Switch up your G&T with these gin flavours from across the world 

Gin, with its roots tracing back to the Dutch Genever of the 17th century, has evolved into a global phenomenon, capturing the hearts and palates of enthusiasts across continents. Born in the distilleries of Holland, where juniper berries were first infused into spirits for their supposed medicinal properties, gin quickly spread its wings and soared beyond borders, embracing new techniques and ingredients with each step of its journey. 

From the cobblestone streets of Amsterdam to the bustling markets of London, gin became the drink of choice for adventurers and traders, its crisp and aromatic profile offering a refreshing respite from the rigours of seafaring voyages. It was in the smoky gin joints of 18th-century England where the iconic London Dry style was born, setting the standard for generations to come. 

But the story of gin doesn’t end with its European roots. Across the seas, in the colonial outposts of the British Empire, gin took on new flavours and forms, blending seamlessly with local botanicals and traditions to create a tapestry of global gin expressions. From the spice-infused gins of India to the citrusy delights of the Caribbean, each region infused its own essence into the spirit, adding layers of complexity and character to the gin landscape. Today, the world of gin is a vibrant mosaic of cultures and flavours, with distilleries from every corner of the globe crafting their own unique interpretations of this beloved spirit. From the rugged coastlines of Scotland to the sun-drenched vineyards of Australia, gin enthusiasts can embark on a tasting journey that spans continents and centuries, exploring the rich tapestry of botanicals, techniques, and traditions that define the global gin experience. 

So, join us as we raise a glass to the spirit of exploration and discovery with this prized spirit. No matter where you go, there is a world of gin waiting to be explored.  

The Spirit of the City 

Beefeater is a timeless example of a London Dry gin – meaning that nothing is added after distillation to alter flavour. This means that all flavours in the gin must come from botanicals, specially selected to give each gin its unique flavour profile. For Beefeater this comes from their classic 9 botanicals featuring orange and lemon peels, liquorice and almond, which produce their classic flavour profile leading with juniper and citrus and long, sweet finish. Despite the name, London Dry connotes a style of gin and therefore does not have to be made in its namesake city, Beefeater however, hold the distinction of being the only London Dry gin to have always been made in the city of London continuing up to today from their distillery in Kennington.  

Whilst excellent in classic cocktails like a negroni or martini – the perfect Beefeater G&T is a touch of simple elegance – just 50ml Beefeater London Dry, 150ml Indian tonic water and orange and lemon slices to mirror its botanicals. A perfect drink to begin your evening – best paired with fresh seafood like ceviche or to cut through the sweetness of desserts such as lemon meringue pie.  

A postcard from the Almalfi Coast

Imagine being transported to a Mediterranean paradise with every sip of your G&T. Malfy con Limone, a gin inspired by the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy, makes this dream a reality. ‘Con Limone’ translates to ‘with lemon’ in Italian, highlighting the primary botanical of this exquisite gin: the prized Amalfi lemons. Malfy con Limone is crafted using a unique cold or vacuum distillation process. This method allows fresh fruit juices to be distilled, resulting in a vibrant and refreshing burst of citrus with every sip. 

Best enjoyed in a G&T with a lemon wheel (Italian of course!) and a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme served ala spritz during ‘apperitivo’ – a quintessentially Italian pastime of light bites and casual drinks before dinner. Ideal accompaniments include antipasto with cheese, olives and sun-ripened tomatoes or a bright summer salad.  

Adventures in the German Black Forest

Staying in Europe for our next gin, this time from the black forest in Germany with Monkey 47. A cult favourite amongst bartenders for its quirky and unorthodox approach to gin making, 47 refers not only to the ABV (Alcohol by volume) but to the number of botanicals added in various stages during the production of this out-of-the-box gin. With botanicals abound expect waves of flavour – from lingon berries to grapefruit, peppercorn and lavender.  

Garnished with grapefruit peel, this funky G&T is best paired with foods that pack an equal punch – think hard cheeses, ginger prawns and masala gravies.  

Craftmanship from Kyoto  

Crafted in the heart of Kyoto – the historical and cultural capital of Japan, KINOBI draws its influence from all things artisanal. Meaning ‘beauty of the seasons’ KINOBI’s eleven botanicals – all hyper seasonal and Japanese in nature including Japanese pine, yuzu and Gyokuro green tea – are grouped into ‘6 Elements’ which are distilled separately before being blended by their master distillers. 

Exceptionally smooth in taste owing to its rice-spirit base (another homage to the sake brewing in the region) it can even be sipped neat on the rocks, or in a gin and tonic – KINOBI and a combination of tonic and soda to make those botanicals shine. Best paired with Japanese or East Asian flavours such as sushi or black sesame ice cream.  

Classics from Plymouth 

True to its roots, Plymouth Gin follows the original London Dry gin method, meaning that no additives are introduced after distillation. Every nuance of flavour in Plymouth Gin is derived from its carefully curated botanicals, including orange and lemon peels, liquorice, and almond. The result is a classic flavour profile that begins with juniper and citrus notes, leading to a long, sweet finish. 

Despite its name, Plymouth Gin epitomises the London Dry style and need not be confined to its namesake city. However, Plymouth Gin proudly holds the distinction of being the only London Dry gin that has always been crafted within the city limits of London, a tradition that continues to this day at the Kennington distillery. 

Whether enjoyed in classic cocktails like the negroni or martini, Plymouth Gin truly shines in a simple yet elegant G&T. Just 50ml of Plymouth London Dry Gin, paired with 150ml of Indian tonic water and garnished with orange and lemon slices, creates a refreshing libation perfect for any occasion. For an unforgettable pairing, savour Plymouth Gin with fresh seafood like ceviche or alongside the sweetness of desserts such as lemon meringue pie. 

Exploring the Untamed North 

Transport yourself to the pristine wilderness of northern Quebec with Ungava Gin, a three-time gold medal winner at the World Spirits Award and a true gem among premium Canadian gins. Crafted in limited quantities, Ungava Gin is a celebration of nature’s bounty, meticulously distilled using 100% natural ingredients sourced from the rugged landscapes of the Arctic. 

At the heart of Ungava Gin lies a spirit derived from locally grown corn, infused with a captivating array of rare botanicals hand-foraged in the untamed wilderness of northern Quebec. Cloudberry, crowberry, Labrador tea, Nordic juniper, and wild rose hips are carefully selected and slowly steeped to extract their natural essences, resulting in a gin of unparalleled complexity and character. The unique yellow hue of Ungava Gin is a testament to its Arctic origins, a vibrant reflection of the pristine landscapes from which its botanicals are harvested. Wild as the Arctic itself, Ungava Gin captures the untamed spirit of the north in every sip. 

Wild as the Arctic itself, Ungava Gin embodies the spirit of exploration and adventure with every sip. Whether savoured neat or in a classic cocktail, Ungava Gin invites you to discover the true essence of the north. Pair it with equally bold flavours, such as hard cheeses, ginger prawns, or masala gravies, for an unforgettable culinary experience. 

A cherished addition to the Pernod Ricard family since 2018, Ungava Gin continues to captivate drinkers with its unparalleled quality and distinctive flavour profile. Experience the essence of the Arctic with Ungava Gin—a true testament to the untamed beauty of Canada’s northern landscapes.