Gin, a spirit long infused with spices and botanicals primarily from Asia, is experiencing a flavorful twist. Today, Asia is not just a source of these exotic ingredients but is actively participating in crafting the spirit with its own signature touches. Asia-based distilleries are focusing on spotlighting indigenous botanicals, curating gins that breathe the very essence of their origin.
Historically, gins emphasizing flavors beyond the conventional juniper have been coined “New Western”-style gins. They are a stark contrast to the juniper-dominant London Dry. This evolving palette isn’t just a global trend seeping into Asia; it’s an active and passionate choice by Asian distillers.
This revolution owes its momentum to several factors:
Local Pride and Vision: The surge in gin’s Asian identity is partly a nod to local pride and partly the brilliance of Asian distillers. The craft distillery movement in Asia isn’t merely mimicking Western styles but is innovating and redefining gin by capturing regional flavors.
Booming Bar Culture: Major Asian cities have become hubs for mixology and spirits appreciation. This thriving bar culture is constantly stoking demand for gins that carry a tale of their homeland.
Embracing Heritage: The cultural renaissance in Asia, coupled with the global movement of celebrating indigenous traditions, is a significant reason behind this gin revolution. Each bottle now tells a story, a narrative woven from the tapestry of Asian heritage.
American Curiosity: Asia-produced gins are not just making a statement locally. Their unique profiles are tapping into the curiosity of American consumers, creating a robust export market in the U.S.
What does the future hold? It’s a horizon painted with the aromatic hues of Asian botanicals. The increasing growth rate of the global gin market, anticipated to swell significantly between 2021 and 2030, holds a testament to this. The gin segment itself is predicted to grow by an astounding US$6.68 billion from 2021 to 2026, clocking a CAGR of 7.59%.
If current trends and market analyses are anything to go by, consumers across the globe are developing an appetite for Asian flavors. This is likely just the prologue in a lengthy narrative of Asia’s botanical-laden gins.
