The British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (BCCP), in partnership with 1834 Premium Distilled Gin and Archangel Reserve Premium Dry Gin, successfully concluded its celebration of World Gin Day 2026 last June 24, 2026, bringing together British distillers, Philippine hospitality professionals, industry partners, and gin enthusiasts for an evening that highlighted the growing appreciation for premium United Kingdom gins in the Philippine market.
Held at the Dusit Thani Manila’s Mayuree II Ballroom, the event was sponsored by Brittany Hotel, Discovery Suites, and The Westin Manila, with Manila Standard as media partner.
The evening opened with welcome remarks from BCCP Chairman Sarah McLeod and Ron Molina, Assistant Vice President and Marketing Manager of Ginebra San Miguel, Inc. McLeod highlighted the event as it is also the celebration of “80 years of UK-Philippines diplomatic relations and the British Chamber’s 25th anniversary”. Meanwhile, Molina noted that “from a small celebration in the UK, World Gin Day has grown into a worldwide celebration,” adding that the occasion honors the Philippines as the world’s largest gin consumer.
One of the evening’s highlights was the exclusive tasting of 17 premium British gins from seven distilleries, many of which were introduced to the Philippine market for the very first time. Guests sampled a diverse portfolio ranging from traditional London dry expressions to contemporary fruit-forward varieties from Adnams Southwold, East London Liquor Co., Courageous Spirits – Glaswegin, Jawbox Gin, King & Country, G&I Spirit Group Ltd., and Fidra Gin.
Among the featured brands, Adnams emerged as the Best UK Gin Brand, winning over guests with its vibrant packaging and extensive selection of five distinct expressions. Its Adnams Sloe Gin also received Second Place for Best UK Gin. East London Liquor Co. captured the Best UK Gin award through its East London Louder Gin. The distillery also introduced guests to three more gins, further demonstrating the diversity of modern British gin-making.
Scotland’s Courageous Spirits – Glaswegin secured Second Place for Best UK Gin Brand. Guests particularly enjoyed the refreshing Glaswegin Raspberry & Rhubarb Gin, while also having their signature Scottish Gin. Representing Northern Ireland, Jawbox Gin earned Third Place for Best UK Gin with its Jawbox Classic Dry Gin. Meanwhile, King & Country received Third Place for Best UK Gin Brand.
Beyond the tasting sessions, guests actively participated in an interactive UK-Philippines Gin History Quiz, celebrating the long-standing connection between the two nations through the spirit. The event also featured the 8th Bartending Competition, where local mixologists demonstrated creativity by developing cocktails inspired by British and Filipino ingredients. The competition highlighted the growing professionalism and creativity of the Philippine bartending community, supported by the government’s initiatives such as bartending development and tourism-related programs.
BCCP Executive Vice Chairman Chris Nelson said that, “It’s great to see more UK gin brands exploring what the Philippines has to offer. This isn’t just about one event—it’s about long-term trade. The global gin market is on track to exceed US$17 billion by 2030, and as Asia-Pacific becomes the fastest-growing region, we believe the Philippines will continue to play an increasingly important role for British producers.”
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