Well here we are again: another year over, a new one just begun. Here’s my round-up of booze news and new gin alerts from December 2022. Enjoy!

Booze News

As the year draws to a close, it’s time to wish some friends well. After 55 years making gin, and 27 years with Beefeater, master distiller Desmond Payne MBE has announced he will step down in January and become the brand’s first master distiller emeritus.

In sadder news, we also bid farewell to Turncoat Distillery and Canvas Cocktails who have both announced their closure. Meanwhile, in more positive news, Sacred Spirits are celebrating receiving their B Corp certification just as some of us (yes, me!) celebrate BrewDog having theirs revoked!

New Gin Alerts

This month has seen some interesting new releases and the one I’m most intrigued by is The Surrey Copper Distillery’s low emission Copperfield H₂ Gin, distilled using electricity produced from hydrogen. Portobello Road Distillery have also created a gin in partnership with London’s Royal Opera House, and York Gin have created one gin with York Minster and a second with the National Railway Museum to celebrate the Flying Scotsman’s 100th birthday. Finally, and most funnily, Genie ‘La Diva’ Cucumber Gin houses a cucumber grown from seed inside the bottle! Intrigued? Read more here.

My Month in Gin

It hasn’t felt remotely like a quiet month, but in terms of gin events it most certainly was, so let’s keep crashing on!

Welcome to My Collection

Alongside this month’s Craft Gin Club box, featuring Graveney Festive Fayre Gin, I’ve also been fortunate to receive a wealth of gifts from some of my favourite distilleries including two fabulous gin pins and a miniature of Orkney Gin Company‘s amazing Aatta, plus a new Aquavit from Audemus, a bundle of miniatures including their brand new Apricot Eau-de-Vie from Greensand Ridge, Thunderflower’s (potential) new spirit Winter Orchard Apple Spiced Gin and – just in time for Dry January – High Point’s non-alcoholic Ruby Aperitif. I’m also delighted to have, with the help of Nature Reclaimed, upcycled two of my favourite gin bottles – Lind & Lime and my Gin A Ding Ding bottle from 58 and Co – into two stunning lamps.

Catching Up and Looking Forward

If your new year’s resolution is to tread a little lighter on the planet, check out my latest article for Gin Magazine which looks at how to drink more sustainably at home, from where and how to source your spirits and mixers to keeping your drinks cool and reducing your waste. And with that, I’ll wish you all a happy and peaceful New Year and see you in 2023! 🍸🛎🛎