From its origins, the Caribbean has been synonymous with rum, each island crafting its unique version. However, there’s a new trend emerging in the Caribbean. While rum remains the dominant drink, several boutique distilleries are beginning to explore other flavors like gin.
This newfound appreciation for juniper-infused spirits mirrors a global trend. The global gin market is projected to grow significantly between 2020 and 2028, with Europe accounting for over 50% of the market in 2020.
Traditionally, London Dry Gin has been considered the pinnacle of gin. Caribbean gin, although similar to its British predecessor, offers a softer, more delicate taste, ideal for those seeking a refreshing drink with a tropical twist.
Let’s take a closer look at BVI GIN, a local gin from the British Virgin Islands, making waves in the spirits world.
The creation of the distillery wasn’t spurred by fleeting trends but was driven by the need to rebuild after Hurricane Irma. Matthew Neal, who spent three years as a lawyer in Tortola before the hurricane struck in September 2017, launched Little Bay Distilling Company in September 2018. At the time, gin was gaining popularity in Europe, and most of the Caribbean’s gin was imported. Matthew saw the opportunity to establish gin production in a region rich in spirit-making tradition.
The British Virgin Islands, known for their stunning beaches, clear waters, lush landscapes, and warm hospitality, provide an ideal setting for this distillery. The archipelago consists of over 60 islands, islets, and cays.
BVI GIN is crafted using hand-picked botanicals, distilled in a bespoke copper column still, following the traditional “London Dry” method. Each small batch yields just sixty bottles. The packaging pays tribute to the British Virgin Islands’ rich sailing history, featuring a hand-drawn map of the islands on every label.
Matthew and his team faced numerous challenges in establishing a distillery on a small Caribbean island, including sourcing equipment, ingredients, bottles, labels, securing licenses, and health inspections. Their perseverance paid off with a classic London Dry Gin featuring delightful notes of juniper, grapefruit, and lemon, complemented by floral accents from Caribbean hibiscus. This aromatic gin, made with cassia bark and liquorice root, pairs beautifully with tonic or ting and a slice of grapefruit for a refreshingly delightful drink. There’s also a raspberry-infused BVI Pink Gin available.
BVI GIN has already garnered impressive accolades, including a Bronze medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition and the Best in the Americas award from The Gin Guide.
