Latest news with #gin
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
The World's Best Gins-According To The 2025 International Wine And Spirit Compeition
The Gold Outstanding medal winners in gin at the 2025 International Wine and Spirits Competition. Gin, a spirit that can trace its origins back to the Middle Ages, has seen a surge of interest in the new millennium. That's due to its fantastic versatility across a wide array of cocktail styles that have come to define today's cocktail culture. The botanical flavors inherent to gin make it a veritable 'Swiss army knife' of a spirit. From a classic martini to an elegant negroni, cocktails that feature gin have never been more popular. While gin may be intrinsically linked to the United Kingdom these days, there are an untold number of craft distillers across the globe making some fantastic gins loaded with flavor. Their brilliance is on display at the 2025 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC). As one of the oldest and most prestigious annual spirits judging events in the world, the IWSC sees the best bottles in the world sent each year to its esteemed judging panel. The IWSC has just announced the recipients of its coveted Gold Outstanding medals, its highest accolade, in the gin category. To receive one, a bottle must score a minimum of 98 out of 100 points in their blind taste-testing format. To put the scope of the difficulty of landing such an award, the event bestowed medals (silver, gold, gold outstanding) on 264 gins this year; only eight took home the top prize. One of those will take home the Gin Trophy at their gala event in the fall, earning the title of the World's Best. Here is a brief snapshot of each medal winner and the judges' tasting notes. From Saskatchewan, Canada, Black Fox Farms and Distillery has crafted its unique Haskap Gin (40 % ABV) using an ingredient close to home. That would be its farm-grown, hand-picked haskap berries, a hearty Canadian fruit infused in the distilling process alongside gentian root, black tea leaves, and a touch of Black Fox honey. It's an innovative spirit that showcases the untapped potential of regional ingredients. Here is what the judges had to say about it: Deep ruby in hue, the enticing aroma evokes rich, woody notes with a hint of sweetness reminiscent of port. On the palate, it is a powerful and complex blend of deep red fruit and gin botanicals, offering a delightful freshness. France's Loire Valley might be famous for wine, but Distillerie Combier's Meridor Gin proves its spirits pedigree. This 41.9% ABV London Dry is the result of two years of research and development. It offers a sophisticated blend of rose petals, elderflowers, licorice, lemon and other botanicals. It presents a full floral aroma that leads to a peppery kick, resulting in a fresh yet complex profile. Named for a local legend, Meridor Gin is an elegant expression of French distilling and proof that the country is more than a one-trick pony when it comes to alcohol. Here is what the judges had to say about it: Light and fragrant, the aroma reveals vibrant juniper and citrus notes. Rich, bold palate, offering pronounced juniper alongside a delicate spiciness and a hint of bittersweet bergamot. Long, warm finish echoing the citrus character beautifully. A truly exquisite gin. If you appreciate a gin with backbone, the Australian Distilling Co.'s Navy Gin should be on your radar. At a robust 57% ABV, this is a serious spirit. It's a bold take on navy strength, featuring pronounced woody spices like cardamom and nutmeg, alongside classic juniper and fresh pine notes. Layers of herbaceous, spicy, and sweet notes lead to a long, structured finish. This is a gin designed to perform, making it a powerful choice for a classic Negroni or a truly assertive Martini. Here is what the judges had to say about it: Intense spice and inviting citrus notes. The palate is bold and layered, showcasing a delightful interplay of citrus and peppery warmth. A long, complex finish lingers, brimming with herbal nuances that beckon for another sip. From Osaka, Japan, Mikuni Distillery's Osaka Gin is certainly worth noting. A small-batch gin, it can be hard to find outside of Japan. It isn't a typical juniper bomb; instead, it leans into floral flavors with a smooth finish. As Osaka's sole craft gin distillery, it brings a distinctive local essence to the global gin landscape. This is a gin that captures its origin in every sip. Here is what the judges had to say about it: A delightful burst of lemon verbena and lemon-lime on the nose. The palate reveals a harmonious blend of spices and citrus, with cardamom and earthy roots shining through. Lingering finish, leaving a refreshing impression of vibrant citrus and juniper. Outstanding. Singapore's Brass Lion Distillery truly shines with its Pearl Jasmine Gin. This 40% ABV gin is an elegant homage to the classic jasmine tea. Crafted using hand-rolled Dragon Phoenix Jasmine Tea pearls that were gently infused into the gin to capture their delicate essence, it closely resembles a cup of tea. That makes sense since it's part of the brand's Tea Series. Here is what the judges had to say about it: Beautifully golden in color, this gin has a nose featuring light jasmine tea and honey sweetness. The palate mirrors this and adds tannins to the benefit of the jasmine. The perfumed finish lingers delightfully. Out of NSW, Australia, Nine Circles Distillery offers a very well-executed Signature Gin. This isn't about overpowering; it's about harmony. With 14 carefully selected botanicals, it achieves a balanced profile that showcases citrus, spice, and aniseed. It's the kind of versatile gin that works perfectly in a simple G&T with an orange slice but also holds its own in more complex cocktails. Nine Circles truly commits to artisanal production, making this a fine example of modern Australian gin. Here is what the judges had to say about it: An intense and inviting scented with menthol, citrus blossom, and herbal tea greets the senses, leading to a structured and rounded palate. Bright citrus notes intertwine with delicate floral peppercorns, culminating in a long, gentle finish that lingers beautifully. If it isn't apparent yet, the distillers in Australia are turning out some excellent gins these days; four of the eight GO medal winners are from there. 30 Knots Spirits Sea Spray Gin from Western Australia is an intriguing gin, at 40% ABV, designed for refreshment. It expertly blends bold juniper with traditional botanicals and the unique, native Ruby Saltbush, creating a subtly salty and warming character. With clear notes of saltwater, juniper, and desert lime, it's a gin that truly evokes its origins. It's a compelling option for anyone seeking something distinctive and invigorating in their glass. Here is what the judges had to say about it: Green botanicals, complemented by a subtle freshness and a hint of vegetation. Pepper and spice layers emerge beautifully; the botanicals dance in harmony, revealing a creamy, zesty character with earthy and nutty undertones, culminating in a captivating complexity. Hailing from Tasmania, Australia, Turner Stillhouse is making a clear mark with their Three Cuts Distiller's Release Gin. Built using local ingredients and pure Tasmanian water, this 42.0% ABV small-batch release focuses on refinement. Its botanical blend includes green cardamom, Tasmanian lime and lemon, white peppercorn and three cuts of rose petals that add unique floral layers. The result is a balanced gin that delivers organic juniper with bright citrus and exotic warmth. Here is what the judges had to say about it: A soft and floral bouquet with notes of juniper and citrus lead into a vibrant palate where sweet herbal notes intertwine seamlessly. This delightful harmony culminates in a long, laced finish with earthy undertones. Lovely botanical integration with excellent complexity. Follow here for the most up to date information about the ever changing beer, wine, and spirits industry.
The Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald
What type of gin drinker are you?
Gin enthusiasts fall into distinct categories, each with their own rituals, preferences and approach to enjoying this beloved spirit. Whether buying for yourself or choosing the perfect gift, what type of gin drinker you are — or they are — is important. Musgrave Spirits has identified five different types: The Botanical Scholar This discerning drinker approaches gin like a fine wine connoisseur. They can identify juniper notes from across the room and debate the merits of citrus peel versus whole citrus in distillation. The Botanical Scholar appreciates the art of gin-making and often enjoys the spirit neat or with just a splash of premium tonic to preserve the botanical complexity. Perfect match: Musgrave Original with a splash of tonic and a squeeze of lemon for the Classic G&T. The Adventure Seeker Always ready to try the latest gin innovation, these drinkers embrace unusual botanicals and experimental flavours. They're the first to order that odd-sounding cocktail and love discovering gins that challenge conventional expectations. Their home bar is a testing ground for new combinations and creative serves. Perfect match: A Musgrave Original cocktail called Botanical Arrangement, made with blue Curacao liquor, Socks hibiscus syrup, 25ml whey (emulsifier), 25ml lime juice. Garnished with three sprigs of fresh lavender and lemon zest. The Social Butterfly Gin, for them, is about bringing people together. They host garden parties, weekend brunches, and impromptu gatherings where a well-crafted G&T is the social lubricant that gets conversations flowing. They value approachable flavours that appeal to diverse palates and love gin that photographs well for their social media. Perfect match: The Golden Pear cocktail. Made with 50ml Musgrave Original Gin, 37.5ml Socks pear syrup, 25ml lemon juice, dash of cardamom powder. Shake all ingredients and strain into a glass topped with soda water. Garnish with a slice of fresh green pear. The Cocktail Craftsperson These gin lovers view their spirit as an ingredient in a larger symphony. They own professional bar tools, know the difference between stirring and shaking, and can craft everything from a perfect Negroni to innovative gin-based creations. They seek gins that hold their own in complex cocktails, while complementing other ingredients. Perfect match: Pretty in Pink cocktail made with 25ml Musgrave Pink Gin, 12.5ml Socks cherry-blossom syrup, 12.5ml lime juice and one small drop of pink food colouring. Shake ingredients and double strain into a chilled flute, topped with sparkling wine. Garnish with dried rose petals with hits of lumo pink (edible) glitter to be even more fancy. The Nostalgic Romantic This gin lover is drawn to heritage, tradition, and the stories that connect them to gin's rich history. They appreciate classic serves, vintage glassware, and gins that honour traditional production methods. Often attracted to brands with compelling origin stories or historical connections. Perfect match: Spiced Tea Negroni, a play on one of the world's most traditional gin cocktails. Made with 35ml Musgrave Pink Gin, 25ml rosso vermouth (Martini), orange bitters, aromatic bitters, and garnished with one orange slice, half a cinnamon quill, two cloves, one star anise and warm sweet hibiscus tea. The next time you select a gin, consider how you drink it, who you share it with, and what experience you are seeking. After all, the best gin is always the one that perfectly matches the moment and the mindset of the person enjoying it. The Herald
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
EastEnders' Adam Woodyatt pulls the plug on failed booze brand with ex wife amid mounting debts
EASTENDERS star Adam Woodyatt has pulled the plug on the failed booze brand he launched with his ex-wife. Adam, 56, set up Neat Distillery Ltd in August 2017 and introduced a range of trendy gins. 4 But just a couple of years later, production stopped and the brand's website was taken offline in a bid to cut costs. Now, official documents have been submitted to Companies House confirming that Adam and his former partner Beverley are applying to have the company struck off the register. The brand's digital presence has long been dormant - the website is no longer active, and its Facebook and Twitter accounts haven't been updated since 2019. Neat Distillery Ltd's last set of accounts revealed it was running a £13,000 deficit. Adam and Beverley had joint control of the business, even while navigating what was described as a 'toxic split'. It was reported that he initially refused to offer her a fair settlement, although they eventually reached an amicable agreement. He had spent months perfecting the gin recipe, with a source saying at the time: 'This is something Adam really passionate about. 'He is planning to sell it online, along with merchandise he has lined up with the branding and recipes." In a past interview, Adam also revealed: 'I had quite a diverse list of outlets and distribution from entertainment, bars, fine dining to music clubs,' naming chef Tom Kerridge and London's Hippodrome among them. Adam took a break from EastEnders in 2020 but returned in August 2023. EastEnders legend Michelle Collins opens up on fiery on set rows with Adam Woodyatt He has reportedly made big money for his TV gigs, including roughly £500,000 for his 2021 appearance on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here. The actor also earns a reported £250,000 per year for his EastEnders gig. Adam, who officially divorced his wife Beverly in 2022 after 22 years of marriage put £245,763 into a new firm shortly after they first split in 2020. He had earned the cash through acting gigs and funnelled it into his company Caledfwlch — which is Welsh for King Arthur's sword Excalibur. He set it up ahead of his I'm A Celebrity stint in Gwrych Castle, North Wales. This week, Adam was spotted looking loved up with a mystery woman after hitting the gym in London. He shared a kiss with the red-haired woman after a sweaty workout before driving off together. Adam's character Ian Beale debuted in 1985 during the show's first-ever episode. He played a major role in the BBC soap's 40th anniversary episodes when his wife Cindy's Christmas Day attacker was revealed. The Sun has contacted Adam's representatives for comment. 4 4 4
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
The SF World Spirits Competition Crowns The World's Best Flavored Gin
The Flavored Gin Finalists from the 2025 SFWSC Gin has become one of the fastest-growing segments of the spirits market. Within the gin sector, flavored gins have experienced the fastest growth, driven by the global expansion of the craft distilling movement. Four flavored gins and two barrel-aged gins are competing for the title of World's Best Gin in their respective categories at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Below are the backgrounds and tasting notes for the finalists. LIONEST Red Gin is an aromatic gin from Taiwan, produced by LIONEST Distillery. Notwithstanding its name, the gin is clear, not red. Its founder, Anne Scheffer, was a perfumer who reinvented herself as a gin distiller and has gone on to win several major awards for her gins. This modern gin blends fruit and florals while remaining grounded in juniper. The gin's primary ingredients include red rose, cascara, Fuji apple, red peppercorn, juniper, coriander, licorice, orange, Ceylon cinnamon, and roselle. The gin is highly aromatic, featuring pronounced floral and fruity notes on the nose. It presents delicate aromas of rose, apple, orange, spice, subtle juniper, and slightly earthy cascara. On the palate, the gin is smooth and slightly sweet, showcasing floral and fruity notes alongside cardamom and cinnamon spices. The finish is long and slightly sweet, with lingering notes of floral, fruity, and spicy flavors. Stylistically, LIONEST Red Gin represents an Asian-style gin that highlights floral, fruity, and spicy notes while maintaining a distinctive yet subtle juniper character. This style of gin is celebrated for its delicate balance of flavors and its unique approach to gin-making, often incorporating local and unconventional botanicals. Produced by Gervasi Vineyard in Canton, Ohio, this small-batch gin is infused post-distillation with pink peppercorns, offering both spice and gentle warmth. It features a savory, spicy gin profile, rather than the usual floral or citrus-heavy varieties. The nose is aromatic, featuring a floral and subtly peppery backdrop, followed by notes of juniper, citrus zest, spice, and herbal aromas. The gin is savory and spicy on the palate, with a pronounced peppery note, alongside flavors of grapefruit, juniper berry/resin, and a hint of clove and coriander. The finish is long and dry, with mild but lingering peppery notes and a touch of juniper resin. Mermaid Zest Gin is a citrus-infused expression from the Isle of Wight Distillery in the UK. It's part of the award-winning Mermaid Gin range. Locally sourced lemon zest, bergamot, grapefruit, and rosemary are blended over a base of traditional Mermaid Gin. The gin is herbal and aromatic, featuring notes of bergamot, grapefruit peel, rosemary, lemon verbena, and subtle maritime scents. The palate is citrus-forward, showcasing grilled citrus, lemon oil, rosemary, and juniper berries, supported by light floral undertones. The finish is long and flavorful, with lingering notes of maritime, mineral, citrus, and herbal character. This gin is perfect for citrus-forward cocktails. The Big Pickle! Gin from Tree House Distillery in Massachusetts is an innovative gin infused with genuine pickle brine, dill, and savory botanicals. Crafted in small batches, it's designed as a flavor-forward gin for enthusiasts of dirty martinis or briny cocktails. The gin has a briny nose, with aromas of dill pickle, celery salt, juniper, and a hint of earthy white pepper. It's salty on the palate, showcasing pronounced notes of pickle, fresh dill, cucumber, coriander, a hint of citrus zest, and a subtle but pervasive juniper note. The finish is long and savory, leaving a lingering, tangy herbal-saline note. Big Pickle Gin is perfect for dirty martinis or a Bloody Mary. It also makes an intriguing Gimlet! The Aged Gin Finalists from the 2025 SFWSC Sorgin Yellow Gin is an aged version of the original Sorgin Gin, created by the Lurton wine family in Bordeaux, France. It utilizes Sauvignon blanc wine for its distillate and then ages the gin in Sauvignon Blanc barrels. The botanicals include juniper, citrus, violet, and gorse. The 'Yellow' edition introduces complex oak and vanilla notes contributed by the barrel aging. The gin is complex and layered, featuring oak spice, vanilla, dried citrus peel, a hint of grape must, and juniper aromas. It feels smooth and creamy on the palate, showcasing notes of candied lemon zest, white pepper, subtle seasoned oak flavors, and a backdrop of floral botanicals. The finish is long and fruity, with lasting hints of vanilla, pepper, citrus, and a delicate trace of grape must. Cathedral Ledge Distillery, located in North Conway, New Hampshire, crafts this small-batch, barrel-rested organic gin using USDA-certified organic ingredients. Aged for several months in lightly toasted oak barrels, the gin acquires color and layered complexity while maintaining a classic gin botanical core. The gin features classic notes of spices, orange peel, toasted oak, and a persistent yet subtle juniper aroma. It's smooth and creamy on the palate, with noticeable mouth weight, showcasing candied/caramelized orange zest, allspice, juniper resin, vanilla, and various spices. The finish is long, with a mild tannic backbone and lingering notes of citrus, seasoned oak, and herbal botanicals. Flavored gin is at the forefront of expanding the aroma and flavor profile of gin in new and interesting directions. While these gins retain many classic gin botanicals, even if the presence of juniper is often subdued, they also incorporate a variety of unusual, local, and non-traditional botanicals to showcase new and exciting flavor combinations. From briny pickles to red peppercorns and Mediterranean herbs, there is a gin for every occasion and palate.
Forbes
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Best Martini Spots In London, According To The Co-Founder Of SEVENTY ONE Gin
Martinis are the talk of the town, and SEVENTY ONE Gin is one of the brand's leading the resurgence. ... More While the martini will always be a classic, over the last few years, the drink has had a resurgence. While it may seem simple, crafting the perfect martini takes skill. Ultimately, it comes down to the ingredients, technique and presentation. 'A well-made martini elevates a good spirit and shows the true color of a bad one,' explains Tasso Ferreira, co-founder of SEVENTY ONE Gin. 'It is the essential beginning to every unforgettable night.' Suffice to say: martinis are the talk of the town, and SEVENTY ONE Gin is one of the brand's leading the charge. What started as an idea quickly blossomed into a celebrity-loved gin brand, making its way into the hottest bars and restaurants around the world. A fantastic night is precisely where SEVENTY ONE Gin was conceptualized. 'Mert was obsessed with bringing gin to the most extraordinary moments, the ones you remember forever,' he says. From there, the two embarked on a journey that explored new distillation techniques, exotic botanicals like the Queen of the Night (a flower that only blooms for just one night a year) and the use of casks in gin making. 'All of it crafted in pursuit of the perfect night," says Ferreira. "From the very beginning, we were relentless in our pursuit of perfection in the liquid, in the bottle and in the places we wanted to partner with. This vision became our passion, one that resonated with our partners, who believed that gin can be much more.' SEVENTY ONE Gin was conceptualized over a fantastic night. "A well-made martini elevates a good spirit and shows the true color of a bad one. It is the essential beginning to every unforgettable night.' With celebrity fans including Madonna, Joan Smalls and Irina Shayk, it's safe to say that you can find Ferreira and his team frequenting some of the buzziest spots in every city. To find out some of the chicest spots in London, we asked Ferreira to share some of his favorites. Ahead, Ferreira shares the perfect place to spend a Sunday and his favorite hidden treasure bakery, alongside some of the best martini spots in London. Ferreira shares some of the best spots to grab a martini in London. For a night filled with mystery and sensuality, Ferreira recommends a visit to At Sloane. Dubbing it a hidden gem to be discovered, he says it embodies the elegance of Jean-Louis Costes—pure beauty. 'The cocktails are rouge and the martini is golden,' says Ferreira. As the birthplace of SEVENTY One Gin, Chiltern Firehouse will always hold a special place in Ferreira's heart. 'This iconic venue played a significant role in giving a sense of belonging to SEVENTY ONE,' he says. 'The nights are fantastic at Chiltern! Niko Pertinos, Chiltern's bar director, is a genius and embroiderer of the overall experience with creations that define late night in London.' (At the time of publication, Chiltern Firehouse is currently closed due to a fire that occurred in February.) According to Ferreira, The Connaught is the temple. 'The Golden Martini, crafted by Ago Perrone, brings craftsmanship and devotion to a new height,' he says. 'Poetry in all senses is a must.' Ferreira raves that Harry's Bar is a family affair. 'Luciano Procu's impeccable hosting and the team's attention to detail (they know my name and precisely how I take my Martini) transforms every dinner into something personal,' he says. For a late night filled with friends and interesting conversation, Ferreira adores the upstairs at Mr Chow. He advises pairing a SEVENTY ONE Lychee Martini with their amazing dishes. With a seductive piano bar, The Corinthia pays homage to its heritage. 'The cocktails are a work that only a Maestro could orchestrate,' says Ferreira. 'Have several of them, try them all.' Housed in Mayfair, Hedonism Wines has a robust selection of vermouths, bitters and mixing glasses that make it easy to craft the perfect martini. According to Ferreira, it's Disneyland for martini lovers. 'The part that stands out to me the most is the extensive range of vermouths and bitters, making the martini more colorful and exciting, transforming a classic into something so unique.' Ferreira swears that Claridges on a Sunday is perfection. 'Their classic roast, served in the chicest way I have ever seen,' he says. 'It makes the quintessential British experience.' Beyond the restaurants, hotels and bars mentioned previously, Ferreira says that Marchesi 1824 is a hidden treasure. 'This iconic Italian pastry shop is pure indulgence to the palate and to the eyes, and it takes tea time to chic aperitivo," says Ferreira. ' We've had the pleasure of collaborating with them in the past, in an edition of their secular Panetone and an ice-cold SEVENTY ONE Golden Martini last Christmas.' .
