July kicked off in high – and plentiful – spirits at Imbibe Live but then it quietened down, and I have to say I’m rather glad it did. There’s still plenty to catch up with though, so read on to find out the latest booze news and new gin alerts.

Booze News

There’s been no shortage of booze news lately. In Australia, Four Pillars Gin announced that they have sold the remaining 50% share of the business to Lion – who now become 100% owners – for an undisclosed amount estimated to be in the region of $50 million. While co- founders Cameron Mackenzie and Matt Jones (who insist Lion will not change their gin) plan to stay on in their current roles as chief distiller and brand and strategy director respectively, trade director Stuart Gregor will, sadly, leave the business at the beginning of September to take an extended sabbatical.

Back in the UK, Pete Lumber sadly announced the closure of Newbury’s 137 Distillery citing Covid and the cost-of-living crisis as challenges too great to overcome and urging everyone to continue to support other independent businesses.

And that appeal couldn’t be more timely with new alcohol duty reforms coming into force today (Tuesday 1st August) and many brands – including Brighton Gin, Capreolus Distillery and Masons of Yorkshire – reluctantly announcing that they will be passing the price rise – in the region of 81p to £1.16 depending on ABV – onto consumers.

New Gin Alerts

I’ve spotted a few new gins this month, but the standout for me has to be 793 Spirits’ Navy Strength Creed & Tide Lime and Sea Salt Gin which really impressed me at Imbibe Live. July also brought with it a selection of limited edition seasonal releases including Ramsbury Raspberry and Wildflower Honey Gin, Crossbill Seasonal Gin Summer 2023 combining sweet strawberries and salty marsh samphire, and Tarquin’s Raspberry and Mango Gin.

My Month in Gin

July kicked off with the return of Imbibe Live at Olympia London. In addition to catching up with lots of industry pals, my highlights included Masons’ new juniper-forward gin celebrating a decade of distilling, a deliciously refreshing Pomada made with Xoriguer Gin and a super tasty Renais Emma Spritz.

It was also great to catch up with Green Room Distillery – who are sounding impressively positive in the aftermath of their devastating fire – and Sky Wave Gin – who were showing off their brand new UK produced lightweight glass bottles. I also got to know North Uist Distillery’s full range, sampled Salcombe‘s new Start Point Offshore Strength, and revisited Penrhoss Spirits, as well as trying lots of other great products including Làbaro Amaro Viola‘s purple Crema di Amaro, Sake Sling‘s canned cocktails, Hedonistas De La Fe Mezcal and Golden Moon Distillery‘s Irish Style Triple Distilled Colorado Single Malt Whiskey.

After Imbibe Live I also attended an amazing evening at the exquisite Amaro Bar with Cocchi Vermouth. As you’d expect all the cocktails and samples were exquisite, but I was blown away by the Cocchi Rose Spritz and Dec’s Martini featuring Cocchi Americano, Boatyard Double Gin and an inspired splash of Mezcal which I will definitely be replicating at home!

It’s also been an honour and a pleasure to join the The Gin Cooperative Awards 2023 judging panel this month. Created to showcase Scottish Gin, all entries are considered by a minimum of 9 separate judges – 3 industry, 3 consumer and 3 community – judged blind both neat and as a gin and tonic, and scored (separately) on packaging design and shelf appeal. With such an exhaustive approach to assessing every aspect of a spirit, I can’t wait to find out who the finalists are in August!

Welcome to My Collection

In addition to some great goodies from Cocchi and Imbibe Live – including a Buzzballz cocktail for the man who coined the term Bazball (cricket journalist Andrew Miller, aka my husband!) – I was delighted to receive one of my absolute favourite gins from Junipalooza; Archipelago Black Bamboo Gin from Full Circle Distillers.

Catching Up and Looking Forward

If you haven’t already picked up a copy of the Gin Annual, get one now to read my latest article (or have a sneak peek here!). As for August, I’m looking forward to a long summer holiday – as I hope you are – and I’ll see you in September (with, perhaps, some rather exciting news)!
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