If the Gin wave hasn't hit you in the UK over the past 18/24 months, then you're certainly missing out! According to the WSTA (Wine and Spirit Trade Association), sales of Gin in the UK was over £1.5 billion (roughly 55 million bottles) in the 12 months to the end of March 2018 (Source: DrinksBusiness).It seems we Brits are back in love with juniper berries, with 315+ distilleries now in the UK and well over 100 British gin brands on the market. It's not only the British who are mad for gin. 2017 was a record-breaking year with exports across the World, with sales hitting an estimated value of £530m! Gin certainly looks here to stay, especially as it's recently been voted the most popular spirit ahead of Whisky and Vodka (Source: Independent).
Brands
Local and regional pride is at stake, with brands proudly displaying their locality, representing their people with their gin. Similarly, to craft ales. Brighton Gin is very popular in the bars and pubs in the seaside city, the logo reminiscent of the famous wording from Brighton Pier. Liverpool Gin proudly displays the 'Liver Bird', the symbol associated with the city itself, and sits on the football club crest.
Variations & tastes
Longer established brands such as Hendricks and Beefeater are still very much present in today's market. It'sThanks to their modern twists and consumer tastes, it's the new craft gins and differing flavoured variations that are becoming increasingly popular. Edinburgh Gin, for example, have lots of variations, Raspberry, Rhubarb & Ginger, Plum & Vanilla, Elderflower and many more! Pink gin, sloe gin, it seems brands are experimenting with consumer tastes and broadening their market, enticing new consumers.
The perfect gin glass
With the modern twist on variations and flavours, the way the modern Gin enthusiast enjoys their gin has changed. The style in glassware has been transformed with the Copa style glass. The short stem and wide bowl allow plenty of ice, tonic and various garnishes to broaden the flavour. You can taste what you smell; the wide bowl allows you to breathe in the botanical aromas. More space for garnishes and ice increases the flavour profiles makes it more enjoyable. The traditional long-drink tumbler is still used, but the Copa wide bowl is more popular with gin enthusiasts.
Tonics & garnishes
Gins are enhanced by what they're being mixed with. Generally, the tonic to gin ratio is 2:1. Consumers opt for premium tonic brands like Fever-Tree. London based Fever-Tree saw sales rise 77% in the first half of 2017 (Source: DrinksBusiness). Thanks to the increase in gin consumption and creating different, more diverse tonics and mixers.As with tonics and mixers, garnishes can be paired with different types of gin. Floral gins can be enhanced by citrus peel and cucumber. Citrus gins by coriander and basil. Herby/aged gins by rosemary and apple. Dry gins by lime and lemon and spicy gins by orange and chilli. The key is also to add plenty of ice!Customers can see our great selection of glasses perfect for gin and tonic. The Copa style glasses are trendy, so why not try them out for yourself!
Customers can see our great selection of glasses perfect for gin and tonic. The Copa style glasses are trendy, so why not try them out for yourself!
