on the grapevine
CLAIRE SPREADBURY ROUNDS UP HER FAVOURITE GINS FOR THE SUMMER
THE world has gone a bit nuts for gin.
It appeared to reach fever pitch a couple of years ago, when all manner of gin festivals started springing up, new flavours began appearing on supermarket shelves everywhere, and no kitchen was complete without a couple of balloon glasses for when gin o’clock rolled around. But since then, the spirit has continued to soar. And now, new research has found that over the last 12 months, gin was mentioned every four seconds on social media. We might just be obsessed.
The results of a new social-listening survey by Whitley Neill Gin have revealed our favourite tipple was tagged 8.4 million times on Twitter last year.
Sales are continuing to rise, too. According to the Wine And Spirit Trade Association, Brits bought almost 60 million bottles of gin in 2018, up 38% on the year before.
“Gin has officially established itself in the
British consciousness and around the world,” says Leanne Ware, senior marketing manager at Whitley Neill Gin. There’s been a clear shift towards flavoured gins too, which are creating an incredible amount of conversation online, she says.
So, what better way to celebrate than with yet another gin? There’s a multitude of new concoctions out just in time for summer
– here are some of our favourites...
1. Hendrick’s
Midsummer Solstice
Gin (limited edition),
70cl, currently reduced to £30 from £35), Sainsbury’s.
2. Sipsmith Orange & Cacao Gin, 50cl, currently reduced to £22 from £25, Tesco.
3. Kokoro Blueberry & Lemongrass Gin, 20cl, £12.50, kokorogin.com
4. Hyke Gin, 50cl, £24, Tesco.
5. Stranger & Sons Gin, 70cl, £34.95, Master of Malt.
6. Kopparberg Premium Gin Mixed Fruit, 70cl, £20, Asda.
7. Whitley Neill Pink Grapefruit Gin, 70cl, £20, Asda.
8. Adnams Limited Edition Lemon and Tamarind Gin, 70cl, £29.99, adnams.co.uk. 9. Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla Distilled Gin & Tonic, £8 for four 275ml bottles, Asda.