From the outside October probably looked pretty peaceful, at least in comparison to September, but I’ve been quietly working away on a few articles which should be published soon, and there’s also plenty of booze news – including brand home and distillery openings – to read about so don’t give this gin monthly a miss!

Booze News

For some reason all of my booze news this month comes from Scotland. In the south, Crafty Distillery has been acquired by actor Sam Heughan – co-founder of The Sassenach Spirits and best known for his role in TV series Outlander – and rebranded as Galloway Distillery. The distillery will continue to produce Crafty’s Hills & Harbour Gin and 24 Seven Vodka alongside Sassenach’s Wild Scottish Gin, blended Scotch whisky and brand-new vodka crafted with bramble, apple, and wheat.

Meanwhile, the multi-million-pound Luss Distillery and visitor centre has opened on the banks of Loch Lomond. Converted from the historic Luss smokehouse, the site now includes the Ben Lomond Gin Distillery, a gin and whisky discovery centre, shop and a café.

Finally, and rather sadly, Igneous Gin have announced on Instagram that they are selling up. They are hoping to find a new owner to take the business further and explore opportunities for the brand so, if you think that could be you, check out the full details here.

New Gin Alerts

A couple of new products from Cornwall have caught my attention this month. From Padstow Gin comes a new Harbour Edition using juniper, citrus, local alexanders (aka horse parsley) alongside coastal botanicals such as marsh samphire to create a maritime character. Meanwhile Tarquin’s have released their 3rd collaboration with London’s Holborn Dining Room; a Winter Gin featuring bold juniper, aromatic spice and a bright citrus finish, of which only 200 bottles are available.

My Month in Gin

I spent a lot of October hunkered down and scribbling away, but I did venture out for an excellent day of judging at The Liqueur and Speciality Masters. However the highlight of the month was definitely seeing East London Liquor Co. back where they belong in the heart of Hackney! Following a challenging period which saw ELLC placed into administration and bid farewell to their Bow Wharf Distillery, they now have a new home near London Fields and have also released their first new product in three years.

I was delighted to be invited to the opening of their “altar to new world whisky” and be among the first to sample “East London Threads : Blended Whisky”. A combination of four of East London’s grain-to-glass whiskies and two single malts from Loch Lomond Malts, it is designed to appeal to both whisky beginners and connoisseurs and I certainly found it really approachable with notes of tropical fruit, a subtle sweetness and just a suggestion of smoke on the wonderful mouth-filling finish.

Following our tasting, we were also treated to a fabulous evening of Manhattans, Highballs and hot dogs at local dive bar Rasputin’s, where I also couldn’t resist one of their famous five-olive Martinis!

Welcome to My Collection

I was lucky enough to receive lots of lovely gifts and goodies this month including Heart of Scotland Navy Strength Gin, The Drinks Bureau‘s Jam Doughnut Daiquiris, 223 British Gin, Ukiyo‘s Japanese Rice Vodka and Tokyo Dry Gin as well as Sky Wave‘s brand-new Sea Breeze Vodka and perfect pin! Oh and I also picked myself up a bottle of Plymouth Gin ‘cos it was missing from my collection and going cheap at Tesco!

Catching Up and Looking Forward

It looks like November should hold a little more judging for me and perhaps a distillery visit or two, and don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for my next Drinksbiz column and articles for Ambassador Cruise Line too! 🍸🛎🛎