Gin

Gin has a story that stretches from the apothecaries of Renaissance Europe to the cutting-edge distilleries of today. At its core, gin is a spirit flavoured predominantly with juniper berries, but its appeal lies in the balance between that crisp, pine-like backbone and a whole spectrum of botanicals — herbs, spices, fruits, and flowers — that distillers use to create signature styles. This versatility is why gin has remained a favourite for centuries, able to shine in both classic cocktails and modern creations.

The drink’s history is often traced back to the Netherlands in the 17th century, where a juniper-flavoured spirit called genever was consumed for both medicinal and recreational purposes. British soldiers developed a taste for it during the Eighty Years’ War, and when they returned home, gin began to evolve into a lighter, more aromatic style. By the early 18th century, gin had become hugely popular in London, for better and for worse — the so-called “Gin Craze” was both a social problem and the start of a lasting British tradition.

Modern gin production is shaped by a few core methods. London Dry Gin — not a geographic term, but a style — is distilled with natural botanicals and without added sweetening, resulting in a clean, dry finish that works well in cocktails like the Martini or Negroni. Distillers start with a neutral grain spirit, redistill it with botanicals in the still, and use careful cuts to retain brightness and complexity. Some producers opt for vapour infusion, where botanicals sit in a basket above the still, letting hot vapour draw out flavour in a lighter, more delicate way. Others steep the botanicals directly in the spirit before distillation for a richer extraction.

While juniper is the defining note, the supporting cast varies widely. Citrus peels lemon, orange, grapefruit add brightness. Roots like orris and angelica lend earthiness and help bind aromas. Spices such as coriander seed, cardamom, or cassia bark contribute warmth and complexity. Some modern distillers use local ingredients to give their gin a sense of place: seaweed and samphire for a coastal profile, heather and rowan berries for a Highland accent, or tropical fruits for a contemporary twist.

Gin’s resurgence in the 21st century is thanks in part to the craft distilling movement, which has embraced experimentation. Small producers have pushed boundaries with unusual botanicals, barrel-aging, and even seasonal or limited-edition releases. At the same time, long-established houses continue to refine and protect classic recipes, ensuring that traditional gin remains at the heart of the category.

For the drinker, gin offers both familiarity and discovery. You might reach for a trusted London Dry for your evening G&T, but there’s equal pleasure in trying a new craft gin with a surprising botanical list. Gin’s adaptability means it can be enjoyed neat, over ice, with a simple mixer, or in more complex cocktails. Its range, from bright and zesty to herbaceous, floral, or even savoury, means there’s a gin for every palate.

Here you’ll find a curated selection of gins from across the UK and around the world, from household names to boutique producers. Whether you’re restocking your home bar, searching for a gift, or exploring new styles, our range is designed to offer quality, variety, and the opportunity to discover something memorable.