In the six months since its launch, Daffy's gin has received several accolades, however the latest one may just be their most prestigious yet.
The Scottish gin has just won Gold at the International Wine & Spirits awards 2015 in the best London Dry Gin category.
The company has continued to go from strength to strength of late, gaining acknowledgement not just for the quality of its spirit but also for that of its packaging, with the brand artwork featured on their bottle being created by Robert McGinnis, the painter of behind the classic poster art for Breakfast at Tiffany’s, James Bond and Barberella.
Though the gin industry is currently dominated by bigger brands, there seems to be a growing momentum in the artisan distillers' scene, particularly in Scotland, that has seen a wave of small batch gins, led by distilleries like Daffy's gain growing popularity.
Distiller and founder Chris Molyneaux states that his mission statement for Daffy's is simple, he originally set out to "make the world’s best London Dry Gin" with an wow factor so good that when drunk neat it would be "on a par with the finest rums and malt whiskies in the world".
Chris adds: "Drinking straight gin can be a hard sell, but the finesse of a gin that you can get so much from straight, is also the best possible starting point for inspiring great cocktails."
The distiller believes that the ‘X factor’ in Daffy’s comes from the unique botanical Lebanese mint grown by his father in law on his vineyard in the Bekka Valley of Lebanon. This he says, is what gives Daffy’s its creamy, toffee buttery notes and its exceptional length.
Indeed, their UK sales have exceeded the team's expectations in and they are now looking to expand overseas.
Daffy's Cocktails
Elderflower Dandy
(Created by Black Fox, Edinburgh)
The Elderflower Dandy. Picture: Daffy's
Ingredients:
• 50ml Daffy’s
• 25ml St Germaine Elderflower
• 10ml Jack Rudy Elderflower Tonic
• 25ml Gomme
• 25ml Egg white
• 25ml Lemon
Method:
Dry shake, shake with ice then fine strain.
Reset
(Created by Hudson bar, Belfast)
The Reset. Picture: Daffy's
Ingredients:
• 3 parts Daffy’s
• 2 parts St Germain Elderflower liqueur
• 1.5 parts lime juice
• 1 thumbnail fresh ginger and same of cucumber
• Old Jamaican Ginger Beer
• Ice cubes
Method:
Muddle the cucumber and ginger in the bottom of a shaker, add the Daffy’s, St Germain, lime, ice and shake for 8-10 seconds.
Fine strain over a large rocks glass filled with whole ice, then top with ginger beer and stir.
Rub the rim of the glass with ginger before serving.
Daffy’s Side Car
(Created by Hoxton Pony, London)
The Side Car. Picture: Daffy's
Ingredients:
• 2 parts Daffy’s
• 1 bar spoon orange marmalade
• A dash of Crème de Menthe green
• 1/3 part elderflower cordial
• ¾ part lemon juice
Method:
Shake the gin, marmalade, Crème de Menthe, cordial and lemon juice together with the ice for ten
seconds. Double strain into a coupette glass with a sugared rim. Garnish with dry lemon and mint.
