Sip 9 2025

The Gin

Hi Reader,

Happy Friday! Today our journey takes us to Sri Lanka — a land of tropical flavors, fragrant spices, and a growing craft distilling scene. Sri Lankan gin makers are blending native botanicals and bold spices to create gins that are aromatic, vibrant, and truly unique.

We also have a diverse lineup

Gin of the Week: Sri Lankan Gins 🇱🇰
Story: The Gin Island 🏝️
Masterclass: What is 0.0 Gin? 0️⃣
Cocktail for the week: Spiced Gin Sour 🍋
Community Spotlight: Unaged Jenever!🛢️
Events: March 🗓️

Gins of the Week: Sri Lankan Gins 🇱🇰

Sri Lanka might be best known for its tea and tropical landscapes, but its gin scene is gaining attention. With a mix of traditional London Dry methods and native botanicals, these gins bring a unique island touch. From smooth and classic pours to bold, spice-infused blends, here are five gins worth trying!

Let’s dive in!

Colombo No. 7 🌿
Flavor Notes: A London Dry gin with a Sri Lankan twist, featuring cinnamon bark, curry leaves, ginger root, and coriander seeds.
Why Try It? Smooth and aromatic with a warm spice kick. It’s an award-winning gin, having earned a Silver medal at the International Wine & Spirits Competition—so you know it’s quality!
Rockland Dry 🍃
Flavor Notes: Crafted over four generations, this gin delivers a clean, classic taste with fresh juniper, select botanicals, and a hint of spice.
Why Try It? Sri Lanka’s first dry gin, making it a must-try for those who appreciate tradition. Perfect for a crisp, refreshing G&T.
Ascot 🏇
Flavor Notes: A brand known for its London Dry Gin styles, Ascot Gin offers a strong blend of botanicals, keeping juniper at the forefront.
Why Try It? This is a staple in Sri Lanka’s gin market, capturing the essence of classic London Dry while remaining smooth and easy to sip.
Captain Gin 🎩
Flavor Notes: A well-rounded gin with juniper-forward notes, balanced citrus, and a hint of warming spice. Often compared to top international brands in terms of quality and smoothness.
Why Try It? Delivers great flavor and versatility, making it an excellent addition to any bar.
VA London Dry 🍋
Flavor Notes: Made from 100% grain-based spirit and distilled in traditional copper pot stills, this gin features juniper berries at its heart, complemented by six carefully selected botanicals.
Why Try It? Clean, smooth, and versatile—perfect for those who love a pure, no-fuss gin with a classic profile.

Sri Lanka’s gin landscape is evolving, offering a mix of tradition and innovation, making Sri Lankan gin ready to impress. Which one will you try first?

Read about the story - The Gin Island 👇

Story: The Gin Island of Sri Lanka 🏝️

Gin in Sri Lanka has a fascinating past, shaped by necessity, colonial influences, and a deep connection to local ingredients. It all started in 1924 when Rockland Distillery became the country’s first commercial spirits producer. Originally known for crafting Arrack—a beloved Sri Lankan coconut-based liquor—the distillery found itself adapting during World War II. With trade routes disrupted, British troops stationed on the island needed a steady supply of gin. Unable to import from London, they turned to local distillers. Rockland took on the challenge, using native botanicals like cinnamon, curry leaves, and ginger to create a uniquely Sri Lankan take on London Dry Gin.

For decades, this wartime gin recipe remained a piece of family history—until it was rediscovered. In 2005, Amal de Silva Wijeyeratne, the grandson of Rockland’s founder, was working to rebuild the family business after the 2004 tsunami. While sorting through old records, he stumbled upon the forgotten gin formula. Realizing its potential, he decided to bring it back to life. This led to the launch of Colombo No.7 Gin, a spirit that honored the past while introducing Sri Lanka to the modern craft gin scene. However, with changing distillation laws, production had to be moved to England’s Langley Distillery, though the ingredients and recipe remained deeply Sri Lankan.

Today, Sri Lanka’s gin industry is evolving, blending tradition with innovation. Brands like Colombo No.7, Rockland Dry Gin, and newer entries like Ascot Gin and VA London Dry Gin are putting the island on the global gin map. These spirits capture the bold flavors of Sri Lanka’s landscapes, from the spice markets of Colombo to the lush forests of Kandy. What started as a necessity during wartime has now become a proud expression of Sri Lankan craftsmanship—one sip at a time.

NEXT, Check out the Masterclass on What is 0.0 Gin👇

A First Innings Gin in Sri Lanka – GIN and GENEALOGY

Masterclass: What is 0.0 Gin? 0️⃣

So, you’ve probably heard of 0.0% gin and wondered, "Is it really gin?" Well, not exactly, but it does aim to replicate the flavors we love in traditional gin—without the alcohol. If you’re curious about this growing trend, let’s break it down in simple terms. Think of it as flavored water with botanicals like juniper, citrus, and herbs, designed to taste similar to gin but with zero alcohol. Traditional gin uses alcohol to extract flavors from these botanicals, but 0.0% gin relies on alternative distillation techniques or infusions to achieve a similar profile.

How Does it Taste? Opinions are mixed. Some people love it in mocktails, while others find it lacks the depth of real gin. Few brands are praised for their balanced flavors, with juniper-forward notes that mimic classic gin, but others get mixed reviews, often depending on personal taste. If you're expecting the full warmth of gin, you might be disappointed, but if you're looking for a refreshing alternative, it can be a solid choice.

Popular 0.0% Gin Brands

Tanqueray 0.0% – Known for its citrusy aroma and solid juniper presence. Many say it’s the best of the bunch.
Monday Gin – A bold, juniper-heavy option with hints of lemon and grapefruit, great for gin lovers avoiding alcohol.
Lyre’s – A well-known non-alcoholic spirits brand, though less discussed in gin-specific circles.

Pros & Cons
✅ Great for mocktails – Keeps the gin experience alive in social settings.
✅ Perfect for non-drinkers – A way to enjoy the taste of gin without the effects of alcohol.
❌ Expensive – Many users feel it’s pricey for what is essentially flavored water.
❌ Not the same as gin – While some brands get close, it won’t replace the complexity of alcohol-infused gin.

Final Thoughts 0.0% gin isn’t for everyone, but if you’re looking for a guilt-free, alcohol-free way to enjoy the flavors of gin, it’s worth exploring. Whether you're cutting back on alcohol or just want a fun mocktail option, this alternative lets you join the party without the hangover.

Check out our Cocktail for the week Spiced Gin Sour👇

Cocktail for the week: Spiced Gin Sour 🍋

A bold twist on the classic Gin Sour, this cocktail blends the vibrant flavors of Sri Lankan spices with tropical citrus for a rich and aromatic experience.

Ingredients:

50ml gin (any good-quality gin)
25ml fresh lime juice
15ml simple syrup (or honey syrup for a deeper flavor)
1 egg white (or aquafaba for a vegan alternative)
2 dashes aromatic bitters
1 small cinnamon stick and or star anise for garnish
A pinch of crushed curry leaves (optional, for aroma)
Ice cubes

Instructions:

In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and a pinch of crushed curry leaves.
Dry shake (without ice) for 10-15 seconds to create a smooth, frothy texture.
Add ice and shake again until well chilled.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Add two dashes of bitters on top and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Checkout events and our community feature on Gin Candles👇

Community Spotlight: Gin Candles 🕯️

Check out this Atlantic Spirit Gin, based in North Devon, is promoting its newly restocked candles, which feature the brand’s signature design with a puffin and ocean waves.