Gin is one of the fastest growing spirits around at the moment, with more distilleries making their mark across the UK and a huge number of choices on the shelves. We know that gin drinkers love exploring new gin brands as they try new cocktails and get a taste for new flavours, so here’s a quick introduction to some of the increasingly popular labels to look out for this year.
Hendrick’s
Hendrick’s Gin is ‘super premium’, and made with a number of unusual twists to keep gin lovers guessing. Distilled in Scotland, in miniscule batches of only 500 litres at a time, Hendrick’s is made with infusions of cucumber and rose petals, with a blend of 11 botanicals. This results in a wonderfully refreshing gin with a floral aroma.
The gin is also made in a combination of a Carter-Head and copper pot still, creating a smooth finish that balances subtle flavours.
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Ableforth’s Bathtub
Bathtub is a multi-award- winning gin, and with good reason. Meticulously crafted using copper pot-still spirit and a cold compounding method, the spirit is infused with juniper, orange peel, coriander, cassia, cloves and cardamom for a bold, aromatic, juniper-rich flavour. Add to that a creamy grain flavour and you have a gin that’s ideal for a zesty orange-infused G&T or a more novel cocktail combination with other spirits such as port.
The team at Ableforth regularly sample each batch to ensure every bottle of Bathtub Gin is perfectly balanced. And of course, each one is lovingly hand-wrapped and sealed with wax to make this an excellent choice for a gift.
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Whitley Neill
You’ll find Whitley Neill Gin to be slightly softer and much smoother than traditional gins - and we think you’ll love the rich notes of juniper and citrus, pot pourri and exotic spices. The subtle ‘faded’ finish of herbs, cocoa and candied lemon peels is unique, while the nose is both citrus-sweet and peppery, with a distinctive floral aroma.
Look out for Whitley Neill’s Rhubarb and Ginger Gin too - a handcrafted gin inspired by English country gardens that offers a smooth-yet-tarty flavour and a warming ginger kick.
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Edinburgh Gin
For a small-batch distillery, Edinburgh Gin is making a big noise around the UK at the moment - having set out in 2010 to champion the modern day gin-drinking experience with ‘innovative and dynamic’ new flavours.
With two boundary-pushing Rhubarb and Ginger and Raspberry liqueurs to choose from, you can bring all sorts of cocktails to life - while the simple ‘original masterpiece’ botanical version gives you the option to ‘go classic’ with a simple tonic mixer.
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Brecon Botanicals
Introducing a fine quality distilled gin that uses botanicals from the four corners of the world, but makes its magic at Penderyn Distillery using mineral water from the Brecon Beacons National Park.
The nose on this one is rich and complex - leading with fresh juniper but treating you to a coriander, hints of citrus and oriental spices finish. Your mixer of choice will open out the citrus lemon and orange notes, with hints of cinnamon, clove and even saffron joining in to make this an exciting addition to any drinks cupboard.
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Masons Yorkshire Gin
With its traditional slow distillation method, pure Yorkshire water and just the right balance of juniper, citrus elements and secret botanical ratio (Masons even have their own juniper bushes), this brand has created a distinctly unique Gin - the first Gin distilled in Yorkshire. Distilled in copper alembic stills “Steve' & “Leftie” - in 200 litre batches - each 70cl bottle bears its own handwritten batch and bottle number.
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