Not a whisky post today as I wanted to introduce you to 4 amazing craft gins coming from 4 different countries ! Whether it is in fashion or spirits, trends often begin from big and dynamic cities before spreading the whole territory. On the menu of today’s spirited geography class, I’m taking you to 4 buzzing cities producing their own juniper-based spirit, Seat back and relax while enjoying the trip !

1. PARIS : La distillerie de Paris – Gin Fleur de Lys

“The interest in craft beer and spirits that started in North America and the UK has trickled over to France, thanks to a cutting-edge cocktail scene and a growing community of discerning drinkers. Inspired by these craft movements during their fifteen years of experience as consultants for the spirits industry, Nicolas and Sébastien Julhès of the eponymous epicure decided to launch their own distillery in the heart of Paris. Five years and not a few setbacks later, La Distillerie de Paris started production this year with a gin, a vodka, and a malt spirit which, in time, will become Paris’ first whisky.” (Kate Robinson from The Hip Paris Blog)

La Distillerie de Paris – 56 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, 75010.

Tel: +33 (0)6 24 33 24 37

2. EDINBURGH : Edinburgh Gin Distillery – Cannonball Gin (57% ABV)

“Located in the beating heart of Scotland’s capital, the Edinburgh Gin Distillery is a destination quite unlike any other. It’s here that we produce small batches of gin, inspired by the majesty, marvel and mischief of Edinburgh and its inhabitants. The Edinburgh Gin Visitor Centre is the only place in the capital where you can indulge both the mind and the palate in all things gin.  From taking a tour or a guided tasting, to trying your hand at making your own, the distillery’s goal is to educate, excite and libate; all in equal measure.” (Visitscotland)”

As the First gin distilled in the centre of Edinburgh, in the Shadow of the Castle, for 150 years. Cannonball Navy Strength Gin is wonderfully spicy, 100% Proof & distilled with Szechuan Pepper.

Edinburgh Gin Distillery, 1a Rutland Place, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH1 2AD

3. WASHINGTON DC : New Columbia Distillers – Green Hat distilled gin

“Distilled by Hand from 100% Grain and Select Botanicals in Small Batches in a Copper Pot Still. This classic spirit is the modern gentleman’s perfect life-style accessory.

Hand-made from grain to glass, each numbered batch of Green Hat Gin is crafted step-by-step over a one month period, featuring a clear juniper nose, hints of citrus lightness and coriander spice, a vague recollection of root botanical earthiness, a subtle note of grains of paradise pepperiness, an herbal whisper of celery, and a rewarding complexity. The result is a super-premium gin that excels both in the finest cocktails and with a small cube in the gin-lover’s neat glass.”

New Columbia Distillers LLC, 1832 Fenwick St. NE, Washington DC 20002, 202-733-1710

HELSINKI : The Helsinki Distilling Company’s dry gin

“On October 30, 2014 Helsinki Distilling Company bottled their first 200 bottles at the Abattoir. The HDCO gin is robust, balanced and flowery, with a pleasant hint of citrus. Lingonberry brings a Nordic touch. (Teurastamo)

“Our Finnish test crowd didn’t pinpoint the lingonberry, but the fresh forest-like flavour was noted by almost all. We also participated in an expert test of 15 gins, among them some of the best-known gin brands in the world, as well as some handcrafted gins. Our gin was a clear winner in the test” Kilpinen.

The Helsinki Distilling Company, Työpajankatu 2a R3, 00580 Helsinki,

Tel: +358 40 648 4534