to 8 hours, before straining through a coffee filter and bottling.

Looking at Saunders’ choice of process is intriguing here as an infusion into the spirit allows the alcohol to leech out the flavour faster than cold brewing it before turning the cold brewed tea into a syrup, as well as allowing for a more shelf stable product than a tea syrup!

With these pros, however, always comes a con. As alcohol leeches out flavours a lot faster than water, it also pulls out the bitter tannic profile contained in all kinds of teas. To combat this, Saunders added egg white to the drink to soften the bitter, tannic finish of the drink.

While infusing the tea into spirit was ideal for Saunders’ application, infusing tea into a whole bottle of gin may not be the most ideal for home bartending use, so let’s turn our heads to the alternative of tea syrups!

SYRUP INFUSION

Image credit: 1820rooftopbar on Instagram

When infusing tea into syrup, your choice between hot or cold brewing the tea will determine the flavours you extract from the tea. A cold brewed tea will be a more delicate extraction with the predominant flavour coming from the process used to preserve the tea leaf post-harvest, whereas, a hot brew will give you a more tannic profile a lot more akin to your regular cuppa.

A great example of hot brewed tea syrup in a cocktail is the Apricot + Dragon Ball Tea from the 1820 Rooftop Bar in Edinburgh, which uses a blend of 5 different teas to mimic the flavour profile of Johnnie Walker Black Label!

We spoke with the creative lead on the project Connor Norris on his thought process for the choice of teas and method of extraction:

“The cordial made a lot of sense in this serve, and the blend of teas chosen was based on the tasting notes of Johnnie Walker Black label that were perceived by the team. Rooibos tea was the backbone of the blend, providing the malty base and bridging the gap between the flavours of tea, and single-grain whisky. Lapsang tea offered the smoke that Caol Ila brings, while Hibiscus brought the fruity notes of Cardhu and the floral profile of Glenkinchie. Earl Grey mimicked some of the tropical notes found in Clynelish, and to round it out, Breakfast Tea added the classic tannic flavours that are brought to whisky through their cask aging.”

Connor’s method of infusion was a hot brew using the sous vide, which allowed a quicker infusion for the high-volume purposes of the venue but also allowed the tannic dryness of the tea to contrast against the sweetness of the apricot jam used in the cordial.

It is an all-around delicious beverage so we suggest it as a fantastic example of what a tea cocktail can be if you get the chance to visit.

COLD DISTILLATION

This one is for my fellow cocktail bartenders who stepped into the prep space of their new venue and saw a rotary evaporator (rotovap) for the first time and wondered what exactly they had gotten themselves into - a feeling I have known all too well.

Fear not! As while a rotovap is an expensive and intricate piece of equipment, the theory behind its use is far simpler than the column and pot still distillation processes used in the making of spirits. Applying the same logic of hot versus cold brewing of tea to the vigor of your boil in your distillation chamber, you can achieve an incredible variance of end product while starting with the same raw materials. A few things to note first:

• As pressure drops, so does the boiling point of the liquid.

• As alcohol by volume increases, the boiling point of the liquid drops.

• A rotovap is by no means necessary in making great drinks, with tea or otherwise.

• For the sake of example, we will look at making a tea liqueur using distillation.

If the main goal of the extraction was to pull out the bitter tannins from the tea, then keeping the pressure relatively high and boiling aggressively at a higher temperature is the way to go. Whereas if you want to extract the flavours of the tea leaf and how it was processed, drop the pressure very low and keep the temperature low to keep the liquid on a simmer.

An old head bartender of mine once said that using a rotovap is very similar to using a barbecue - learning to read the fire and use that to your advantage is one of the keys to good barbecues. In the case of a rotovap, learning to read the boil and pressure and adjusting those to achieve the flavours that you want from them is the key to good rotovapped cocktails!

With this new-found knowledge of tea and infusion methods, you can sling yourself up a delicious tea cocktail with minimal faff for the home bartender, or go all the way to distillation for the professionals! An exciting world awaits…

By Fowwaz Ansari

5 Stunning Pink Cocktails to Make at Home

Think of pink and perhaps the girly ‘life in plastic, it’s fantastic’ fuchsia of Barbieland comes to mind. Or pretty pastel pink cardigans lovingly knitted by granny for a baby girl. Did you know, it’s only in the past 100 years that pink was first associated with femininity. Before that it was simply a colour. What changed? After the war, several companies latched onto a novel marketing idea to categorise pink for girls and blue for boys. It caught on, eventually causing human perceptions in the West to shift which still bears influence over many people’s beliefs today. 

There now exists an ‘International Day of Pink’ every 10th of April to raise awareness against bullying and discrimination in the world. To show support for diversity, we are invited to wear pink. That’s it. Perhaps you already wear pink? Good decision, because it's believed pink can psychologically uplift us and make us feel happy and bubbly. 

Our focus is, of course, on the drinks and what better occasion to bring happiness and bubbliness to your drinking in the form of pink cocktails. Don’t be misled into thinking all of them are sugary sweet. either, because the recipes below have all been chosen for their harmonious balance of sour, bitter and sweetness.

PINK PALOMA 

A TEQUILA-BASED COCKTAIL THAT’S SIMPLE TO MAKE. STRONG, FRUITY AND BITTER.

The Pink Paloma (a lengthened Margarita) is one of the most popular drinks in Mexico. Tequila, pink grapefruit and a pinch of sea salt make an irresistible creation to balance sour and sweet. This amount of freshness and tartness all in one glass will momentarily carry you off into holiday mode, even on a school night. Even if you’re not into grapefruit, I urge you to try a Pink Paloma: the sweetness of the agave offsets the bitter citrus well.

Ingredients
50ml blanco tequila
25ml grapefruit juice
12.5ml lime juice
7.5ml agave nectar/syrup
50ml soda (grapefruit or ordinary)

Method
Pour salt onto a small plate. Rub the rim of a Collins glass with lime wedge, then dip into salt, turning to coat. Shake the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice and agave syrup with ice until well chilled. Pour/strain into glass with or without ice and top with soda. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge or slice. 
For a non-alcoholic version, leave out the tequila but still include agave syrup (also known as agave nectar) which is alcohol free and will give lovely cactusy notes.

PINK VODKA LEMONADE COCKTAIL

AN EASY TO MAKE, BABY PINK DRINK THAT’S A REFRESHING BLEND OF SWEET AND TANGY.

Are you a vodka drinker looking to jazz up a regular vodka and lemonade? Try adding a splash of Malibu, cranberry juice and sparkling Sprite instead of regular lemonade. Most grown up girls have known a time in life when only cranberry juice can put things right. So if life gives you limes and you’ve got cranberry juice to hand - turn to this cocktail. The bitter tang of the pink cranberry is balanced by tropical coconut and pineapple hints in the Malibu and the fizz of added lemon and lime from the Sprite has never knowingly undersold anyone’s happiness. There’s also a zero sugar option for those watching the calories.

Ingredients
45ml vodka
15ml Coconut Flavoured Rum (like Malibu)
10ml lime juice (or 15ml tablespoon if using regular lemonade)
20ml cranberry juice
Lemonade (Sprite or Sprite Zero Sugar works great)

Method
Combine all the ingredients in a glass, add ice and give it a good stir. La voilà! Lovely without any garnish but if you’d like to infuse some earthy tones, add a sprig of thyme.
For a non-alcoholic version give Sprite, cranberry juice and lime a try. You can easily determine the vibrancy of colour yourself by adding more cranberry juice if you like. You’re the boss.

RASPBERRY GIMLET

IF HAPPINESS WAS A DRINK… THIS IS THE ONE TO SIP.

Image credit: Gin Squares

A Gimlet is a simple cocktail - two parts gin, one part lime juice. This vivid cerise riff on a Gimlet has the tart sweetness of raspberries added, muddled in to make that glorious colour. This beauty tastes as good as it looks. Barbie would definitely approve and it’s so simple, even Ken could (probably) make it.

Ingredients
50ml gin
25ml lime juice
15ml simple syrup or raspberry syrup
Raspberries to muddle
3 good raspberries for the garnish

Method
Muddle and shake with ice and double strain into a coupe or martini glass. Garnish with three fresh raspberries on a cocktail stick or skewer.
For a non-alcoholic raspberry fizz, leave gin out, muddle the fruit in lime juice and raspberry syrup, double strain and top with a splash of soda. 

LUCIEN GAUDIN COCKTAIL

A VINTAGE FRENCH RIFF ON A CARDINALE (NEGRONI WITH DRY VERMOUTH). VERMILLION IN COLOUR, ELEGANT AND SUPER TASTY.

Image credit: Julian Vallis

Can’t decide between a Martini and a Negroni? This is a Negroni inspired drink with a citric orange riff! The colour is pink and fun. Lucien Gaudin was a French champion fencer who competed in several consecutive Olympics in the 1920s. He was described as ‘poetry in motion’ for his strength and seemingly effortless control. The cocktail named in his honour dates back to 1929. It’s a strong one that amplifies the bitter orange aspect with the addition of dry vermouth and orange liqueur. The proportions below are true to the original recipe that won the Honorary Cup at the Professional Bartender’s Championship in Paris in 1929.

Ingredients
60ml Gin (Hepple is nice for it)
20ml Campari
20ml Cointreau
20ml Noilly Prat Original Dry Vermouth 

Method
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir to chill. Strain into a chilled Nick and Nora glass and garnish with an orange twist. As this is such a spirit-forward cocktail there is no non-alcoholic equivalent! Serve on-the-rocks. Use bigger ice if you are unsure if you will like the dilution.

THE WIBBLE

CREATED IN 1999 BY DICK BRADSELL, THE GODFATHER OF THE LONDON COCKTAIL REVIVAL. A MODERN BRITISH CLASSIC.

Image credit: Zach Sapato

Fellow #DRINKLUSIVE mentee Zach Sapato, US and UK National Champion Bartender, got the opportunity to make this cocktail for Bea Bradsell when she wanted to honour the anniversary of the passing of her father Dick. If you didn’t know, Dick Bradsell was the inventor of the Espresso Martini and The Bramble, two of the most popular cocktails of our time. Here’s how Zach made it:

Ingredients
25ml Sloe gin
25ml Beefeater Gin
25ml grapefruit juice
5ml lemon juice
5ml mure
5ml sugar syrup

Method
Shake ingredients with rock ice. Strain into a chilled coupette glass. Garnish with a lemon twist!

That’s five, but are you ready for a bonus cocktail? Don’t say we don’t treat you…

CHAMBORD ROYALE

ROMANTIC PINK FIZZ FOR CELEBRATIONS LIKE ENGAGEMENTS, WEDDINGS AND WETTING THE BABY’S HEAD. (IRRELEVANT OF GENDER OBVIOUSLY).

Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur is crafted with 100% natural ingredients including blackberries, raspberries and blackcurrants and infused with XO Cognac and other botanicals. It’s noted for its unique flavour, unmatched quality and distinctive orb-shaped bottle. It’s a special bottle to keep in your drinks cabinet should an occasion for celebration arise unexpectedly. To make a Chambord Royale, simply serve 120ml of Brut Champagne in a flute or coupe glass, add 15ml of Chambord. It turns your bubbly pink which can then either be garnished with a raspberry if you wish or just leave it as nature intended. 
Prosecco, ‘Nosecco’, Cava and Sparkling Wine work just as well, if you’re watching the pennies or not drinking alcohol. It’s the Chambord that makes this so special. Why? Because it turns your bubbly pink. That’s something to feel happy and bubbly about. A perfect cocktail for all who care to Think Pink, Drink Pink.

By Robbie Jerram

9 Sipworthy Flavoured Gins from the British Isles

In celebration of our rich tapestry of local botanicals and offerings, let’s discover more about the flavoured gin phenomenon, from some of the most popular gin flavours at the moment to other equally sipworthy gins being made all across the Isles.

Any gin lover wishing to liven up a G&T and bring exciting new sensations to the palate needn’t just change tonic or mixers to achieve exciting ‘liquid to lips’ moments. By selecting a new flavoured gin that tickles your taste buds you can deepen your appreciation in brand new ways. Let’s tour the gin isles and get sipping new flavours...

What is the MOST POPULAR ‘FLAVOUR’ OF GIN?

According to Google Trends, Pink Gin has been the undisputed top search term alongside ‘gin and tonic’ since 2018. Many distillers have introduced pink gins because of this popularity - and what wonderful choices we have.

So, what botanicals are used to make pink gin? Well, basically it’s anything that turns a gin-clear liquid pink! Predominant flavour profiles include strawberry, raspberry, rhubarb, cherry, pink grapefruit, rose and other florals. 

Mermaid Pink Gin - Isle of Wight Distillery 

A vibrant variation of Mermaid Gin, this delightful gin boasts a flavour profile that’s naturally sweet. It gets its rosy hue from an infusion of locally-picked IOW strawberries. There’s an intriguing juxtaposition with the botanicals already in the mix, with coastal hints of savoury rock samphire, herbaceous hops and Sicilian lemon. It pairs swimmingly well with a light tonic. Garnish with a strawberry and sprig of fresh garden mint!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £32.95

The Only Way Is Gin - Raspberry Pink Gin 

A lip-smacking infusion of raspberries grown in Essex are championed in this vibrant gin which beautifully balances with drying hints of juniper, citrus peels and a slow build of earthy, toasty spices. Less sweet than most raspberry gins, this multi-award-winning signature gin tastes of both distinct juniper and the fruit it is made from. Enjoy neat over ice, as a G&T or with lemonade.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £37.50

Aber Falls Rhubarb & Ginger Gin 

From the Aber Falls distillery comes the comforting, homely taste of a rhubarb and ginger crumble in the form of gin! Uniquely sourced and distilled in Wales, this gin brings fond memories of home-cooked Sunday dinners of yesteryear. Tastes amazing with ginger ale or a light premium tonic.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.3%
Find here: £26.00

WHAT ARE THE BEST LOCALLY-SOURCED FLAVOURed Gins from THE BRITISH ISLES?

Assay Rosehip & Crab Apple Gin 

This quintessentially English tasting gin from Sheffield Distillery gives a generous helping of rosehips and locally-grown crab apples, blended to give a taste reminiscent of locally foraged autumn hedgerows all year round. Pairs nicely with Franklin & Sons Cloudy Apple and Rhubarb Soda or a sparkling apple juice.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 45%
Find here: £37.90

Isle of Bute Heather Gin

Bring the taste of Scotland to your palate with this classic gin that uses wild heather flowers hand-picked on the Isle of Bute. This delicious small batch gin brings a fine balance of citrus and floral, bringing the brightness of pink grapefruit to complement the heather and other classic gin botanicals. Serve with a slice of pink grapefruit, tonic and ice. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £32.20

An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin

Now for something completely different as we sail across the Irish Sea away from fruity and floral influences to soft, salty sea notes to be savoured in this coastal-flavoured gin from Ireland. It’s a vibrant spirit from Sliabh Liag Distillery that captures the magic of the seas using five locally harvested varieties of seaweed, as well as six other botanicals giving it a buttery oyster smoothness. Pairs well with premium tonic or bitter lemon. 

Size: 500ml
ABV: 43.2%
Find here: £29.89

Atlantic Distillery Organic Earl Grey Gin

In celebration of Britain’s other favourite drink, from Cornwall comes this exquisite and organic Earl Grey Gin for the tea lovers. Distilled with real earl grey tea leaves, it brings gentle earthy characteristic notes of lemon citrus, bergamot and anise.  

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43.0%
Find here: £35.07

Esker Gold Premium Gin 

This Aberdeenshire gin, according to the distillers, is a unique addition to the Scottish gin market, taking sap from the silver birch trees on the Kincardine estate on Royal Deeside. What is added to turn this sap into gold? A blend of spices and honey to provide subtle sweetness. This gin makes a delicious neat spirit over ice or mixed with ginger ale. Pure alchemy and a gold medal winning formula!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 40.0%
Find here: £29.95

Pitwheel Original Spiced Gin 

This final gin from County Durham’s Pitwheel Distillery is a warming alternative for gin lovers looking for something special and different with a subtly spiced flavour. Developed to give a twist on a traditional recipe, its botanicals include pink peppercorn and green cardamom. It was a deserving winner in the Spiced Gin category at The Gin Guide Awards in 2023.  

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40.0%
Find here: £41.25

So there you have it, many wonderful flavours from every corner of the British Isles. Remember to support your local gin distillery and buy local or pick out the flavours that most pique your interest. For more gin collection building advice, go here! There’s definitely something for every gin lover right here in the United Gindom - wherever you are in the world. Happy sipping!

By Robbie Jerram