June was hot, Hot, HOT, but between World Gin Day, World Martini Day and everything else going on, there were plenty of excuses to cool down with a cold cocktail and I certainly took advantage of every opportunity!

Booze News

Not a lot of news caught my eye in June, but Slingsby Gin have shared details about their new owners Chris and Asma Williams. Under their ownership, Slingsby Gin will be a family-run business which, they say, will focus on preserving the values and identity that have defined the brand. They have also confirmed that a number of existing team members will remain in place, ensuring continuity of expertise, knowledge, and relationships as the brand moves into its next phase.

New Gin Alerts

A lot of new gins definitely caught my eye in June! My local 58 & Co have released their new House Pour Gin and Vodka; a range designed for modern home bars and available in refillable glass bottles, recyclable refill pouches and mini tasting pouches. And, after nine years of “listening and refining”, Brindle Distillery has finally released its Cuckoo Rhubarb Gin made with natural rhubarb, vanilla and their own spring water.

Meanwhile Boatyard Distillery has released a limited edition Summer Solstice Gin inspired by folklore and finished with a “zing” of Killahora Rare Apple Ice Wine, and you – the Great British public – have selected Cornish Apple & Elderflower as the summer 2026 edition of Tarquin’s Gin.

Last but not least, Hayman’s has launched a duty free exclusive London Dry Gin to celebrate Heathrow Airport’s 80th anniversary, which is just £21.99 for one-litre, and Ben Lomond has released The 154th Open Special Edition Gin to mark the upcoming Open golf championship and which features hand-selected botanicals from around the Royal Birkdale course, including blackcurrants, chamomile and sorrel.

My Month in Gin

There was no shortage of booze in June! In addition to judging The Gin Masters 2026 First Tasting, I also had a whole lot of fun at the MOTH: Licence pop-up in Shoreditch where we were treated to more Margaritas than was probably wise alongside live djs, delicious pizza, disco balls, and even a free photo booth!

I also had a blast hitting up three of the six bars taking part in The East London Martini Map where bespoke Boatyard x Cocchi martinis cost just £7! I loved both Mad Cats and Rain Dogs but it was The Umbrella Workshop which stole my heart; not only is the location and venue super cute, the staff were super friendly and the cocktails were fantastic! You should definitely check it out next time you’re in town.

Welcome to My Collection

I was very lucky to receive lots of lovely goodies in June! In addition to Frankie & Eileen’s Gin and 58 & Co’s new House Pour Spirits, I was also super chuffed to be gifted a very special personalised can of MOTH: Margarita, and to win a selection of Crate’s soda cocktails including gin, lemon and koji; tequila, pineapple and lime, and vodka, raspberry and yuzu.

I also popped over to Copenhagen for a fabulous wedding where I picked up a few bottles, including Stauning Danish Dry Gin (which just won a Master medal at the The Gin Masters 2026!), a rather unsightly plastic bottle of the otherwise wonderful Gordon’s 47.3% Traveller’s Edition, and a mini of Fisk liquorice liqueur which claims to be “probably the most popular shot in the world”!

Catching Up and Looking Forward

Now you’ve got to the end of this, why not go and read my latest column for Drinksbiz all about mid-strength drinks and “coasting”, and/or my Behind the Scenes at Mallard Point piece for The Gin Guide?! July is also shaping up nicely with a Port-o Party and Pisco Disco in the diary already. See you on the other side! 🍸🛎🛎