Are you a wine aficionado or a gin connoisseur? It’s official there has been a resurgence in gin and it appears there is now a gin for all seasons. Knowing your cucumber from your citrus botanicals is now as important as knowing your Shiraz from your merlot.
Gin is now the drink of the day for many generations. No longer associated with the more mature drinker gin is very much on trend. So much so that it is estimated that last year gin sales topped £1bn in 2016 (source: The Guardian 2016). According to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, the number of UK gin distilleries has nearly doubled to about 200 since 2010, while the number of gin bars and dedicated events is mushrooming.
Gin has a long history in the UK dating back to the 1700’s. It became very popular during the reign of William of Orange due to the taxes levied on imported gins. Distilleries grew up all over England and particularly London. As the industry was unregulated there was no guarantee of quality. Poor quality grain that was deemed unfit for brewing beer would be used to make the spirit and the juniper would often be replace or supplemented with turpentine. Gin was blamed for many social problems and gained an unhealthy reputation. The Gin Act 1751 forced distillers to sell only to licensed retailers and brought gin shops under the jurisdiction of local magistrates. By the 18th century gin was produced in pot stills, and was somewhat sweeter than the London gin known today. Should you like to know more about the history of gin, please follow this link and read the blog on our website.
Gone are those disreputable associations and labels from history, gin is now an acquired and sophisticated taste. Gin is of course a white spirit, flavoured with juniper berries and this is what gives it its unique flavor. As all gin enthusiasts know gins are identifiable by their unique botanical profiles. Which botanicals you ask, what can and can’t be used to infuse gin? Well there is no absolute answer in this current market as the bounds of botanicals are constantly being pushed. From cucumber to varieties of peppercorn and licorice, fruit peels, herbs, flowers and berries. Gone are the days of gin and tonic with a slice of lemon, now botanicals are king.
We too have recognized the resurgence of gin which is why we offer a selection of Gin Cocktails, perfect for a gin based reception or celebration. Why not try:
Gin and ginger: gin and ginger beer, served with a sprig of mint in a long glass
Rosemary Citrus Punch: orange juice. gin, lemon Juice, rosemary sprigs
Starlight Royale: gin, lime juice and sparkling wine topped off with a splash of grenadine
Cucumber Mint Gimlet: Gin infused with cucumber, lime juice, cucumber peel, mint sprigs
People are recognizing that gin is both versatile and playful; you can experiment with it and make it your own. Your gin preferences can be as distinct as your personality; it is all down to personal taste. Why not join the current trend of making fascinating cocktails with unusual botanicals and ingredients that demonstrate the versatile nature of this new generation of gin and enter our Design a Gin Cocktail Competition
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