They are very proud of their most recent creation, Weaver’s Dry Gin. It is a tribute to the linen industry, once the largest industry in Ireland. The creamy texture is down to an infusion of Irish flax seeds in the distillation process. Weaver’s Gin was named Best Irish Classic Gin at the 2019 World Gin Awards and was awarded a coveted gold medal at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. For the perfect serve, West Cork recommends you fill a large glass with fresh ice, pour 50ml of Garnish Island Gin, 150ml of Premium tonic and garnish with a slice of strawberry. John Wilson Hernö Gin Distillery increased its medal haul in this flight with two more Masters, one for Hernö Navy Strength Gin, with notes of “spice, minerality and lovely spice”, and another for “resinous, lemon and pine” Hernö Juniper Cask Gin.

The new Lewis Hamilton Zero Sugar edition has a completely new formula with a ‘refreshing peach nectarine flavour’ and is made from vegan ingredients. Both bottlings have been created to be served ice-cold as neat sipping gins, and were awarded Gold medals in The Gin Masters 2022 tastings. A total of 24 Silver medals completed the Contemporary flight, with awards going to Copeland Irish Gin, Sky Wave Gin Signature London Dry Gin, Palmers Gin and Greenpoint Gin, to name just a few. Bold, fresh citrus notes were a hit among the judges Pleasantly surprisedForty Spotted Gin also won two Master medals. Forty Spotted Wild Rose received a Master for its “excellent rose aromas” and “very juniper- and rose-forward palate”, and Forty Spotted Citrus & Raspberry won a Master for being full of “delicate fresh fruit, citrus, and long-lasting finish”.

Blood Monkey and Two Shores are both high quality, innovative brands, just the kind of drinks that we love to see in our portfolio. We're looking forward to introducing these to our customers across the whole of mainland UK over the coming months."Downes noted: “There was a lovely array of styles and flavours put forward into this category; lots of room to experiment, and it feels as though distillers are making the most of it.” Obviously it goes well in a gin and tonic, preferably with red fruits, but we like it with an elderflower tonic, raspberries and mint – and the sunshine streaming down." SKELLIG SIX18 DISTILLERY

The brand name and signature drill bit design are a nod to the act of ‘bleeding the monkey’, when sailors drilled into the officers’ barrel of grog to steal the liquor inside. Have we reached peak gin?’ This recurring question has been circulating the industry for several years now. While gin exports from the UK took a tumble during the past two years, this seemed to be more about pandemic pressures – such as the shuttering of the on-trade for extended periods – rather than consumer fatigue. Prousaefs noted: “This was an incredibly consistent flight, with all products following a good structure, and great mixability. The category shows a lot of diversity, escaping the traditional gin flavour notes.” Flavoured gin brands showed quality aboundsMaster winner Seventh Heaven London Dry Gin was praised for its “gorse flower nose and very creamy mouthfeel”, and Gordon’s Traveller’s Edition was enjoyed for its “slight citrus nose and herbal finish”. Also awarded a Master medal was AmberChes Botanical Gin, which impressed the tasters with its “thyme and rosemary palate with citrus at the end”. Local’s Edition also won a Master medal for its “lovely bright citrus nose” and “juniper-led palate”. The huge number of gins entered in our annual blind-tasting competition showed just how popular this category is, so much show that for the second year we have split the judging into two sessions. Who were the medal winners in this year’s Gin Masters blind tasting?

Blood Monkey Irish Gin is the inaugural product from Dublin-based Outcast Brands, and was created by entrepreneur Jason Kidd. Muff Irish Potato gin with a splash of tonic, a slice of orange and a twig of rosemary. REBEL CITY GIN One part Weavers Dry Gin to three parts premium tonic. Garnish with a slice of orange and fresh rosemary over ice. LOUGH REE DISTILLERY Murphy selected Mo Chara Small Batch Irish Pink Gin, available exclusively through Aldi, as his featured gin. “We did a couple of trials last year,” he says, “which worked very well, and so we have another six-month trial with Aldi that started in March.”The gin category continues to premiumise and the growth that started around five years ago isn’t stopping,” said Blood Monkey founder Jason Kidd. “However, the premium segment has become somewhat feminised in liquid, brand and serve – over-run with a sameness of experience. See themuffliquorcompany.com for a choice of gift boxes, including A Taste of Home, which includes Tayto crisps, Barry's Tea and Muff Potato Gin. Just to assure you, the name “Blood Monkey” is inspired by the practice of “bleeding the monkey,” which was a term used by sailors in the 17th century to describe when they would surreptitiously drill into an officers’ barrel to steal the spirit inside. What is Blood Monkey Gin.