“Gin bubble” not about to burst anytime soon

Britain now exports more gin around the world than it does beef, wheat or beer, with gin sales worth 14^% more than sales of British beer overseas – sales of British ales and lager, totalling £590 million abroad in 2019.

The UK saw at least 80 new distilleries open in 2019, an increase of 22^% compared with the previous year, bringing the number to at least 441, according to the Wine & Spirits Trade Association (WSTA).  Our favourite tipple is now the most enjoyed spirit drink in the UK, with the number of 228 distilleries in England alone, having increased from just 23 in 2010, and 66 in 2014.

Miles Beale, Chief Executive of the WSTA, said: “It’s been another phenomenal 12 months for gin and, despite recent reports suggesting the gin bubble may have burst, our numbers suggest the exact opposite – not only is gin’s popularity here to stay, it’s now worth over £3 billion annually.”

So, the idea of gin “losing its fizz” – that millions of people are going to quit the juniper juice – could not be further from the truth.  I’ve heard rumours of rum being touted as the next gin, but this has simply not happened; and nor is it likely to, as gin brands have also succeeded in connecting with younger drinkers: four years ago, 43^% of 18-24s told WSTA that they drink gin, it’s now 55^%.

Our ‘Top Ten’ of the gins we have reviewed to date:

• 6 O’Clock
• G Gin
• Aviation
• Beast
• Black Dog
• Caorunn
• Cotswold
• Roku
• Ten Tor Gin
• Twisted Nose

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