summerfruitcup.com
Terroir. Does it matter? The French word that translates to “of the earth,” and is used mostly in wine contexts to describe the soil, water, climate and other local factors of its provenance. Can certain environmental conditions surrounding where a gin is produced have a direct impact on the final product and flavour profiles? (with samples)
David T. Smith
Gin competition judge and independent journalist
David T. Smith is a drinks writer and gin specialist. He is the author of ‘The Craft of Gin’ and upcoming titles, ‘Forgotten Spirits & Long-Lost Liqueurs’ and ‘How to Make Gin’. He runs the website SummerFruitCup.com, judges for various international spirits competitions, and works closely with craft distillers in the UK and US.
Winner: Think Gin 2016 – Communicator of the Year
Website: www.summerfruitcup.com
david@distilling.com
Whittakers (41.3% ABV)
Harrogate Distillery
Nidderdale, North Yorkshire, UK
www.whittakersgin.com
Spirit Base: Neutral Grain Spirit
Botanicals: Juniper, Coriander, Angelica Root, Citrus Thyme
Local botanicals: Bilberries, Hawthorne berries, Bog Myrtle
St. George Terroir Gin (45.0% ABV)
St. George Spirits Alameda, California, USA
www.stgeorgespirits.com
Spirit Base: Neutral Grain Spirit
Botanicals: Including Douglas fir, California bay laurel, Coastal Sage
Edinburgh Seaside Gin (43.0% ABV)
Edinburgh Gin Distillery
Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
www.edinburghgindistillery.co.uk
Spirit Base: Neutral Grain Spirit (Wheat)
Botanicals: Juniper, Coriander, Angelica, Orris, Grains of Paradise
Local botanicals: Seaweed, Scurvy Grass, Ground Ivy
Hepple Gin (45.0% ABV)
Moorland Spirits Company Northumberland, UK
www.hepple-gin.com
Spirit Base: Neutral Grain Spirit
Botanicals: Juniper, Coriander, Angelica, Orris, Lemon, Liquorice, Fennel, Blackcurrant
Local botanicals: Green Juniper, Douglas Fir, Bog Myrtle, Lovage, Blackcurrant Leaf
Tarquin’s “The Seadog” Navy Strength (57.0 % ABV)
Southwestern Distillery Wadebridge, Cornwall
www.southwesterndistillery.com
Spirit Base: Neutral Grain Spirit
Botanicals: Juniper, Coriander, Angelica, Lemon, Orange, Orris, Grapefruit, Bitter Almond, Cinnamon, Liquorice, Cardamom
Local Botanical: Devonshire Violets