From the very beginning, the Caribbean has been associated with rum, as each island in the region produces its own unique variety. Still, the Caribbean seems to have a new suitor. Although rum is the most popular Caribbean drink, a number of small distilleries are branching out to try other flavors, such as gin, on the various islands.
The recently discovered love for spirits with a juniper aroma is reflecting a global trend. Between 2020 and 2028, the value of the global gin market is expected to increase. Europe is a big consumer, making up over 50% of the market share in 2020.
For as long as anyone can remember, the traditional London Dry Gin has been the gold standard. Similar to its older British counterpart, Caribbean gin is softer and more delicate, according to many who have tasted it. Perfect if you’re in the mood for something more refreshing with a touch of tropical air.
Here we examine BVI GIN, the homegrown gin from the British Virgin Islands that has been making waves in the spirits industry, in further detail.
No passing fads were responsible for the distillery’s development. The chance to get back on your feet after Hurricane Irma was more important. Matthew Neal, a lawyer in Tortola for three years prior to Hurricane Irma’s September 2017 devastation, established the Little Bay Distilling Company near Little Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, in September 2018.
Also, gin was all the rage in Europe at the time, so virtually all of the Caribbean’s gin came from abroad. Matthew spotted a chance to introduce gin production to a traditionally “spirited” region of the globe.
Known for its white powdery beaches, crystal clear sailing waters, lush green hills, and kind, friendly people, the BVI is the ideal location for this distillery. It is comprised of more than 60 picturesque islands, islets, and cays.
The botanicals used to make BVI GIN are hand-picked and then distilled in a custom copper column still according to the time-honored “London Dry” process. Just sixty bottles are made from each small batch. The branding is an attempt to honor the British Virgin Islands’ long history of sailing by featuring a hand-drawn map of the islands on the reverse of every bottle.
Matthew and his team overcame the numerous difficulties that came with establishing a distillery on a tiny Caribbean island by using their faith and tenacity. These challenges included obtaining necessary equipment, base ingredients, bottles, labels, licenses, and health inspections.
A typical London Dry Gin with lovely juniper, grapefruit, and lemon flavors, accented with floral hibiscus notes sourced from the Caribbean, was the end product of a year of hard work. Gin made with cassia bark and liquorice root is delicate and aromatic; it goes well with tonic or ting and a squeeze of grapefruit for a delightfully refreshing drink. A raspberry-infused BVI Pink Gin is also available.
Bronze at the International Wine & Spirit Competition and Best in the Americas from The Gin Guide are just a few accolades that BVI GIN has already received.