Discover the distilleries, landscapes, traditions and stories that bring Europe's gins to life.
Every destination has a story to tell, and across Europe those stories are shaped by centuries of history, diverse cultures and the character of each landscape.
What began as a curiosity about the gins in my collection soon became a journey beyond the bottle. During the pandemic, when travel plans were put on hold, I found another way to explore—travelling vicariously through the spirits I had collected and uncovering the places, people and stories hidden behind each label.
So, grab a G&T and join me for another #virtualgintour as I set off on a month-long adventure across Europe, discovering the distilleries and destinations behind some of my favourite gins—all from the comfort of the sofa.
From rugged northern coastlines to the sun-soaked Mediterranean, each stop reveals something unique about the place it calls home. Ancient forests, mountain ranges, wild herbs, coastal botanicals and local traditions all find their way into Europe’s remarkable gins, creating spirits that reflect the landscapes and cultures that inspire them.
What makes this journey particularly fascinating is the diversity of styles found across the continent. While some countries remain connected to traditional spirits and the heritage of genever, others have embraced a new generation of gin-making, with Mediterranean fruits, herbs and local ingredients shaping fresh and distinctive expressions.
Along the way, we’ll discover how geography, history and food culture influence the gins we enjoy today—from centuries-old distilling traditions to innovative craft producers redefining what gin can be.
These are the stories behind the bottles. The landscapes that inspired them. The people who created them.