Hayman’s Gin launches debate on protecting gin authenticity

By Michelle Perrett

Published: 11 May, 2018

Hayman’s Gin is launching an inaugural debate on how to protect the spirit.

The gin distillers is inviting producers, retailers, bar managers, commentators and enthusiasts to join them for a full day of debate on September 6 at the Hayman family distillery, The Home Of English Gin in London.

Discussions on the day will focus on the question ‘What is gin – and how can we protect it?’

The debate comes only a week after the distiller launched its Call Time On Fake Gin Campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the growing issue of products marketed as gins that have little to no juniper character.

Hayman’s said there was broad agreement that gin needs to be better protected but it was evident that there were many differing views on the form that such protection should take.

James Hayman of the family-owned distillery said that support for the new campaign had been “overwhelming”.

“There is broad agreement that gin needs to be better protected but there are many differing views on the form that such protection should take,” he said.

“Our aim with this series of Gin Debates is to bring the many voices together to share views on the topic and establish the common ground needed for meaningful industry-wide action to take place.’

Hayman’s Gin said that discussions would be facilitated by a neutral third party to ensure that all views on the issue are given equal weighting. A full agenda would be circulated in advance of the day and guest speakers would be invited to share relevant experience from other parts of the drinks market.

“At Hayman’s we have a strong view on what gin is – in our opinion the regulations clearly state that it is the predominant juniper flavour that sets gin apart from other spirit drinks, “ he said.

“However, in the course of speaking to other distillers and commentators over the last week it is clear that there are other perspectives.”

Those interested in attending the inaugural Gin Debate on 6 September 2018 are invited to email distillers@hayman.co.uk to book their place. The event will be ticketed but free of charge and will run from 10am – 4pm.

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