H A Short History of Gin in Canada

 

The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from Canada

Canada is celebrated for its whisky, ice wine, and craft beer, but in the last decade it has also emerged as a serious gin-producing nation. Thanks to its vast geography — from British Columbia’s rainforests and prairies to the boreal forests of Quebec and the maritime coasts — Canada’s distillers have access to an incredible array of botanicals. By blending classic juniper with Canadian ingredients like spruce tips, wild berries, seaweed, maple, and Labrador tea, Canadian gins are gaining international recognition. Today, the gin & tonic has become a stylish drink in bars from Vancouver to Toronto, often served with a local twist.

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A Short History of Gin in Canada

Gin was first brought to Canada through British colonial influence in the 18th and 19th centuries. For much of the 20th century, Canadian gin production was dominated by large-scale companies making traditional London Dry styles. Imported gins like Gordon’s, Tanqueray, and Beefeater were also common.

The transformation came in the 2010s, as Canada’s craft distilling movement exploded. Small-batch distillers began using regional botanicals to create unique gins that reflected Canada’s landscapes. Today, Canadian gin is among the most innovative in North America.

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Famous Canadian Gin Brands

1. Ungava Canadian Premium Gin – The Northern Icon

Distillery: Domaine Pinnacle, Quebec

Ungava is Canada’s most internationally recognized gin, with its striking bright yellow color.

• Botanicals: Labrador tea, cloudberry, Nordic juniper, crowberry, rose hips, and wild herbs from northern Quebec.

• Flavor Profile: Herbal, citrusy, and slightly tart.

• Reputation: Considered Canada’s flagship gin, exported worldwide.

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2. Empress 1908 Gin – The Color-Changer

Distillery: Victoria Distillers, British Columbia

Empress 1908 is famous for its vibrant indigo color, which turns pink when mixed with tonic.

• Botanicals: Butterfly pea blossom, Fairmont Empress tea blend, grapefruit peel, cinnamon, and ginger root.

• Style: Floral, citrus-forward, and smooth.

• Reputation: A global social media sensation and one of Canada’s most successful premium gins.

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3. Victoria Gin – The Pioneer of Craft Gin

Distillery: Victoria Distillers, British Columbia
Founded: 2008

One of the first craft gins in Canada, helping launch the modern gin movement.

• Botanicals: Juniper, rose petals, coriander, cinnamon, and citrus peel.

• Style: A classic London Dry with a Canadian craft spirit identity.

• Reputation: Widely respected for setting the stage for Canadian craft gin.

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4. Dillon’s Gin – The Niagara Innovator

Distillery: Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers, Ontario

Known for using local botanicals and grapes from the Niagara wine region.

• Botanicals: Juniper, rose hips, angelica root, and Ontario-grown grapes.

• Variants: Dillon’s Dry Gin 7, Unfiltered Gin 22 (with 22 botanicals).

• Reputation: Hugely popular in Ontario and across Canada for its artisanal quality.

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5. Steinhart Gin – Nova Scotia Craft Excellence

Distillery: Steinhart Distillery, Nova Scotia

A German-born master distiller brings Old World technique to Canadian ingredients.

• Variants: Classic Dry Gin, Rhubarb Gin, Maple Gin, and Blueberry Gin.

• Style: Bold, fruity, and uniquely Maritime.

• Reputation: Known for creative flavors and strong presence on Canada’s East Coast.

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6. Other Notable Canadian Gins

• Sipsmith Canada (local bottling collaboration) – Classic London Dry style with Canadian appeal.

• Sheringham Seaside Gin (British Columbia) – Distilled with kelp and coastal botanicals.

• Odd Society Spirits East Van Vodka & Gin (Vancouver) – Trendy urban craft spirit.

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Tonics in Canada

1. Fever-Tree (Imported Premium)

Widely available in bars and liquor stores, the go-to premium tonic for craft gins.

2. Fentimans & Thomas Henry (Imported)

Popular in upscale cocktail lounges.

3. Canadian Craft Tonics (Emerging)

Some local soda makers are producing small-batch tonics flavored with maple, spruce, or cranberry, though they remain niche.

4. Schweppes Tonic Water

The most widely available and affordable option, still a staple in households.

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Canada’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today

• Urban Hotspots: Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal lead the gin & tonic boom, with cocktail bars showcasing both Canadian and imported gins.

• Serving Style: Spanish-inspired balloon glasses with premium tonics are common in upscale venues.

• Garnishes: Cranberries, cucumber slices, grapefruit peel, rosemary sprigs, and even spruce tips reflect Canadian terroir.

• Tourism Influence: Distillery tours and tastings are popular in British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec.

• Export Success: Canadian gins like Ungava and Empress 1908 are now internationally recognized, raising Canada’s profile in the gin world.

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Conclusion

Canada has quickly established itself as a leader in craft gin, producing spirits that combine traditional gin-making with the country’s diverse ecosystems. From the yellow glow of Ungava Gin, to the color-shifting beauty of Empress 1908, to the pioneering craft identity of Victoria Gin, Dillon’s, and Steinhart, Canadian gins are both innovative and deeply tied to place.

Paired with tonics like Fever-Tree or Schweppes, Canadian gin & tonics capture the essence of the country: pure, bold, and diverse.

For gin enthusiasts, drinking a Canadian G&T is a way to experience the boreal forests, coastal shores, and vibrant cities — distilled into a glass.

H A Short History of Gin in Ireland

 
The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from Ireland

Ireland is celebrated worldwide for its whiskey, stout, and cream liqueurs, but in recent years it has also emerged as a serious contender in the global gin renaissance. Irish distillers, both large and small, have embraced gin as a spirit that allows for creativity, local expression, and a strong link to Ireland’s rich natural landscape. With botanicals such as wild heather, elderflower, bog myrtle, gorse, and seaweed, Irish gins carry a distinctly Celtic identity. Paired with high-quality tonic waters, the Irish gin & tonic has become a staple in both traditional pubs and modern cocktail bars.

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A Short History of Gin in Ireland

Ireland does not have as long a gin-making history as the UK or the Netherlands. Gin was introduced in the 18th century, but whiskey remained the spirit of choice for centuries. The craft gin boom only began in the 2010s, when Irish distillers recognized the demand for premium gins with strong local identity.

Today, there are dozens of Irish gin brands, many of which are internationally awarded, making Ireland one of Europe’s most exciting gin-producing countries.

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Famous Irish Gin Brands

1. Dingle Original Gin – The Pioneer of Irish Craft Gin

Distillery: Dingle Distillery, County Kerry
Founded: 2012

Dingle is often credited as Ireland’s first true craft gin.

• Botanicals: Rowan berry, bog myrtle, heather, hawthorn, and fuchsia, all from County Kerry.

• Flavor Profile: Fresh, floral, and herbal, with a crisp juniper backbone.

• Reputation: Multi-award-winning and considered the benchmark of Irish gin.

• Cultural Role: Helped kickstart Ireland’s gin boom and remains one of its most iconic gins.

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2. Gunpowder Irish Gin – The Oriental Explorer

Distillery: The Shed Distillery, Drumshanbo, County Leitrim
Founded: 2014

Perhaps Ireland’s most internationally famous gin, known for its striking blue bottle.

• Botanicals: Traditional Irish herbs combined with oriental botanicals such as gunpowder tea, kaffir lime, and star anise.

• Flavor Profile: Exotic, citrus-forward, with a tea-like dryness.

• Recognition: Sold worldwide, widely considered Ireland’s flagship gin export.

• Pairings: Often garnished with grapefruit in a tonic serve.

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3. Shortcross Gin – Northern Ireland’s Craft Star

Distillery: Rademon Estate Distillery, County Down
Founded: 2012

Shortcross is the first craft gin to be distilled in Northern Ireland.

• Botanicals: Wild clover, elderflowers, green apples, and elderberries.

• Flavor Profile: Rich, full-bodied, with floral sweetness balanced by juniper.

• Reputation: Hugely respected in Ireland and abroad, representing the North’s growing spirits culture.

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4. Glendalough Wild Botanical Gin – The Seasonal Storyteller

Distillery: Glendalough Distillery, County Wicklow

Glendalough is famous for capturing the flavors of Wicklow’s forests and mountains.

• Unique Approach: The distillers forage fresh botanicals every season, creating variations in flavor throughout the year.

• Botanicals: Wildflowers, meadowsweet, pine, elderflower, and rose.

• Style: Complex, layered, and deeply connected to nature.

• Reputation: A favorite among gin lovers who appreciate authenticity and seasonality.

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5. Blackwater No. 5 Gin – The Classic Revival

Distillery: Blackwater Distillery, County Waterford

Blackwater specializes in traditional methods with a modern twist.

• Botanicals: Juniper, coriander, cinnamon, and local citrus.

• Variants:

  • Blackwater No. 5: Classic London Dry style.

  • Boyle’s Gin: A smooth, citrus-forward expression.

• Reputation: Strong presence in Ireland’s bars and increasingly recognized abroad.

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6. Bonac 24 Gin – The Modern Contender

Distillery: Bonac Spirits, County Wicklow

A newer addition to the Irish gin scene, Bonac 24 is crafted by a father-son duo.

• Botanicals: Angelica root, cassia, bergamot, peppermint, and licorice.

• Profile: Refreshing, balanced, and designed for cocktails.

• Reputation: Popular in Dublin’s gin bars and among younger audiences.

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Famous Irish Tonic Water Brands

1. Poacher’s Tonic Water – Ireland’s Own Premium Mixer

Ireland’s first homegrown premium tonic brand, designed to complement Irish gins.

• Variants: Poacher’s Classic, Citrus, and Wild Elderflower.

• Botanicals: Often infused with Irish herbs like rosemary and elderflower.

• Reputation: A must-have pairing with gins like Dingle and Glendalough.

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2. Poacher’s Wild Elderflower Tonic

Special mention goes to this variant, often considered one of the best mixers for floral Irish gins. Its delicate sweetness complements botanicals without overpowering them.

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3. Global Premium Tonics

Imported brands like Fever-Tree, Fentimans, and Schweppes 1783 are widely used in Ireland, especially in high-end cocktail bars. Fever-Tree Mediterranean is particularly popular for pairing with Gunpowder Gin.

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Ireland’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today

• Serving Style: Inspired by Spain’s gin-tonic ritual, Ireland often serves G&Ts in balloon glasses (copas de balón), with creative garnishes.

• Garnishes: Grapefruit slices, rosemary sprigs, elderflower, and even wild berries.

• Festival Culture: Gin festivals are held across Ireland, from Dublin to Cork, attracting thousands of enthusiasts.

• Export Success: Brands like Gunpowder and Dingle are now recognized globally, placing Ireland firmly on the world gin stage.

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Conclusion

Ireland has transformed from a whiskey-dominated nation into a serious player in the gin world. With pioneers like Dingle Gin and international stars like Gunpowder Gin, plus artisanal gems such as Shortcross, Glendalough, Blackwater, and Bonac 24, Irish gin represents a fusion of heritage, nature, and innovation.

Paired with premium mixers such as Poacher’s Tonic or international brands like Fever-Tree, Irish gin & tonics capture the essence of the country: pure, wild, and creative.

For gin lovers, a journey through Irish gins is like a walk through Ireland’s landscapes—from the Kerry mountains to Wicklow’s forests and the wild Atlantic coast—all distilled into a glass.