You can’t move these days for another artisan gin popping up. Not that we – nor the rest of the gin-glugging population – is bemoaning the renaissance. Sales of the spirit known as ‘mother’s ruin’ are flourishing and the continued surge is thanks in large part to the proliferation of independent small-batch distillers creating botanical-rich varieties that have totally revolutionised our ideas about a good G&T. (We can’t be alone in hitherto having relied upon Gordon’s as our default setting, or Bombay Sapphire when we were feeling fancy.)
There are so many glorious varieties of craft gin to try and buy. Here we select a small handful of our favourites, all of which hail from these British Isles, as a starting point for exploration. We urge you, though, to continue your adventures in gin beyond this list. It is, after all, like drinking bottled essence of the botanicals native to each locality and, plus, you’ll be supporting independent business. What’s not to love?
Fishers Original Gin
Fishers£40
Herbaceous, spicy and full of rare botanicals, this aromatic gin comes from a small independent Suffolk-based distillery. Containing spignel, samphire and bog myrtle, the ingredients are foraged-for by resident expert botanist, James. Do try it in a dirty Martini.
Start Point Gin
Salcombe Distilling CoFrom £36
This multi-award winner hails from the beautiful coastal town of Salcombe in Devon. Zesty and made with a blend of 13 botanicals, it takes inspiration from the ‘fruiters’ who once imported exotic fruits from far-flung lands. It is fittingly, then, fragrant and fruity. A great portent of summer in a glass.
Oxford Botanic Garden Physic Gin
TOAD£36.95
Anyone who has ever whiled away a leisurely hour strolling around Oxford’s glorious Botanic Garden – the oldest example in the country, having been founded in 1621 – knows that it is a sublime place, featuring some 6,000 plant species. The advent of local gin distillery TOAD, and in particular its Oxford Botanic Garden – Physic Gin, only adds to that pleasure. What could be nicer than having a post-meander nip of gin containing 25 botanicals harvested from that very garden? Expect notes of juniper, wormwood and citrus. Do also check out TOAD’s Ashmolean Dry Gin for jura lemon, rose, jasmine and spiced flavours.
Stratford Dry Gin
Shakespeare Distillery£36
This Stratford-upon-Avon distillery, named after the town’s most famous son, produces three gins from, fittingly, Tudor garden botanicals. Distilled using the London dry method, (which is to say, using a single shot distillation method), this particular blend has a floral notes of rose, rosemary and lovage. There is also a rhubarb gin and mulberry gin liqueur on offer; drink lashings of the former as the weather turns warmer and little shots of the latter while still languishing in the colder months. For those seeking the full Shakespeare Distillery experience, the company offers gin cruises along the River Avon (think tastings while taking in all the Shakespearean sights), a gin school at which you can make your very own blend, and finally, cocktail masterclasses.
Tarquin's Handcrafted Cornish Dry Gin
Tarquin's£39
This Cornish made gin is a contemporary take on a classic London dry gin, distilled with twelve botanicals sourced from across the globe and locally foraged on the wild Cornish coast. Crisp piney notes from the juniper balance with fresh citrus and a bright floral finish. Try it with red grapefruit and a sprig of thyme.
The Botanist Islay Dry Gin
The Botanist£37
‘Welcome to Wild,’ invites The Botanist’s lovely website, which is a lush and slick affair. Do take a moment to watch the introductory video to the company’s founding ethos, which is predicated around the fact that it forages for all its fresh ingredients on the Scottish island of Islay. There are sublime looking cocktail recipes (we’ve never tried a Chamomile Collins before, but we know that’s all set to change having spied this recipe). There are profiles of each botanical’s properties and history. There is merchandise (think aprons and bags). And then there’s the star of the show: the gin itself, which features twenty-two botanicals, from lemon balm to the superbly named ‘Lady’s bedstraw’, Tansy to wood sage. This is a gin of dreams. Where else, after all, would you be able to buy an artisan bottle and get a helping of Proust on the side? ‘The only real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes,’ it quotes on its site. We think we’re in love.
Isle Of Harris Gin
Isle of Harris Distillery£44.50
Critically acclaimed, this Hebridean gin features nine botanicals including local hand-harvested sugar kelp, giving it a distinctive maritime flavour profile complemented by lime, pine, and sea salt. The beautifully designed bottle will be a handsome addition to your grog tray, and even better, once made into a cocktail.
Hoxton Tropical Gin
Hoxton£35.95
You'll find creamy coconut, grapefruit zest, mellow juniper and warm spice in this gin from the East London spirits brand, one of the original flavoured gin disruptors. Serve with ginger ale and grapefruit or as a daiquiri or picante.
FAQs: British Artisan Gin - Everything You Need To Know
What is British artisan gin?
British artisan gin is typically produced by independent distilleries in small batches, with a focus on quality, craftsmanship and distinctive botanical blends. Many artisan producers experiment with local ingredients to create unique flavour profiles.
What botanicals are commonly used in British artisan gin?
While juniper is the essential ingredient in all gin, British artisan distillers often use botanicals such as coriander seed, angelica root, citrus peel, lavender, rosemary, elderflower and locally foraged plants to create distinctive flavours.
How should artisan gin be served?
Artisan gin can be enjoyed in several ways, including with premium tonic water, over ice, in classic cocktails such as a Martini or Negroni, or even neat to fully appreciate its botanical complexity.
Why has British artisan gin become so popular?
The rise of craft spirits, consumer interest in local products and the creativity of independent distillers have all contributed to the popularity of British artisan gin. Drinkers increasingly seek unique flavours and authentic production methods.
How is artisan gin different from London Dry Gin?
Artisan gin refers to the scale and style of production, whereas London Dry Gin is a specific production method. An artisan gin can be a London Dry Gin, but it can also be made using other techniques that allow for a broader range of flavour expressions.
What should I look for when choosing a British artisan gin?
Consider the botanical profile, serving suggestions and flavour notes. Some artisan gins are citrus-forward and refreshing, while others emphasise floral, herbal or spicy characteristics. Choosing a gin that matches your taste preferences will enhance your enjoyment.
