What is Craft Gin?
Craft gin or 'artisan gin' is made on a smaller scale than gin made by the huge distillers like Gordon’s.
The appearance of craft distilleries is credited with a general improvement in quality and choice for gin lovers over the past two decades.
The first of the craft distilleries was Sipsmith’s of London who wanted to make gin in much smaller quantities than was allowed previously. All craft distillers owe them a huge thank you!
Before them, the law stated that gin had to be made in huge stills - meaning only a few very large distillers dominated the market.
After the law was changed in around 2008 to allow distillers to make gin in smaller amounts, a huge number of smaller ‘craft’ distilleries appeared all around the U.K.
Making gin in a copper alembic pot
With the appearance of these new craft gin producers, the gin business has seen huge innovation both in terms of flavours, brand stories and sustainability. Rhubarb, cocoa … and even seaweed are now accepted gin flavours.
Juniper - the 'must have' in gin making
Hundreds of craft gin distilleries now exist - in every corner of the UK. Some are literally one-person bands, others have grown into sizeable operations.
There is a Craft Gin Club, specifically established to showcase craft gins. And bars and pubs frequently stock several craft gins on their back bars.
York Gin counts itself among the craft gin industry.
We make our gins in a small distillery in a 300-litre copper still called Ebor. And over the past few years, our gins have won multiple awards and accolades.
Our London Dry has been Good Housekeeping Gin of the Year twice. Our Old Tom has appeared on Alan Titchmarsh’s ITV show Love Your Weekend - with rave reviews. And our Grey Lady was described in the Sunday Telegraph as ‘a masterpiece in subtlety’.
Why not try our beautiful craft gins?