July has been hot and busy and I can’t believe it’s nearly over already. I’ve been driving my self half crazy trying to hit all my deadlines before I go on holiday in early August, but I’ve just about found time to write this month’s blog too (or perhaps I’m just procrastinating… who knows?!). Hope you enjoy it!

Booze News

There’s yet more sad news regarding Nelson’s Distillery, which has been put up for sale after it entered administration following the sudden death of its founder, Neil Harrison, earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Warner’s Distillery has sold a majority share of their company to French spirits group La Martiniquaise-Bardinet. In a post on LinkedIn, co-founder Tom Warner described the partnership as “transformational” and confirmed that he and Tina “will remain at the helm”.

And finally, the results of The Great Taste Awards 2025 are out now. Having awarded 223 products this year, and judged many, many more, I have taken great pleasure in seeing who won what. Huge congratulations to all the winners and especially to Basalt Volcanic Rock Gin, Landfall Navy Strength Gin, Desi Daru Alphonso Mango Vodka and 58 & Co Olive Oil Vodka who all took home the top award of three stars!

New Gin Alerts

Just a handful of releases caught my eye this month. From Loveday a hyper-seasonal Elderflower Gin of which there are just 100 bottles, a limited edition Black Truffle Gin from Copper in the Clouds and, not to be outdone by his Top Gear teammates, Richard Hammond has collaborated with Hawkridge Distillers to create Ratio London Dry Gin which features local bilberries, wild gorse flowers, and a hint of honey.

My Month in Gin

I kicked off the month at Cocktails in the City with the brilliant and B Corp certified Renais Gin at the wonderful Quaglinos bar which had three cocktails on offer including my favourites the refreshing Golden Bloom and zesty Deco Revival. We also had a lot of fun visiting the other bars, sampling Sapling Spirits and Asterley Bros.’ ranges and throwing some shapes at the silent disco! If you missed out, Cocktails in the City is back from 7th to 9th August.

I also had the enormous pleasure of visiting Amsterdam with my eldest and taking her to Super Lyan which was every bit as wonderful as I expected it to be. The first thing that hits you on arrival is the futuristic neon lit bar – which dominates the charming and historic 17th century Dutch house – followed by the warm welcome and superb service. Between the two of us, we explored a lot of the menu and we were super impressed by everything. My daughter stuck to the impressive selection of boozeless cocktails, which were all genuinely delicious, while I explored the cocktails celebrating 750 years of Amsterdam which were also wonderful. And thanks to the clever menu we were both able to try the elegant Ballerina’s Fix (hers was boozeless while mine featured Grey Goose Vodka and Tanqueray Gin alongside no-bay soda and mulberry) which we both loved. Oh, and the snacks are not to be missed either; the bitterballen and calamari were both up there with the best we’ve ever had!

Back in London I headed to Bob Bob Ricard City to conduct a little research into ice cream and drinks combos (it’s a tough job etc…!). It was a real treat to try Bombay Sapphire’s Gin & Gelato pairing which was stunningly presented and consisted of a delicious 1910 Bombay & Orris G&T paired with a refreshing Murcian Lemon & Orris Sorbet. And of course I couldn’t leave without testing the iconic Press for Champagne button either. Just to make sure it was working of course!

I also attended the World Drinks Awards Spirits Tasting at London’s stunning Vintner’s Hall where I had the pleasure of catching up with lots of industry chums and trying a wide range of superb spirits from all around the world, including Tessellis‘ White Chocolate & Pineapple Vodka, Conniption’s colour changing Kinship Gin and Scapegrace’s Single Malt Vanguard.

Finally, I finally made it to Soho’s Mele e Pere which has been welcoming guests down into its basement bar and restaurant for almost 15 years. Somehow I had never visited before, but I will definitely be going back now!

The modern neighbourhood-style trattoria has a wonderful copper-topped bar which offers London’s largest selection of vermouths alongside a tempting cocktail and aperitivo menu. We kicked off our evening with the Procida Spritz – featuring Allora Aperitivo, Limoncello and Prosecco – and The Mele e Pere Spritz before moving into the dining room for a truly authentic and delicious Italian feast. Our highlights included the Burrata, Focaccia Pugliese, Spaghetti alla Carbonara and Nonna Mantovani’s Tiramisu, and of course a Negroni for the perfect end to a wonderful evening. To celebrate their anniversary Mele e Pere have also introduced a new Spritz Hour (from 3 to 6pm Sunday to Friday) when all spritzes are just £7.50, a Sicilian Supper Club menu celebrating regional dishes (£29.50pp) and they are also bringing back their vermouth classes.

Welcome to My Collection

I’ve been lucky enough to receive lots of lovely stuff this month, starting with Mr. White’s London Dry Gin, No. 3 Gin and Silent Pool Gin. I’ve also received a beautiful box of goodies from Bardinet Brandy, a selection of Double Dutch mixers in their beautiful new bottles, and some Whitebox Daiquiris (and a super cute pocket negroni pin badge!) to celebrate National Daiquiri Day. And of course I couldn’t leave Super Lyan without buying a couple of their pin badges too! Aren’t they the cutest?!

Catching Up and Looking Forward

I’m off on my holibobs in August so it should be a fairly quiet month for me, but they’ll still be a little bit of writing, a little bit of judging and at least one spirits launch so make sure you come back next month to read all about it! Until then, have a great summer! 🍸🛎🛎