Monthly Roundup: The 12 Top Gins Released in September 2023
September was a moderate month for new juniper spirit releases, with mostly emerging brands taking the spotlight. In the latest installment of our monthly roundup, we’re here to keep you updated on the top gins released last month that we think you need to know about.
‘Unofficial Spirit of Rugby’: Former England Rugby Stars Release London Dry Gin Designed to ‘Protect the Future’ of the Sport
(Photo: Blackeye Gin)
Kicking off September, former England rugby stars Mike Tindall and James Haskell, in collaboration with TV presenter Alex Payne, launched Blackeye Gin, dubbing it the “unofficial spirit of rugby.”
Partnering with Hawkridge Distillers, the team of sporty lads crafted a London dry gin blending zesty citrus, delicate florals, juniper and botanicals sourced from renowned rugby nations. The trio sought to embody the resilience and camaraderie shared through rugby in this venture.
In debuting the gin brand, they also established the Blackeye Fund, dedicating a portion of bottle sales to support rugby research, risk management and recovery. The goal is to address industry challenges and significantly contribute to rugby within five years.
Blackeye Gin is priced at £35.95 ($46) per bottle.
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‘Like a Craft Gin With Noise Cancelling’: Swedish Distillery Takes Stand Against ‘Buzzword Heavy’ Booze Marketing by Releasing Gin Made Using Only 2 Spices
Hernö Gin’s latest release boasts complex tasting notes derived solely from juniper and coriander. (Photo: Hernö Gin)
At the beginning of September, Sweden’s Hernö Gin launched Hernö Botanical Flavored Gin, a juniper spirit that seeks to take a bold stand against modern gin marketing which, according to the brand, is laden with nonsensical buzzwords.
Hernö Botanical Flavored Gin features only two botanicals: juniper and coriander, aiming to demonstrate the power of quality ingredients. The product is likened to enjoying a favorite song with noise-canceling headphones and boasts tasting notes of intense juniper and floral spiciness.
Hernö Botanical Flavored Gin is priced at SEK 367 ($33) per 500ml bottle.
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Empress 1908 Gin’s Latest Elderflower Rose Expression Debuts in the US
The distillery behind the hugely successful Empress 1908 Indigo Gin launches a new floral spirit. (Photo: Victoria Distillers/Facebook)
In early September, Victoria Distillers, known for the successful Empress 1908 Gin, launched Elderflower Rose Gin in the United States. Inspired by the beauty of Victoria, British Columbia, the gin pays tribute to the city’s year-round blossoming flowers.
Elderflower Rose Gin’s unique ruby hue is derived from red rose petals and black carrots, offering a delicate, floral spirit. Alongside rose and carrot, the gin features lavender, orange peel, orris root, cinnamon bark and coriander seed.
First debuted exclusively in British Columbia this May, Elderflower Rose Gin is now available online and in the United States, retailing at $39.99 per 750ml bottle.
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Stranger & Sons Turns to Unique Sherry Casks in Aged Gin That ‘Tastes Like an Old Fashioned’
(Photo: Stranger & Sons)
Indian craft gin brand Stranger & Sons launched Sherry Cask Aged Gin, a juniper spirit aged in ex-Amontillado and Oloroso Sherry casks for over a year.
The gin also features cascara (dried coffee cherry skins) and wild honey, blending elements of Old Fashioned cocktails with the gin world. Co-Founder Sakshi Saigal expressed his aim to redefine the drinking experience with a fresh and bold flavor profile, combining the richness of Sherry with the vibrancy of cascara and the delicate sweetness of wild honey.
Sherry Cask Aged Gin is available in select regions of India, priced between $26 and $52. A grapefruit garnish spray accompanies the release.
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‘Only the Ice Cubes Are Missing’: Bourbon Vanilla-Infused Gin Brand Sir Edmond Unveils Comprehensive Cocktail Kit
Launched in 2016, Sir Edmond Gin is produced at the Herman Jansen distillery in Schiedam, Netherlands, and prominently highlights bourbon vanilla as a key ingredient. (Photo: Sir Edmond Gin)
In the middle of September, Dutch spirits brand Sir Edmond Gin introduced two gift sets aiming to enhance the gin-drinking experience.
The larger set contains a full bottle of Sir Edmond Gin alongside essential bar tools, including branded Copa glasses, Fever-Tree tonic water, a cocktail measuring cup, a pourer, a bar spoon and a garnish tray. Meanwhile, the smaller set includes two Copa glasses and a bottle of the bourbon vanilla-infused gin.
Both sets also feature a multimedia video card showcasing the brand’s journey and an informative booklet explaining the brand’s origins, the production process and presenting various cocktail recipes. Additionally, the gift sets highlight the brand’s collaboration with the African Wildlife Foundation.
These eco-conscious, FSC-certified sets are available in select European countries.
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Jetsetters, Want To Take Your Martini To-Go? This Brand’s Popular Cocktail Suitcase Is Rolling Into This Country
No. 3 Gin’s Martini Case is touching down in Hong Kong. (Photo: Berry Bros & Rudd)
No 3 London Dry Gin and luxury luggage brand Globe-Trotter collaborated to introduce a limited-edition martini case in September, aimed at travel and leisure enthusiasts in Hong Kong.
Priced at $2,250, the bespoke kit comprises a handmade martini case in teal and tan leather, two No. 3 Gin X Nude Martini Glasses, a limited edition Vermouth bottle endorsed by renowned mixologist Alessandro Palazzi, leather embossed coasters, martini picks and a bottle of No. 3 London Dry Gin.
Only 100 sets are available for purchase at the Globe-Trotter Hong Kong Boutique.
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‘Working With Nature Is Central to Our Process’: UK’s 1st Windmill-Made Gin Debuts
A spirit brand in the United Kingdom debuts with the country’s first windmill-made gin. (Photo: Tipplemill Distillery)
Last month, emerging spirit brand Tipplemill Distillery launched its inaugural product — a London dry gin powered by windmill-generated energy.
What sets Tipplemill apart is its unique production process — the wheat is ground between the ancient millstones of the U.K.’s oldest operational windmill, effectively making it the country’s only windmill-crafted gin.
The gin has a 44% ABV and offers tasting notes from elderflowers, bittersweet citrus, sweet fennel seeds and cassia. Packaged in a bespoke bottle depicting a windmill to honor the distillery’s heritage, Tipplemill London Dry Gin is available for purchase on the brand’s website at £44 per 70 bottle.
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Michelin Star Chef Michael Wignall Enters the Spirits Business With ‘Subtly Distilled’ Yuzu and Lime Gin
(Photo: Otterbeck Distillery)
Michelin-starred chef Michael Wignall has collaborated with Otterbeck Distillery to introduce Cotton Gin in September.
Combining his culinary expertise with gin creation, Wignall aimed for subtlety and balance, avoiding synthetic flavors commonly found in other gins. Cotton Gin infuses locally foraged elderflower with Japanese elements like yuzu and kaffir lime.
Wignall recommends enjoying Cotton Gin simply, with high-quality tonic and ice, or adding verbena or basil for a refreshing summer twist. Available for purchase online, Cotton Gin is priced at £46 ($56.56) per 50cl bottle.
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Bombay Sapphire Partners With California-Based Illustrator on Limited-Edition Bottle Celebrating Sustainably Sourced Botanicals
A Bombay Sapphire label created by California-based illustrator Maggie Enterrios depicts the gin brand’s sustainably sourced ingredients in different stages of growth. (Photo: Bombay Sapphire)
Nearing the end of the month, Bombay Sapphire partnered with artist Maggie Enterrios to create a limited-edition bottling showcasing the brand’s commitment to sustainability.
The label, designed by the California-based illustrator known as @littlepatterns, illustrates the life cycle of the gin’s key botanicals, celebrating the connection between the brand and its farmers. Enterrios crafted a design depicting the botanicals at various growth stages, symbolizing the gin’s botanical makeup.
The limited-edition label is available for a short period in select retailers across several European countries.
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Rock Legend Roy Wood Marks 50th Anniversary of Wizzard’s Hit Holiday Song With ‘Christmas Cake’ Gin
Wizzard’s legend Roy Wood bottles up Christmas in a collaborative gin celebrating a cherished holiday song’s milestone anniversary. (Photo: Nelson’s Distillery)
Roy Wood of Wizzard, famous for the Christmas anthem “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday,” partnered with Nelson’s Distillery & School to craft a special gin named after the song, celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The “Christmas cake in a bottle” gin, titled “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday Gin,” features nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, mulled spices, pink peppercorns and juniper. Wood played a lead role in designing the gin, aiming to embody the essence of the holiday season.
Available for pre-sale starting September 29, the gin is exclusively sold through Nelson’s Distillery & School, priced at £38 ($46.20) per 50cl bottle, with the first 20 bottles bearing Wood’s autograph.
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Woody Harrelson Partners With Wellness Entrepreneur on Holistic Spirits Brand, Debuting Gin and Vodka Infused With ‘All-Natural’ Ingredients
Woody Harrelson, long-time vegan and outspoken environmentalist, co-founds Holistic Spirits Company with wellness entrepreneur, Amy Holmwood. (Photo: PRNewsfoto/Holistic Spirits Company)
At the end of the month, Wellness entrepreneur Amy Holmwood and actor Woody Harrelson co-founded the Holistic Spirits Company, introducing their all-natural gin and vodka lineup. Harmony Gin and Origen Specialty Vodka boast infusions of artichoke leaves, elderberries, green tea leaves and muscadine grapes, with Harmony Gin also featuring juniper berries, coriander seed and more.
Holmwood’s expertise in biotechnology and nutrition helped infuse these spirits with carefully selected botanical blends. Harrelson, known for his environmental activism, merged his passion for superfoods with the spirits venture, attracted by the brand’s sustainable production methods.
The spirits are crafted from organic white wheat and corn, aligning with the brand’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Origen Specialty Vodka is priced between $39.99 to $45.99, and Harmony Gin ranges from $40.99 to $46.99, available in select retailers and online.
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Beefeater Gin Joins Forces With Lettering Artist in Creating Limited-Edition Bottling That Celebrates the ‘Spirit of London’
London-based lettering artist Rachel Joy collaborates with Beefeater Gin to debut a special bottling that spotlights the capital of England. (Photo: Beefeater Gin)
As September came to a close, Beefeater Gin collaborated with London-based lettering artist Rachel Joy to launch a limited-edition bottle design embodying London’s vibrant city life.
The partnership celebrates the iconic English city’s energy, artistic heritage and diverse identity. The launch featured a 24-hour installation at King’s Cross St Pancras Station showcasing Joy’s lettering artwork.
Beefeater Gin has also partnered with four local bars, offering complimentary Beefeater gin and tonics from September 26 to October 8 to encourage social gatherings and revive love for the city.
The limited-edition Beefeater London x Rachel Joy bottle will be available in the UK and nine other countries, aiming for World Duty Free availability in the U.K. by 2024.
Click here to read more.
Read next:
Monthly Roundup: Top 10 Gins Released in July 2023
Top 5 Strongest Gins in the World
What Is a Pimm’s Cup? The Quintessential British Cocktail That Started Life as a Health Remedy
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