Climate change impact on Botanicals suppliers & gin producers: Panel Session - Ginposium 2026
Sean Harrison
Plymouth Gin
Jim Long
Starspice Ingredients
Matthew Pauley
Herriot-Watt University
A panel discussion with Q&A exploring the effects of climate change on gin botanicals, examining challenges faced by suppliers and producers, and sharing strategies to ensure sustainable sourcing and maintain flavour consistency in an evolving global environment.
About the contributors:
Sean Harrison, Master Distiller, Plymouth Gin
Sean Harrison is the long‑serving Master Distiller at Plymouth Gin, one of Britain’s most iconic heritage gin producers. Having joined the company in 1994 and progressed to his current role, Sean is the custodian of a recipe and distillation tradition that stretches back over two centuries, blending time‑honoured craftsmanship with contemporary quality standards. Under his stewardship, Plymouth Gin has not only maintained its historical character but also embraced innovation, including sustainability initiatives at its historic Blackfriars distillery in Devon. Sean’s perspective bridges deep respect for heritage processes with a forward‑thinking understanding of how classic gin continues to evolve in today’s global market.
Jim Long, Owner & Director, Starspice Ingredients
Jim Long brings a wealth of experience from across the global spirits industry to the panel, having spent more than two decades in roles spanning marketing, product development and botanical sourcing. Today he leads Starspice Ingredients Ltd, a specialist supplier of botanicals, herbs and spices to distillers worldwide, with a catalogue of over 250 botanicals. Jim’s deep understanding of provenance, terroir and the essential role of quality botanicals in spirit flavour and character uniquely positions him to speak on innovation, supply chain dynamics and the practical realities of ingredient sourcing in a rapidly growing gin sector. He has also served on the Board of The Gin Guild, where he champions sustainability and education for the industry at large.
Matthew Pauley, Assistant Professor of Distilling, Heriot‑Watt University
Dr Matthew Pauley serves as Assistant Professor of Distilling at the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling at Heriot‑Watt University, one of the world’s leading academic research centres for spirits science and education. His work sits at the intersection of sensory science, botanical research and technical distillation processes, exploring, for example, how environmental factors such as climate can affect the key botanicals that define gin’s flavour profile. With a background that spans industry consultancy as well as academic investigation, Matthew is uniquely placed to offer evidence‑based perspectives on how scientific research can inform and enhance gin production — from raw materials to sensory outcomes and quality optimisation.
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Ginposium 2026
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- 12th June 2026
- RSA House, London
The views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views or position of The Gin Guild.
Presentations are provided for general information and were accurate to the best of the speakers’ knowledge at the time of recording. The Gin Guild does not accept responsibility for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies, nor for any actions taken in reliance on the information provided.