Best of British: homegrown gins you have to try this summer

June 7, 2021

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Whether it’s served neat or swirled in a cocktail, gin is the perfect summertime drink. But did you know: some of the best gin is made right here in Britain?

From Snowdonia’s sunny, citrusy flavours to Bristol’s exotic blend of botanicals, we sipped our way through the finest homegrown gins (it’s a tough job). Here are the highlights.

Scotland

1. The Botanist Islay Dry Gin

Slowly distilled at Bruichladdich Distillery on the Isle of Islay with hand-foraged local botanicals.

2.Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice Gin

Distilled in Girvan, this refreshing take on the Hendrick’s house style is a tribute to the sensory powers of the Midsummer Solstice.

Northern Ireland

3.Jawbox Small Batch Gin

Jawbox pride themselves on greatness through graft and craft. Belfast cut, this gin is distilled and bottled by hand.

Northwest

4.The Lakes Distillery Classic Gin

This classic gin is exclusive to Ocado, and made with water from the Lake District. Includes vibrant notes of juniper, cracked black pepper and orange peel. It’s gently distilled with the luxury of time for exceptional smoothness.

Northeast

5. Slingsby Navy Strength Gin

Inspired by William Slingsby, who discovered the unique properties of the natural spring water from Harrogate’s Tewit Well. Bottled at 57% ABV. The Royal Navy ‘proof test’ means gunpowder can still ignite if gin accidentally spills on it.

Wales

6. Aber Falls Orange Marmalade Gin

Distilled on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, with hints of orange and juniper. Try it in a Citrus Fizz: 1 part gin, 2 parts dry white wine and 3 parts soda, over ice.

7. Brecon Botanicals Gin

Crafted at Penderyn Distillery from pure grain spirit and water from Brecon Beacons National Park. Garnish with refreshing mint and cucumber.

Midlands

8. English Drinks Company Cucumber Gin

Shrewsbury’s quintessential summer drink has a delicate juniper base and a twist of cucumber. Garnish with mint.

9. Williams Chase Great British Gin

Copper-stilled near Hereford from Chase Potato Vodka, with 10 wild botanicals. Serve with tonic over ice and a slice of fresh ginger.

10. Sadler’s Peaky Blinder Spiced Gin

This full-bodied spiced gin was hand-crafted by the Sadler family, purveyors of fine beers and spirits in Stourbridge, West Midlands for over 100 years.

East Anglia

11. Adnams Copper House Gin

Handcrafted in Southwold from grain to glorious gin using the finest East Anglian malted barley. Its six botanicals include sweet orange peel and hibiscus flower.

Southwest

12. Plymouth Gin

Distilled since 1793 using the same blend of seven exotic botanicals, soft Dartmoor water and pure grain alcohol, at The Plymouth Gin Distillery.

13. 6 O’clock Gin

Strikingly smooth, with a soft, citrusy flavour led by juniper, carefully balanced with classic botanicals. Bristol’s best was born in 2010 from an old family gin recipe.