The Future of Gin
If there’s one thing gin is good at, it’s keeping us on our toes. From the riotous Gin Craze of the 1700s to the pink gin boom of the 2000s, this spirit has a knack for reinventing itself. So what might the next chapter look like? Let’s take a little crystal ball peek…
1. Gin Without the Guilt
Not every night needs to end with a strong G&T. The rise of low and no-alcohol gins means you can still enjoy the ritual without the morning-after regret. We’re not saying Pickering’s is going sober anytime soon, but we’re watching this trend with a raised eyebrow (and maybe a slice of orange).
2. Stranger (and Tastier) Botanicals
Juniper will always be gin’s leading actor, but the supporting cast is getting wilder. Think truffle gin, olive gin, even chilli-chocolate gin. Distillers are starting to borrow ideas from chefs, so don’t be surprised if your next G&T tastes like it belongs on a Michelin-starred menu.
3. Green is the New London Dry
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s shaping how gin is made. Expect more refill stations, planet-friendly packaging, and botanicals grown practically on the distillery doorstep. The next wave of gin lovers will be just as interested in a brand’s footprint as they are in its flavour.
4. Tech on Tap
Distillers are experimenting with AI flavour maps, data-driven recipes, and clever new still designs. But don’t worry, the copper still isn’t going anywhere. It’s more about blending the best of both worlds: centuries of tradition with just enough shiny gadgetry to keep things interesting.
5. Beyond the G&T
The future of gin isn’t about leaving tradition behind; it’s about building on it. At Summerhall Distillery, we’ll always hold fast to our copper stills, careful distilling, and love of botanicals. But we’re just as excited to see where innovation takes us. Because if history tells us anything, it’s this: gin’s best chapters are still being written.