As 2023 draws to a close here’s my last Gin Monthly for the year. December has not been especially busy but I’ve still enjoyed some judging and am also delighted to lend my support to a new drinks industry mentorship programme. Read on to find out more.

Booze News

In a stark reminder of what a challenging year it has (once again) been for the drinks industry, Alex Wolpert – the founder of East London Liquor Company (ELLC) – announced earlier this month that the company had been placed into administration following failed negotiations with HMRC. Fortunately he has since been able to buy ELLC out of administration, and has made assurances that they are the same distillery and brand they have always been while acknowledging that they have left shareholders in a position that they never planned to reach.

New Gin Alerts

I haven’t noticed many new releases this month, but one that certainly caught my eye was Adamus Signature Edition 2023. Adamus claim the limited edition is the first gin in the world aged in baga oak barrels, and describe its flavour profile as dried fruits and spices alongside balsamic notes and exotic wood.

My Month in Gin

It’s been a relatively quiet month (in terms of work at least!) but I had a wonderful time judging the The Spirits Masters Low & No 2024 Awards at the wonderful Hacha Bar Brixton. An ever growing category, I found the RTDs largely – and surprisingly – disappointing but we did discover some gems during the day so keep your eyes peeled for the results!

I’m also delighted to lend my support to Drinklusive, a brilliant new mentorship programme founded by Aidy Smith of The Three Drinkers. Created to encourage new talent from underrepresented communities into the drinks industry, every six months six people from LGBTQIA+, ethnic-minority and disability communities will be selected to receive WSET Level 2 & 3 training, paid writing opportunities, paid work at the London Wine Fair and 1-1 mentoring sessions with some of the brightest minds in the industry (including me!). If you’re interested you’re going to have to get a move on though; the deadline for applications is 7th January 2024!

Welcome to My Collection

Thank you to Stag Gin for a bottle of their Spiced London Dry Gin (a strong contender for my Top Ten Gins of 2023!) and canned Negroni, and also to Darnley’s for a bottle of their re-released Smoke and Zest Gin, created using barley smoked over pinewood chips, Lapsang Souchong tea and orange peel. And huge thanks to Warner’s for an exceptionally generous Christmas gift including their delicious Harrington Dry and Rhubarb Gins, and Pink Berry and Juniper Double Dry 0% Spirits, which I’ll definitely be enjoying during Dry January!

Catching Up and Looking Forward

If you haven’t already seen it, my latest column for Drinksbiz is about all things agave and is available to read now. As for next month, I’m very much looking forward to the World Gin Awards Final, but first I think I need a little rest! In the meantime, Happy New Year and see you in 2024! 🍸🛎🛎