Takamaka: The Seychelles rum turns 20
Shay Waterworth talks to brothers Bernard and Richard d’Offay about their Takamaka rum brand as it hits the ripe age of 20.
Ardgowan Distillery announces construction of new distillery following £8.4 million investment
Ardgowan Distillery has announced a new one million litre single malt distillery and visitor centre, built on the Ardgowan Estate in Inverclyde, Scotland.
When Stephen Davies arrived at Penderyn in 2004, the Welsh whisky industry had lain dormant for almost a century. Nowadays it’s an established category with a growing reputation for quality.
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
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Thomas HenryThomas Henry |
The Berlin mixer experts of Thomas Henry are always on the lookout for new flavours to inspire bartenders and bar lovers around the globe and catch up on trends within the industry.
Elixir Distillers has appointed Georgie Crawford as distillery manager for the brand’s forthcoming Islay distillery, following planning approval for the project at the end of 2020.
Single Malts of Scotland launches new 11-year-olds
Independent whisky bottlers Single Malts of Scotland has added new 11-year-old whiskies as part of its Reserve Casks range.
Beam Suntory invests £6m in Glen Garioch distillery
Beam Suntory has announced a £6m investment in the Glen Garioch distillery in Oldmeldrum, which will see the reintroduction of floor matings and installation of direct-fired heating.
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
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UK’s number one premium gin brand moves production of its London Dry Gin to award winning City of London distillery
London's Bimber confirms plans for Scotch distillery
The team behind London’s Bimber Distillery has confirmed plans to open a new Scottish whisky distillery in Dunphail, south of Forres.
Diageo completes Chase Distillery deal
Diageo has completed the acquisition of Herefordshire-based craft spirits firm Chase Distillery for an undisclosed fee.
Elixir Distillers granted planning to build 11th Islay distillery
Elixir Distillers has been granted permission to build a new distillery in Islay with construction set to begin this year.
Ardbeg releases bottling to commemorate the retirement of distillery manager Mickey Heads
Ardbeg has released a limited-edition bottling, Arrrrrrrdbeg, to celebrate distillery manager, Mickey Heads’ 13 years at the head of the distillery.
London's first absinthe distillery unveiled
Cocktail bar owners Allison Crawbuck and Rhys Everett have launched London’s first absinthe distillery in the heart of the East End.
Marussia Beverages launches Hatozaki Japanese whisky
Marussia Beverages has bolstered its spirits portfolio by taking on two Japanese whiskies from Hatozaki.
German rye producer Stork Club targets export markets
Germany’s first rye whiskey distillery has teamed up with export agency Proof Strength in a bid to boost its presence in various markets around the world.
Glenturret relaunches with new core whisky range
The Glenturret has unveiled a new core range as it plans to launch in the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and New Zealand next month.
Templeton Rye ramps up focus on innovation
Templeton Rye has released a limited-edition Caribbean Rum Cask Finish expression into the domestic and export markets.
Halewood opens distillery in St. Petersburg
Halewood has opened a £5 million distillery in St. Petersburg in order to boost production of its J.J. Whitley vodka.
Ardbeg announces new distillery manager
Ardbeg has announced that Colin Gordon will take over as distillery manager after incumbent Mickey Heads retires in October.
Pernod Ricard reopens Beefeater and Plymouth Gin distilleries
Pernod Ricard will reopen its Beefeater and Plymouth Gin distilleries to the public for tours this week.
Chase Distillery launches gin seltzer range
Chase Distillery has launched a range of gin seltzers in a bid to appeal to health-conscious millennial consumers.
Marussia Beverages completes Itkulsky Distillery purchase
Dutch group Marussia Beverages has purchased a controlling stake in Siberian vodka producer Itkulsky Distillery.
Tuesday 1st March | The Hospital Club, London
Agenda
|
Time |
Activity |
| 9.30am | Think Gin Opens |
| 9.45am -11.00am | Maximising Returns from Your Gin Portfolio - Debate |
| 11.45am- 12.15pm | The Gin Tasting Wheel - Masterclass |
| 12.45pm - 1.30pm | Awards Presentation |
| 1.30pm - 2.15pm | Lunch |
| 2.30pm - 3.45pm | What Do Bartenders Want from Gin - Debate |
| 4.00pm - 4.30pm | International Gins - Masterclass |
| 4.30pm - 5.00pm | Break |
| 5.00pm - 5.45pm | Tonic and Serve - Masterclass |
| 6.00pm | Think Gin Closes |
Winners of the 2016 Think Gin Awards
Best Gin Retailer (Multiple Sites)
Winner: Waitrose
Sponsored by Edinburgh Gin
Best Gin Retailer (Independent)
Winner: Gerry’s Wines & Spirits
Sponsored by Adnams
Best Gin Bar (Multiple Sites)
Winner: Hogarths
Sponsored by Warner Edwards
Best Gin Bar (Independent)
Winner: Merchant House
Sponsored by Amathus Drinks
Best Gin Wholesaler
Winner: Enotria&Coe
Sponsored by Marussia Beverages UK
Gin Communicator
Winner: David T Smith
Sponsored by Fever-Tree
2016 Sponsors:
10 Degrees C
10 Degrees C specialises in brands of the highest quality and with real provenance. The portfolio includes Gins from the UK, and Belgium, as well as a unique and exciting Tonic Water, and Botanicals specifically designed for the serious Gin drinker.
Adnams
Adnams plc, a respected brewer, distiller and retailer, is an independent values-based family business committed to a sustainable future. It has been brewing from its base at Southwold on the Suffolk coast for over 100 years and produces a range of cask and bottled beers and award-winning spirits, which are available in pubs and supermarkets nationwide. The company has an estate of 50 pubs, 3 hotels and self-catering accommodation and a chain of 12 successful retail stores. For further information about Adnams visit: www.adnams.co.uk
About our Distillery: Innovative as ever, Adnams is the first brewer in England to add a distillery to its brewery. Established in 2010, the distillery has been uniquely designed to create a “Grain to Glass” spirit using locally grown malted barley, wheat and oats. The “distillery wash” which forms the base for our spirits, actually starts life as our 7% abv, un-hopped beer, produced using Adnams own 70-year old yeast strain. This is then distilled in small batches in our hand-made copper stills and rectifying columns to produce hand-crafted spirits with exceptional quality.
Amathus
Established in 1978, the Amathus Drinks Group is a privately owned, London based national drinks distributor, importer and specialist retailer. We are proud to be the drinks supplier of choice for many prestigious on-trade clients such as Michelin starred restaurants, 5 star hotels, country gastropubs, clubs and trendy city bars. We are also increasingly supplying more specialist retail outlets with our premium agency spirits and growing wine collection.
In addition to our online shop, we also have four retail stores located in the vibrant and trendy areas around London, offering you access to exclusive events, masterclasses, click and collect service and free local delivery to enjoy as part of your shopping experience.
With our product lines in excess of 3000, we are able to supply a wide range of well-known brands. However, our real point of differentiation from other drinks’ distributors are our exclusive agency brands which range from premium spirits such as Calle 23 tequila to Ron Barcelo Rum and boutique wine producers such as Idiom and Elk Cove. We continually expand our exciting and unique portfolio and services, to provide a complete drinks solution nationwide.
BCN
The distillery 'Aguavida Llops', located in the Priorat, is one of the few craft distilleries of Catalonia and stands for supporting innovation without fear to recover a lost tradition, being recognized for its expertise in the distillation of wine lees from the wines of ‘El Priorat’, and its selected native varieties Garnatxa and Carinyena.
'Aguavida Llops' presents a new style of gin with personality: BCN Prior Barcelona Dry GIN. Distilled in El Priorat, savoured in Barcelona. An evocation of the modernist spirit and a style that is only possible to live in Barcelona, the capital of G&T’s.
Berlin Dry Gin
Since 2009, native born Berliner Vincent Honrodt has been carrying forth his family´s heritage in the spirits industry, dating back to the early 20th century. In the 1920’s, Honrodt‘s great-grandfather was the director of a sugar factory, where he enthusiastically began distilling fine spirits from local grains and sugar cane. His creations are still kept alive to this day and continue to carry on their excellence through the Berliner Brandstifter spirits.
Berliner Brandstifter is committed to the development and production of exceptionally fine distillates, which embody the spirit of Berlin. All ingredients for both - the Berliner Brandstifter Kornbrand and the Berlin Dry Gin - come either directly from Berlin or from surrounding areas. The spirits undergo a 7fold filtration and are bottled, labeled and numbered by hand.
Blackdown Artisan Spirits
Blackdown Distillery is an innovative award-wining producer of finely crafted spirits; creators of unique drinks striving for quality, refinement and provenance. Established in 2012, Blackdown Distillery is nestled in the foothills of Blackdown Hill, South Down National Park, West Sussex.
A luxurious collection of distinctive spirits are handcrafted in small batches in the oldest distillery in Sussex, can only be described as poetic, set amid a sprawling ancient woodland near where Lord Alfred Tennyson once lived; writer of such epic works as Charge of the Light Brigade.
The surrounding 40 acres of ancient woodland bursting with Silver Birch trees are the inspiration for the first ever Sussex Dry Gin, Silver Birch Vermouth and Silver Birch Vodka. Also included within the portfolio are, Liqueurs, Meads, Botanical Wines and Regency Bitters.
We pride ourselves on using only natural botanicals, focusing on quality and provenance. They are proud to use only British suppliers for all its ingredients and packaging, ensuring that these products are truly British.
With over 50 years combined experience, Blackdown also provides counstulatancy, brand devolpement works as a nursery for start up brands.
“Distilled from the heart and are handcrafted in small batches”
bottlegreen
bottlegreen Mixer Collection Lets the Gin Sing!
From the heart of the Cotswolds, bottlegreen has been proudly making refreshing soft drinks for more than 26 years. Using crafted wine-making techniques, bottlegreen mixers have been developed with one pure objective: to let the gin ‘sing’.
Each of the four bottlegreen mixers is blended to enhance and enrich rather than overpower the qualities of high-end spirits. By working in harmony with the flavour of the gin, they allow the gin to be enjoyed as created by the master distiller, and offer gin & tonic drinkers the perfect accompaniment to their favourite premium gin.
bottlegreen’s resident wine-maker has developed three layers of flavour for each mixer that are specifically designed to work on different parts of the palate, whilst complementing the vast array of botanicals present in high quality gins.
All bottlegreen mixers have high carbonation levels which deliver a long lasting refreshing drink, and only natural ingredients are used - they contain no artificial colours, preservatives, flavours and sweeteners.
Brockmans Gin
Brockmans Gin – ‘like no other’
Brockmans Gin, the ‘gin like no other’, brims with berries and botanicals so is perfect for cocktails as well as a classic G&T or Martini and delicious served neat on the rocks.
Brockmans is a 40% A.B.V. super-premium gin, distilled using quality botanicals. The over-riding flavour profile that make Brockmans so unique is derived from an intriguing and unique bond of flavours created from ingredients drawn from across Europe
The top note of Bulgarian coriander has an aromatic, gingery orange flavour, which marries beautifully with the softer, more rounded harmonies of blueberries and blackberries and the bottom note created by Juniper berries from Tuscany. This inspired combination, together with the dry, bitter-sweet peel of Valencian oranges, elongates the deeper tones and serve to give Brockmans an intensely smooth, distinctive and elegant taste.
Caorunn Gin (Balmenach Distillery)
Caorunn Gin is expertly handcrafted in small batches of 1,000 litres a time by Gin Master Simon Buley at Balmenach Distillery, a working malt whisky distillery in the Speyside region of the Scottish Highlands.
Harnessing Scotland’s unique natural resources, Caorunn is infused to perfection in our unique Copper Berry Chamber, using the highest quality triple-distilled pure grain spirit, crystal clear Scottish water, six traditional (Juniper, Orange and Lemon peel, Angelica root, Coriander, Cassia bark) and five, wild, handpicked botanicals from the surrounding hills (Rowan Berries, Coul Blush Apple, Heather, Dandelion, Bog Myrtle).
Caorunn is an aromatic taste adventure with a long dry finish, its delicate fruit, floral notes evoke the charm of the Scottish Highlands, and its cocktails engage the most discerning palate with nuanced, sophisticated notes.
Caorunn G&T is uniquely served with a freshly cut red apple to enhance its invigorating, dry and crisp taste. 41.8% ABV
Colombo
Colombo Gin is a definitive London Dry Gin with an unusual list of ingredients. The Juniper is distinctive in taste and aroma; surrounded by a beautiful medley of subtle spice notes that, together, create an unexpected harmony. Our Gin is handcrafted in small batches from copper pot stills to create a distinctively exceptional .distilled London Dry Gin.
Dà Mhìle
Dà Mhìle, - famed for the first organic whisky of the modern world - have been making organic artisan spirits in their converted cow shed on the family farm in west Wales. Since 1992 the aim has been to create an ultra-premium product with minimal impact on the environment.
Edinburgh Gin
Distilled in the beating heart of Scotland’s magical capital and recalling a bygone era when Edinburgh was awash with distilling wizardry and classic cocktails like the Fizz and the Daisy were all the rage, Edinburgh Gin is a gin quite unlike any other.
Made the time-honoured way, but in a near legendary 200 year old copper pot still named Flora, alongside column still Caledonia, our master distiller expertly marries the finest Scotch grain spirit with fantastically fresh juniper, coriander, citrus peel and orris root.
And the wonderment that distinguishes our libation from any others? Inspired by both Scotland’s majestic capital and the breathtaking, unspoilt countryside beyond, we add soft Scottish botanicals, including milk thistle, native Scots pine and the heather that carpets our hillsides in purple. The Edinburgh Gin range also includes the Raspberry, Elderflower and Rhubarb & Ginger liqueurs, all packed full of the finest natural flavours and perfect in cocktails.
www.edinburghgindistillery.co.uk
Fentimans
Fentimans have been making natural botanical beverages for over 100 years. To make our drinks, we pair selected botanicals with the finest natural ingredients. Our drinks are then brewed with passion and care for seven days, using the time honoured botanical brewing process. The results are drinks that taste simply delicious.
Fever-Tree
Since launching in 2005, Fever-Tree has pioneered a whole new category of premium mixers. Their multi-award winning range of tonics is endorsed around the world by bartenders, chefs and gastronomes alike. Proudly served in 7 of the World’s top ten restaurants, Fever-Tree was recently voted the No.1 Selling and No.1 Trending tonic water brand by The World’s 50 Best Bars Annual Report – commanding its category for the second year running. Fever-Tree's emphasis on taste and quality remains unparalled - they continue to innovate the category, using only the highest quality natural ingredients from small specialist producers to create tonics that complement the finest gins. After all, if 3/4 of your G&T is tonic, mix with the best.
Gin Bolskan
From The Pyrennes´ foothills has born this small batch distilled gin which name is given by the Celtiberian origin of the city of Huesca. Bolskan is a triple distilled gin from eleven botanicals, the most distinctive being juniper, basil and peach, very traditional crops of our Region. The result is a fresh and elegant gin.
Locksley Distilling Co.
Locksley Distilling Co. Ltd. are developers, distillers, and purveyors of fine artisan spirits. Yorkshire at heart with New York soul!
The vision for our first gin, Sir Robin of Locksley, was to create a multi-purpose sipping gin, not as dry as a London Dry, nor as sweet as an Old Tom. We wanted to produce a gin with a clean, rounded mouthfeel, something that could be enjoyed on its own, or as part of a great cocktail.
Named in honour of our local legend, Sir Robin of Locksley® Distilled Artisan Gin is gin has up front juniper with more delicate flavours of elderflower, pink grapefruit, and dandelion. It is a gratifyingly balanced yet unique gin. Whilst it may not be everyone’s cup of tea to drink straight gin, with our focus on versatility and sipability we feel that Sir Robin goes that extra yard, offering something truly #leGINdary.
Martin Miller's
Martin Miller’s Gin was developed by friends Martin Miller, David Bromige and Andreas Versteegh who sought a superb, high quality gin that was nowhere to be found in the market prior to 1999. Once launched, it became the pioneer of “new wave” and “super premium” gin, setting off the gin renaissance that rejuvenated the moribund spirit and catapulted it into the spotlight it enjoys today. Martin Miller’s Gin features a classic flavour profile with perfectly balanced notes of citrus and juniper and is the only gin blended using pure, live Icelandic Spring water. The brand has received more top prizes and awards than any other gin in the world1 and is the most expensive gin to produce -- offering consumers the greatest overall value of any premium gin. With a global presence in more than 55 countries across all continents, Martin Miller’s is the biggest independent gin brand in the world.
Marussia
‘Marussia Beverages is a producer and distributor of fine wines and spirits. Trading through its own distribution network in four countries including Russia. UK, France, Georgia, and through a network of well established distribution channels in more than 20 other countries worldwide.
Marussia Beverages UK Ltd is the number one importer of very special spirits in the UK and part of Marussia Beverages BV. Previously known as Eaux de Vie, Marussia Beverages UK Ltd now imports the largest range of premium spirits into the United Kingdom.’
Mason's Gin
Setup by husband and wife team, Karl and Cathy Mason, with the aim of creating a gin that they would want and choose to drink.
The mission was simple. They wanted to do away with boring generic gins and instead come up with something that was truly exciting, worthy of their hard work and of their home turf in God's own country.
3 and a half years later Masons is growing faster than ever with the introduction on its 2nd birthday of Masons Yorkshire Vodka, Masons Yorkshire Gin – Lavender Edition, Masons Yorkshire Gin – Tea edition (using Yorkshire Tea).
Maverick
“Maverick Drinks returns to Think Gin for the second year to showcase some of their favourite gins from their remarkable and award-winning range of craft spirits that have soared in popularity over the past year. Products like Professor Cornelius Ampleforth’s Bathtub Gin, St George Terroir Gin, FEW Barrel Gin, and more will all be available to try (and enjoy).
In addition, Maverick Drinks will be bringing their now-famous Drinks by the Dram Ginvent Calendar, as well as their newly-released 1897 Quinine Gin, the first gin to incorporate quinine that directly benefits Malaria No More UK in the fight to end the epidemic. Drinking well and doing some good at the same time!
Have a chat with us to understand how working with quality craft spirits can help excite your customers, inspire your team, and ultimately, increase your profitability.”
Pinkster Gin
Distilled in small batches, Pinkster is a premium gin that stands out from the pack We hand-steep fresh, locally grown raspberries in the core spirit at our Cambridge HQ. The gin is deliciously dry, with a hint of fruit and an exceptionally smooth finish. There’s raspberry on the nose as the juniper comes through and then a slight spice that develops and lingers. For a refreshingly different gin and tonic, serve with Fever-Tree, a raspberry and a sprig of well-spanked fresh mint. Best of all, we recycle the inebriated raspberries selling them as Boozy Berries.
Our trade accounts repeatedly tell us that our distinctive colour and flavour profile create a talking point. Coupled with our eye-catching design, this gives us great stand out on the back bar or on shelf.
Welcome to the natural gin with the mischievous grin.
Available from leading wholesalers.
Speciality Brands
Warner Edwards
W.E. are Warner Edwards – best friends and craft distillers. From our 200-year-old converted barn in the heart of Northamptonshire Curiosity, our magnificent copper pot still, works her magic. She takes home-grown elderflower and natural spring water from our farms in England and Wales and combines them with pure grain spirit and 10 other botanicals to produce our beautiful Harrington Dry Gin. We then use this as the base for our Harrington Sloe, Elderflower Infused and Victoria’s Rhubarb Gins.
George Grant appointed to J & G Grant’s board
J & G Grant, owners of the Glenfarclas distillery, has appointed George Grant to its board of directors.
The new £2.5m Lakes Distillery will become the first whisky operation in the Lake District in more than 100 years, when it opens in December.
Adnams previews its English whiskies
Adnams, best known as a regional English brewer, has previewed two English whiskies which will be launched next year in time for Christmas.
Pernod flags up possibility of new whisky distillery
Chivas Brothers boss Christian Porta has told journalists and analysts today that the next significant development for its scotch whisky business will be to build a new distillery.
Diageo plans a new malt whisky distillery
Diageo has announced that it is submiting pre-planning applications for three potential locations for a new malt whisky distillery.
$5m visitor centre for Captain Morgan rum
Diageo has opened a US$5m Captain Morgan visitors’ centre as part of of its new distillery in the US Virgin Islands.
New distillers for Highland Park and The Macallan
The Edrington Group has announced the appointments of new distillery managers at its single malt scotch brands Highland Park and The Macallan.
Arran's The Eagle lands in global markets
Scotch whisky producer Isle of Arran Distillers has furthered its Icons of Arran series with the launch of The Eagle.
Chase and Mangrove go separate ways
UK spirits and liqueur agency, Mangrove, will no longer distribute Chase Distillery products.
Plymouth is re-positioned as a super premium-plus gin
Chivas Brothers is introducing a new look for its Plymouth gin brand, re-positioning it above Beefeater 24, as a “super premium-plus”.
Man dies at Glenfiddich distillery
A man has been found dead at the Glenfiddich distillery in Scotland. According to several newspapers, Brian Ettles died in a 16ft washback.
Beam agrees Cooley Distillery purchase
Beam Inc has announced an agreement to purchase Irish whiskey producer Cooley Distillery.
Irish Distillers confirms £100m expansion
Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard has confirmed it will spend €100m on the 2012 expansion of its Midleton Single Distillery, the site where Jameson is produced.
Beam celebrates 12m barrels of bourbon
Beam Inc has celebrated the filling of the company’s 12 millionth barrel of bourbon since the repeal of Prohibition in the US in 1933.
Douglas Laing announces double-digit growth
Glasgow-based bottler and blender Douglas Laing & Co has attributed its 11% growth to the strong performance of Asian markets.
Foursquare takes top gongs at Golden Rum Barrel Awards
UK Rumfest has announced the winners of the Golden Rum Barrel Awards 2011, with Foursquare Distillery of Barbados taking home two of the top prizes.
Craft Japanese whisky launched
The first whisky from Japanese craft distillery Chichibu has been launched. Chichibu The First is three years old, 61.8% abv and limited to 7,400 bottles. The whisky is not chill-filtered.
Ian Macleod buys Speyside distillery
Ian Macleod Distillers has purchased the Tamdhu distillery in Speyside, from the Edrington Group.
Scotland: Diageo to invest £20m in Speyside whisky
Scotland: Diageo is to invest £20 million in its Speyside whisky facilities.
Buffalo Trace offers Millenium Barrel to charity
Buffalo Trace Distillery has offered the entire 174-bottle release of its Millennium Barrel expression to US charities for auctioning.
Glenglassaugh splits distillery manager role
The Glenglassaugh Distillery Company has appointed Mhairi McDonald and Graeme Morrison, to together fill the out-going role of distillery manager.
Ardbeg to launch Alligator expression
Ardbeg has announced the September launch of its new limited release, Ardbeg Alligator, to Europe, Asia and the US.
Jura invests £100,000 in visitor centre
The Isle of Jura Distillery has opened a £100,000 visitor centre.
28 YO Glenmorangie set for July launch
The Glenmorangie Company has announced the release of Pride 1981, a 28-year old single malt whisky that has been finished in Sauternes casks for ten years.
Irish Distillers, the Irish whiskey arm of Pernod Ricard, unveiled two new single pot still Irish whiskeys today (May 5).
Brugal 1888 launches at Madrid airport
Brugal 1888 has been launched at Brugal Island, a rum tasting bar and store situated in Madrid airport.
Maker's Mark appoints COO
Rob Samuels has been appointed to the newly created position of chief operating officer (COO) of Maker’s Mark bourbon, one of Fortune Brands’ premium spirits brands.
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