H A Short History of Gin in Belgium

 

The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from Belgium

Belgium is world-famous for its beers, chocolate, and waffles — but in recent decades, it has also become a strong name in the global gin renaissance. In fact, Belgium has one of the highest per-capita gin consumptions in Europe and is home to a vibrant craft gin scene. Distillers here combine traditional methods with bold creativity, often using local botanicals such as hops, chicory, elderflower, chocolate, and even Belgian beer yeast. Alongside gin, Belgian tonic brands have also gained recognition, making the country a hot spot for gin & tonic culture.

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A Short History of Gin in Belgium

Belgium shares deep historical ties with the Netherlands, the birthplace of jenever. In fact, both nations lay claim to jenever’s invention, and Belgium’s distillers have produced it for centuries. But while jenever remained the traditional spirit, modern gin began gaining popularity in the late 20th century, influenced by British and Spanish trends. By the 2010s, Belgium was firmly established as one of Europe’s gin powerhouses, producing both traditional and highly experimental gins.

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Famous Belgian Gin Brands

1. Copperhead Gin – The Alchemist’s Gin

Distillery: The Alchemist’s Gin, Belgium
Founded: 2013

Copperhead is one of Belgium’s most iconic gin brands, instantly recognizable for its copper-colored apothecary-style bottle.

• Botanicals: Juniper, cardamom, angelica, orange peel, and coriander.

• Variants:

  • Copperhead Original – Smooth and balanced.

  • Copperhead Black Batch – Enriched with elderberry and black tea.

  • Copperhead Gibson Edition – Created in collaboration with top bartenders.

• Reputation: A luxury gin with strong branding, exported globally.

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2. Filliers Dry Gin 28 – The Heritage Classic

Distillery: Filliers Distillery, Deinze (Flanders)
Founded: 1880s (jenever producer; gin line launched later)

Filliers is one of Belgium’s oldest distilleries, famous for its jenever and now for its premium gin.

• Botanicals: 28 ingredients including hops, lavender, citrus, and Belgian roots.

• Variants:

  • Filliers Dry Gin 28 – Traditional London Dry style.

  • Filliers Barrel-Aged – Aged in oak for added depth.

  • Filliers Sloe Gin – Fruit-forward with Belgian berries.

• Reputation: Considered a cornerstone of Belgian gin-making tradition.

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3. Blind Tiger Gin – The Bold Innovator

Distillery: Deluxe Distillery, Belgium
Founded: 2013

Blind Tiger is known for its rebellious branding and bold flavor profile.

• Botanicals: Juniper, coriander, ginger, liquorice root, and bitter orange.

• Variants:

  • Piper Cubeba – Spicy and peppery.

  • Imperial Secrets – Infused with black tea.

• Reputation: Highly popular in Belgian cocktail bars, admired for its strength and complexity.

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4. Forest Dry Gin – The Seasonal Spirit

Distillery: Forest Spirits, Antwerp
Founded: 2013

Forest Gin was developed by Belgian sommelier Jurgen Lijcops, reflecting his deep knowledge of flavors.

• Variants: Four seasonal gins — Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter — each with different botanicals.

• Style: Designed for pairing with food and cocktails.

• Reputation: Known as the “sommelier’s gin,” refined and gastronomic.

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5. Ginderella – The Organic Rebel

Distillery: De Moor Distillery, Aalst
Founded: 2014

Ginderella is a 100% organic Belgian gin made with wild herbs.

• Botanicals: Juniper, angelica, hops, and unusual local herbs.

• Reputation: Popular among eco-conscious consumers; artisanal and small-batch.

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6. Belgian Owl Gin – From Whisky to Gin

Distillery: Belgian Owl, known for whisky production
Profile: Uses malt spirit from whisky-making, blended with juniper and herbs.
Unique Touch: Brings whisky depth into gin, appealing to crossover drinkers.

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Famous Belgian Tonic Water Brands

1. Fitch & Leedes (Belgium distribution)

Though originally South African, Fitch & Leedes has become very popular in Belgium thanks to premium imports.

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2. Tonic by Erasmus Bond – Belgian Craft Tonic

A premium Belgian tonic brand named after the pharmacist Erasmus Bond, who was one of the first to commercialize tonic water in the 19th century.

• Variants: Classic Dry, Botanical, and Light.

• Reputation: Popular pairing with Copperhead and Blind Tiger.

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3. Schweppes Premium Mixer (Spanish-Belgian Market)

The Schweppes Premium line is widespread in Belgium, with flavors like Hibiscus, Pink Pepper, and Ginger & Cardamom.

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4. Fever-Tree & Fentimans (Imports)

International tonics like Fever-Tree and Fentimans are staples in Belgian gin bars, especially for pairing with Filliers or Forest Dry Gin.

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Belgium’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today

• Consumption: Belgium is one of Europe’s highest gin-consuming nations per capita.

• Serving Style: Inspired by Spanish gin-tonic culture, balloon glasses filled with botanicals and garnishes are the norm.

• Garnishes: Citrus zest, rosemary, thyme, chocolate shavings, and even hops reflect Belgium’s culinary creativity.

• Events: Gin festivals are common, with Antwerp, Brussels, and Ghent hosting annual gin celebrations.

• Crossover Culture: Belgian gin often incorporates beer and chocolate influences, linking gin to the country’s iconic products.

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Conclusion

Belgium has become a true gin powerhouse in Europe. With heritage brands like Filliers, luxury icons like Copperhead, bold innovators like Blind Tiger, and eco-conscious craft spirits like Ginderella, the Belgian gin scene is diverse and dynamic. Paired with premium tonics such as Erasmus Bond or international leaders like Fever-Tree, Belgian gin & tonics embody creativity, heritage, and culinary passion.

For gin lovers, Belgium is not only about beer and chocolate — it’s also about discovering world-class gins in a glass of tonic, garnished with the flavors of the Low Countries.

H A Brief History of Gin and Tonic in the UK

 

The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from the UK

The United Kingdom is the spiritual home of gin and tonic. While the Dutch may have invented jenever, it was in Britain that gin truly evolved into a cultural icon. From the 18th-century “Gin Craze” to the refined London Dry Gin style and today’s craft renaissance, British distillers have set the global standard. And with the pairing of gin and tonic—first used in colonial India as a malaria remedy—the UK has gifted the world one of its most enduring cocktails.

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A Brief History of Gin and Tonic in the UK

Gin reached Britain in the late 17th century, during the reign of William of Orange, and soon became widely available. By the early 18th century, it was cheap and accessible, leading to mass consumption—so much so that Parliament had to pass several “Gin Acts” to curb the excess.

By the 19th century, improvements in distilling technology led to the cleaner, more refined London Dry Gin. At the same time, British officers in India mixed gin with quinine-rich tonic water to fight malaria, inventing the gin and tonic. This colonial concoction eventually became a fashionable drink at home, and by the 20th century, it was firmly established as Britain’s favorite long drink.

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Famous British Gin Brands

1. Beefeater – The London Classic

Founded: 1863, London

Beefeater is one of the most recognizable London Dry Gins in the world.

• Profile: Bold juniper, citrus, and a hint of spice.

• Reputation: The only major gin brand still distilled in the heart of London.

• Cultural Role: A staple in traditional gin & tonics, martinis, and negronis.

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2. Tanqueray – The Global Standard

Founded: 1830, London (now distilled in Scotland)

Tanqueray is among the most celebrated gin brands, famous for its crisp and juniper-forward character.

• Signature Variant: Tanqueray London Dry—clean, classic, and perfect for a tonic.

• Other Variants: Tanqueray No. Ten (citrus-forward, ultra-premium), Tanqueray Rangpur (with lime and ginger).

• Reputation: Known for quality and consistency; a favorite of bartenders worldwide.

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3. Bombay Sapphire – The Modern Icon

Founded: 1987 (brand), originally distilled in Warrington, now Hampshire

Bombay Sapphire revolutionized gin branding with its striking blue bottle and emphasis on botanicals.

• Botanicals: 10 ingredients, including almond, coriander, cubeb berries, and grains of paradise.

• Flavor Profile: Light, floral, and balanced—designed to appeal to both new and seasoned gin drinkers.

• Impact: Helped kickstart the global gin renaissance in the 1990s.

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4. Gordon’s Gin – The Everyday Favorite

Founded: 1769, London

One of the oldest and most widely consumed gins in the world.

• Style: Classic London Dry with a strong juniper backbone.

• Variants: Gordon’s Premium Pink (with berries), Gordon’s Sicilian Lemon, Gordon’s Mediterranean Orange.

• Cultural Role: For many Brits, Gordon’s is the default choice for a gin & tonic at home or in pubs.

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5. Plymouth Gin – The Maritime Heritage

Founded: 1793, Plymouth

Produced at the historic Black Friars Distillery, Plymouth Gin has a protected geographical indication.

• Profile: Earthier and slightly sweeter than London Dry, with cardamom and angelica root.

• Cultural Role: Beloved by the Royal Navy, historically a staple in naval cocktails.

• Unique Status: The only gin that can legally be called “Plymouth Gin.”

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6. Sipsmith – The Craft Pioneer

Founded: 2009, London

Sipsmith sparked the UK’s craft gin boom, becoming the first copper-pot distillery in London in nearly 200 years.

• Profile: Traditional yet artisanal London Dry.

• Innovation: Experimented with flavored gins and seasonal specials.

• Reputation: Helped ignite the modern wave of small-batch distilling across the UK.

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7. Hendrick’s Gin – The Quirky Game-Changer

Founded: 1999, Girvan, Scotland

Hendrick’s broke tradition by introducing cucumber and rose as key botanicals.

• Flavor Profile: Floral, fresh, and unconventional.

• Branding: Victorian-inspired, eccentric marketing.

• Impact: Attracted new audiences to gin and broadened perceptions of what gin could be.

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Famous British Tonic Water Brands

1. Fever-Tree – The Premium Pioneer

Founded: 2005, London

Fever-Tree transformed the gin & tonic market by emphasizing natural ingredients and high-quality quinine.

• Flavors: Indian Tonic, Mediterranean, Elderflower, Aromatic, Clementine.

• Reputation: The go-to premium tonic in bars worldwide.

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2. Schweppes – The Historic Standard

Founded: 1783, Geneva → later London

Schweppes is the original tonic water brand, bringing carbonated quinine water to the masses.

• Variants: Classic Indian, Slimline, and a Premium Mixer range.

• Cultural Role: For decades, Schweppes defined the taste of a G&T in the UK.

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3. Britvic – The Everyday British Mixer

A popular tonic brand in UK pubs and supermarkets, Britvic is known for affordability and consistency.

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4. Double Dutch – The New Challenger

Founded: 2015, London

Double Dutch offers creative tonic flavors like Cucumber & Watermelon and Pomegranate & Basil.

• Reputation: Popular with craft gins and cocktail bars.

• Identity: Represents the new wave of British tonics designed to enhance specific botanicals.

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UK Gin & Tonic Culture Today

• Serving Style: Traditionally in highball glasses with a wedge of lime, though balloon glasses (popularized by Spain) are now also common.

• Pub Culture: Gin & tonics are a staple in British pubs, but in upscale cocktail bars, the G&T is treated with more creativity.

• Craft Boom: Hundreds of new distilleries have opened in the UK since 2010, each offering unique botanicals—rhubarb, seaweed, samphire, or even tea.

• Global Influence: British gins remain benchmarks, and brands like Tanqueray, Beefeater, and Bombay Sapphire are found in nearly every bar worldwide.

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Conclusion

The United Kingdom has given the world not only gin as we know it but also the iconic gin and tonic. From historic giants like Gordon’s, Beefeater, Tanqueray, and Plymouth, to modern innovators like Sipsmith and Hendrick’s, British gin remains diverse and influential. Paired with tonic legends like Schweppes and Fever-Tree, the UK continues to shape global gin culture.

What sets British gin & tonic apart is its combination of tradition, innovation, and accessibility. Whether enjoyed in a centuries-old pub, a cutting-edge cocktail bar, or a summer garden party, the British gin and tonic is more than a drink—it’s a national institution and an international benchmark.

H A Short History of Gin in Australia

 

The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from Australia

Australia is globally celebrated for its wines and craft beers, but over the last decade, it has also emerged as a world leader in craft gin. With its extraordinary biodiversity, ranging from coastal botanicals and tropical fruits to eucalyptus and Tasmanian pepperberry, Australia offers gin producers access to ingredients found nowhere else on earth. This has allowed Australian distillers to create gins with bold, distinctive profiles that are now winning awards and recognition worldwide. Alongside gin, premium tonic waters from Australia and imports from Europe have created a thriving gin & tonic culture that reflects the country’s innovation and lifestyle.

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A Short History of Gin in Australia

Gin was introduced to Australia during the colonial era, mainly as an imported spirit. For most of the 20th century, domestic production was minimal, and imported brands like Gordon’s, Beefeater, and Tanqueray dominated.

The turning point came in the early 2000s, when the craft spirits movement began to gain traction in Australia. By the 2010s, gin had exploded in popularity, and today the country has more than 300 distilleries producing world-class gins that use native botanicals to give the spirit a distinctly Australian identity.

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Famous Australian Gin Brands

1. Four Pillars Gin – The Global Star

Distillery: Four Pillars Distillery, Healesville, Victoria
Founded: 2013

Four Pillars is Australia’s most famous gin brand, exported to over 25 countries and crowned International Gin Producer of the Year at the IWSC multiple times.

• Signature Botanicals: Tasmanian pepperberry leaf, lemon myrtle, and oranges.

• Variants:

  • Rare Dry Gin – The flagship.

  • Bloody Shiraz Gin – Infused with Yarra Valley Shiraz grapes (a global cult favorite).

  • Olive Leaf Gin – Mediterranean style with olive leaf and rosemary.

• Reputation: A benchmark of Australian gin innovation and quality.

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2. Brookie’s Gin (Cape Byron Distillery) – Rainforest in a Bottle

Location: Byron Bay, New South Wales

Brookie’s Gin embodies sustainability and rainforest preservation.

• Botanicals: Over 25 ingredients, including native finger lime, Byron sunrise fruit, aniseed myrtle, and cinnamon myrtle.

• Style: Fresh, citrus-driven, complex, and distinctly tropical.

• Reputation: A pioneer in sustainable spirits production in Australia.

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3. Never Never Distilling Co. – The Juniper Experts

Location: McLaren Vale, South Australia

Never Never is known for producing juniper-forward gins that balance tradition with bold flavor.

• Flagship: Triple Juniper Gin – Distilled three ways for maximum juniper intensity.

• Other Variants: Southern Strength (navy-style, higher ABV) and Aromatic Bitters Gin.

• Reputation: Internationally acclaimed, popular with bartenders who love classic gin structure with Australian intensity.

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4. Ink Gin – The Color-Changing Gin

Distillery: Husk Distillers, Tumbulgum, New South Wales

Ink Gin has become world-famous for its striking color-changing quality.

• Botanicals: Juniper, angelica, lemon myrtle, Tasmanian pepperberry, and butterfly pea flower (which changes from blue to pink when mixed with tonic).

• Reputation: A social media sensation, but also well-regarded for flavor balance.

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5. Kangaroo Island Spirits (KIS) – Australia’s First Craft Gin Distillery

Location: Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Founded: 2006

The pioneer of Australia’s gin revolution.

• Botanicals: Native coastal daisy, aniseed myrtle, and wild juniper.

• Flagship Gins: Wild Gin, O’Gin, and Mulberry Gin.

• Reputation: One of the most respected craft distillers in the country.

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6. West Winds Gin – The Western Original

Location: Margaret River, Western Australia

Known for its bold, savory gins with strong local character.

• Variants:

  • The Sabre – Classic London Dry style.

  • The Cutlass – Spicier, with Australian bush tomatoes and cinnamon myrtle.

• Reputation: Helped establish Western Australia as a gin destination.

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7. Others Rising

Dozens of smaller producers such as Bass & Flinders (Mornington Peninsula), Archie Rose (Sydney), and Ironbark Distillery (NSW) are also gaining international recognition.

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Famous Australian Tonic Water Brands

1. Strangelove Tonic – The Premium Local Brand

An Australian craft mixer brand specializing in tonics and sodas.

• Variants: Dirty Tonic, Light Tonic, and Coastal Tonic.

• Reputation: Known for bold flavors that pair well with complex Australian gins.

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2. Capi Tonic Water – The Design-Driven Choice

Based in Melbourne, Capi produces natural mixers and mineral waters.

• Profile: Clean, crisp tonic water with soft carbonation.

• Reputation: Stylish, widely available in high-end restaurants and bars.

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3. Imported Premium Tonics

Fever-Tree, Fentimans, and Schweppes Premium Mixer are widely available in Australia, often paired with Four Pillars or Ink Gin in bars.

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Australia’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today

• Botanicals: Native ingredients such as lemon myrtle, wattleseed, Tasmanian pepperberry, finger lime, and Kakadu plum define Australian gin.

• Serving Style: Inspired by Spain’s gin-tonic culture, balloon glasses are popular in bars, with citrus and herbs used as garnishes.

• Garnishes: Fresh orange (Four Pillars signature), grapefruit, rosemary, native herbs, and even bush spices.

• Events: Gin festivals such as Junipalooza Melbourne and Sydney Gin Palooza showcase Australia’s booming gin scene.

• Export: Brands like Four Pillars, Never Never, and Ink Gin are now available worldwide, giving Australia a strong international presence.

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Conclusion

Australia has quickly become a global powerhouse in gin, producing spirits that combine innovation, native ingredients, and premium craftsmanship. From international stars like Four Pillars and Ink Gin to pioneers like Kangaroo Island Spirits, the country’s gins are as diverse as its landscapes. Paired with premium local tonics like Strangelove and Capi, Australian gin & tonics offer a tasting journey through the bush, rainforest, coast, and vineyard.

For gin lovers, Australian gin & tonics embody the essence of the nation: bold, vibrant, and deeply connected to the land.