The British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (BCCP) in partnership with 1834 Premium Distilled Gin and Archangel Reserve Premium Dry Gin celebrated World Gin Day on 24 June at the Mayuree II Ballroom, Dusit Thani Manila. Supporting organizations include Brittany Hotel, Discovery Suites, and The Westin Manila with Malaya Business Insight as a media partner. The event that brought together representatives from the business, hospitality, retail, and distribution sectors for an evening focused on premium British gin and expanding UK-Philippine commercial ties.
Rather than serving as a simple tasting event, the gathering was designed as a wider showcase of the UK gin category and its growing appeal in the Philippine market. Guests were welcomed to sample 17 gin expressions from seven distilleries across the United Kingdom, paired with premium Filipino labels. For many attendees, the event provided a rare chance to try British gin brands that are not yet widely available locally, making the evening both a product showcase and a market preview.
The opening remarks by the Chamber’s Chairman Sarah McLeod and Ginebra San Miguel Inc. AVP and Marketing Manager Ron Molina set the tone for the evening, emphasizing collaboration, craftsmanship, and the value of cross-border trade. Their messages reflected the broader role of events like World Gin Day in connecting producers, distributors, and consumers while opening conversations about market opportunity and premium spirits development.
A major highlight of the event was the Chamber’s annual bartending competition, which brought a creative layer to the program. Six Filipino bartenders were tasked with developing cocktails inspired by the 80th anniversary of UK-Philippines diplomatic relations.
The tasting floor featured a strong lineup of British producers, including Adnams Southwold, East London Liquor Co., Courageous Spirits (Glaswegin), G&I Spirit Group Ltd., Jawbox Gin, King & Country, and Fidra Gin. Together, they presented a wide range of gin styles, from classic London dry to more contemporary and fruit-driven expressions. This diversity allowed guests to compare different interpretations of gin craftsmanship and underscored the breadth of the United Kingdom’s spirits sector.
Throughout the night, attendees were invited to vote for their preferred products. East London Louder Gin emerged as the best UK gin, with Adnams Sloe Gin placed second, and Jawbox Classic Dry Gin completed the top three, standing out for its juniper-led character, peppery spice, and smooth finish.
Adnams also received Best UK Gin Brand recognition, supported by a diverse portfolio that included Orange & Sea Buckthorn Gin, Pink Gin, and Sloe Gin. Its display was among the busiest stations of the evening, helped by strong visual branding and a range of expressions that appealed to different palates. Scotland’s Courageous Spirits, the maker of Glaswegin, placed second among brands, while King & Country secured third place for its handcrafted premium dry gin, which reflected a more traditional British style built around juniper, citrus, and floral notes.Educational Resources
Beyond the awards and tastings, the event pointed to the continuing rise of premium gin in the Philippines, where consumers and trade buyers are showing greater interest in craft-led and differentiated spirits. That growing interest mirrors wider global market trends, where gin continues to benefit from premiumization and the popularity of flavored and artisanal expressions. For British producers, the Philippine market represents a promising opportunity for further expansion, particularly as local demand for imported premium spirits continues to grow.
BCCP Executive Vice Chairman Chris Nelson previously said that, “We welcome the continuing interest of UK gin producers in the Philippine market. The global gin industry is expected to grow from US$13.9 billion in 2025 to over US$17 billion by 2030, and with Asia-Pacific projected to be the fastest-growing region, the Philippines is well positioned to become an even more important market for British gins.”
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