What’s new in 2018 (with samples) – The world of gin is a fast-paced environment with constant innovation and there have been many new releases since last year’s Ginposium. This session looks at some of the more interesting new releases, as well as gin trends on which to keep an eye.

Gin competition judge, independent journalist, and founder of the Craft Distilling Expo. David T. Smith is a drinks writer and gin specialist. He is the author of “The Craft of Gin”, “How to Make Gin”, and “Forgotten Spirits and Long-Lost Liqueurs”; other upcoming titles include “Gin Tonica”, a recipe book on the Spanish-serve Gin & Tonic, and The Gin Dictionary from Mitchell Beazley.

David runs the website SummerFruitCup.com, judges for various international spirits competitions, and works closely with craft distillers across the world.
david@summerfruitcup.com
www.summerfruitcup.com
www.distillingexpo.com

Gins tasted include:

London to Lima (42.8% ABV)
London to Lima, Peru
www.londontolima.com
Base spirit: Grape
Botanicals include: Imported: Juniper, Angelica, Orris, Cassia (Imported).
From Peru: Coriander, Peruvian Pink Pepper, Cape Gooseberry, Lime, Valencia Orange.

Le Tribute (43.0% ABV)
Destilierias MG, Vilanova near Barcelona
www.mgdestilerias.com
Base spirit: Wheat
Botanicals include: Juniper, Lime, Kumquat, Pink & Green Grapefruit, Tangerine, Cardamom, Sweet & Bitter Oranges. Plus lemongrass distilled with water rather than alcohol.

Hapusa – Himalayan Dry Gin (43.0% ABV)
NAO Spirits, India
www.naospirits.com
Base spirit: Wheat
Botanicals include: Juniper, Coriander, Cardamom, Almond, Ginger, Turmeric, Mango, Gondoraj.

Procera Gin (44.0% ABV)
Procera, African Craft Gin, Kenya
Base spirit: Kenyan Sugar Cane
Botanicals include: Juniperus Procera, Juniperus Communis, Coriander, Swahili Limes, Pixie Oranges, Orris, Selim Pepper, Baie Rose, Cardamom, Nutmeg, Acacia Honey.

Redsmith Apple Gin (40.0% ABV)
Redsmith Distillery, Nottingham
www.redsmithdistillery.com
Base spirit: Wheat
Botanicals include: Juniper, Bramley Apple, Coriander Seed, Angelica Root, Orris Root, Oak Bark, Orange Peel, Bay Laurel, Rosemary.

Millers 9 Moons – Individual Cask (40.0% ABV)
Distilled at Langley Distillery. Matured, proofed and bottled in Iceland.
www.martinmillersgin.com
Base spirit: Wheat
Botanicals include: Juniper, Coriander, Angelica, Orange, Lemon, Lime, Orris, Cassia, Nutmeg, Liquorice. Plus cucumber distillate.
Matured for nine months in new American oak barrels.

Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla (41.3% ABV)
Cameron Bridge Distillery, Scotland
www.tanqueray.com
Base spirit: Grain
Botanicals include: Juniper, Coriander, Angelica, Liquorice, Seville Orange, Orange Blossom.

Poetic License – Sweet Bell Pepper and Naga Chilli Gin (41.4% ABV)
www.poeticlicensedistillery.com
Base spirit: British Wheat
Botanicals include: Juniper, Coriander, Orris, Cubeb Peppers, Rose Petals, Lime Leaf, Sweet Bell Pepper (red, green, yellow/orange), Smoked Naga Chilli (dried), Ancho Chilli (dried).