No less than 25 new Scottish gins have launched in the last year alone, taking the total number of gins included on the map to 53, providing a visual representation of the gin boom now being enjoyed in Scotland and by extension, across the UK.
The colourful map has been designed to include the name of each Scottish gin, their location, the botanicals used to create them and the garnish recommended by the distiller.
Notable new gins on the map include LoneWolf Gin, produced by Aberdeen-based craft beer giants BrewDog, two new releases from Orkney - Kirkjuvagr and Johnsmas, Misty Isle Gin from Skye, and Ginerosity, a social enterprise gin from Edinburgh.
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The infographic also includes, for the first time, no less than three new gins from the Borders in the form of The Crow Man’s, Solway Classic and Lilliard gins.
The creators of the map say the range of gins chosen to feature reflect the creativity and resourcefulness of the Scottish craft gin market, many of which have beautifully designed bottles, locally foraged botanicals, and exotic garnishes, including kiwi fruit (Shetland Reel) and torn bay leaf (Bardowie Gin).
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Judging by the recent success and growth in sales witnessed across the industry, and the sheer number of new gin producers, it seems that the days of Scottish gin being considered an artisan fad are over, and while the popular spirit is traditionally associated with England, 70 per cent of gin consumed in the UK is now made in Scotland.
This rise in production is due in part to the increase in small craft distilleries and the arrival of whisky companies into the gin market, although the figure can also largely be attributed to Diageo relocating production of their Gordon’s and Tanquery gins to Fife in 1998.
• READ MORE: 27 of the best Scottish gins we recommend you try
Figures from HMRC show exports of the juniper-based spirit rose to record levels last year, increasing 12 per cent to £474m, and outperforming exports of British beef and soft drinks, while the Wine and Spirit Trade Association also predicts that 2017 exports will pass £500m within the year at the current “meteoric” growth rate.
The current popularity is also reflected across the rest of the UK, with British gin sales hitting the £1.1bn mark last year, an increase of 12 per cent when compared with 2015.
These sales and export figures confirmed the WSTA’s assessment in December, that 2016 was a “year of gin”, and was unparalleled since the body began recording sales of alcoholic drinks, while data from the research company Euromonitor predicts that the trend will continue and by 2020 gin sales will “surpass whisky in the UK”.
Ronnie Somerville, 5pm Founder, said that they launched the updated Gin Map of Scotland as part of their bid to “champion Scottish food and drink”.
Picture: 5pm.co.uk
He added: “The astounding number of gins made in Scotland can clearly be seen in our new map which is a lot fuller than last year’s.”
Picture: The 5pm.co.uk gin map, 2016, which included far fewer gins
“Scottish gin continues to be hugely popular with our customers and almost a year after the launch of the 2016 map we still receive regular requests for a printed copy which is why this year we have put it up on our website for gin lovers to download it for free.
As well as the map, gin enthusiasts should also look out for 5pm's gin themed deals that include masterclasses and juniper afternoon teas as well as a comprehensive list of restaurants that will give a serving of gin when you book a meal through the site.
One lucky person will also win the ultimate gin lovers package with gin prizes from Glasgow’s Hilton Grosvenor, Finsbay and Citation.
Scottish gin fans who would like to put the map up on their kitchen wall can download the map for free on 5pm.co.uk.
So, this World Gin Day, why not use the map for ginspiration and make your G&T a Scottish one.
http://foodanddrink.scotsman.com/drink/27-of-the-best-scottish-gins-we-recommend-you-try/
