Gin - the spirit of summer

The love affair enjoyed by the British with their favourite tipple shows no sign of abating with sales of the juniper-flavoured spirit topping 51 million bottles in 2017. An incredible 16 million bottles of gin worth £413 million were sold in the 12 weeks to the end of December, up 28% from 2016. There are now 315 distilleries operating in the UK, double the number five years ago producing 100 different brands of the popular liquor. Exports are now worth £530 million annually.

And here in the Deepings there is no shortage of opportunities to try the ever-increasing variety of flavours. Close by in Helpston the Bluebell runs a successful Gin Club. Signing up for a card is rewarded with a selection of tailored offers, tastings and events. An email newsletter signposts the gin of the month for which there is a discounted price. Coming up for July landlady Lesley Newitt has sourced a selection of floral gins, including Cornflower and Camomile, and Lovage. She particularly likes the ability to tempt her customers to try different flavours; she says ‘I didn’t expect Black Tomato Gin to be so popular but it has gone down a treat especially with those who prefer savoury tastes.’ Also proving a hit at the pub is Afternoon Gin and Tea. Traditional cucumber sandwiches, homemade scones with jam and clotted cream are served with a teapot of Hendricks Gin, cucumber and Fever-Tree Tonic. Bertha’s Revenge, Gunpowder Gin, Whitley Neill Raspberry Gin and the perennially popular Warner Edwards Rhubarb Gin all go down a treat and when you look at the beautiful bottles and innovative artwork on the labels there is no surprise at the longevity of this craze!

Testimony to the popularity of the spirit, if any is needed, is the UK’s first Gin and Rum Festival which is coming to Peterborough Cathedral on 24th-25th August, when over 60 different gins and 60 different rums will be available from seven bars. The event will include informative talks, a scrummy selection of street food and live entertainment. For more information visit http://www.peterboroughcathedral.org.uk/143/section.aspx/142/gin_and_rum

Want to know more? Impressions Holidays of Peterborough are offering aficionados the opportunity to discover more about the story behind the flavour with a tour of Bombay Sapphire’s Distillery. Here the art of cocktail making will be explored with a Gin Masterclass. Dinner, bed and breakfast at a fourstar Hilton Hotel and a trip to Windsor complete the weekend, Saturday 27th–Sunday 28th October for just £149 per person. For more details visit http://www.impressionholidays.com/