I love alcohol. I need alcohol. I’d be half the woman, mother and nearly-wife I am without it. Having said that, I’m not on a first name basis with the guy down the local off licence - Craig and I much prefer to buy artisan drinks online. Why? Because once you’ve tried specialist wines, liqueur and spirits, you can never go back. Every supermarket red ends up getting compared to that cheeky La Rioja Alta Viña Arana Reserva 2008 that was a last-minute addition to your monthly Laithwaites order.
This is why alcohol subscription boxes work so well. You get to taste limited edition, hard-to-source and locally-crafted tipples, rather than mass-produced wares. And contrary to popular belief, these aren’t necessarily more expensive. If you enjoy the odd pale ale or G&T of an evening, sampling artisan products via subscription services is arguably the most cost effective way to do it - far better than buying a case of something and discovering it wasn’t for you.
Gin Explorer is a brand new and exciting way to sample, explore and learn about gins from across the globe - right up my street then! Each month you’ll receive a selection of 4 gin miniatures direct to your door. They arrive in a beautiful gift box alongside premium mixers and other hand-selected accompaniments.
Each gin you’ll recieve will have been hand-picked by culinary experts who seek to send you on a thrilling journey. You’ll also learn all about the heritage and origin of the gins giving you the perfect opportunity to show off your new knowledge with friends, family and other gin buffs.
“Here at Gin Festival we’re passionate about bringing high quality, premium gins to those that really love gin! Our festivals are a perfect way to do this but we want people to be able to enjoy a good gin any time, any place. Gin Explorer works tirelessly to source the best of the new, craft gins and deliver them to your doorstep, complete with their perfect serve and a wealth of information, plus some extra goodies.” Gin Festival Founder, Jym Harris
What did I make of September’s box?
Slingsby Artisan Gin (ABV 42%)
North Yorkshire, England
A blend of local Harrogate water, 17 locally-sourced botanicals & 8 others from further afield, initially sweet on the tongue, you get a hit of bitter lemon from the citrus botanicals and green nettles, before a calming blend of juniper and rhubarb. It is absolutely beautiful, and by far, the nicest gin I’ve sank. Even with cheap tonic, this gin sings through effortlessly. In hindsight, I was gutted to have picked this as my first tipple as it was perhaps too strong a competition for those that followed. I’d sell my soul for a monthly subscription of this on its own - that’s how good it is.
Willem Barentsz Gin (ABV 43%)
London, England
This split-base gin is infused with natural jasmine flowers with a wheat and rye base. This was a bit of a revelation for me as it delivers an initial chlorine-like hit, symonyous with cheaper bottles, that usually makes my nose wrinkle. However, if you survive that first punch, this is an awesome taste experience. I found myself forever lifting my glass to my lips as though psyching myself up for another taste - intriguingly, each time you’re hit with something new, like you’ve morphed into a journeyman for Ali. This is defnitely one for battle-hardened semi-pro drinkers.
Bath Gin (ABV 40%)
Somerset, England
This light and subtle juniper and citrus blend is the more easy-going gin in September’s box. Although smooth like water, and a perfect mixer for cocktails, and citrus-based tonics, don’t let this unassuming gin fool you. A lot of work goes into making this gin such a smooth operator. According to my Gin Explorer booklet, this has been infused with some weird and unusual ingredients to keep you on your toes (wormwood and kaffir lime leaves). It’s a woody, heady yet whimsical gin that is a neat little way to a kick-off a dinner party as it asks so little of those indulging. 
Addingham Sloe Gin (ABV 25%)
West Yorkshire, England
Okay - hands up - my pictures are staged. Aficionados can spot this a mile off as this refreshing little number is a pink gin packed with locally-picked sloe berries. As expected, this is sweet and light on the palette and worthy of splash or two of Prosecco for a more sophisticated afternoon treat. I adored this, but Craig joked it was laced-with-crack (that’s to say it was too moreish for his liking), and I can understand his thinking as it would be very easy to accidentally OD on a full bottle.
Also included were cranberry and pistachio biscottis from Karen’s Little Kitchen, and some hand-crafted Franklin & Sons tonics. These were every bit as delightful as the gin, and allow you to kick off your gin adventure the very second the box lands on your doorstep.
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Overall, I’m a bit obsessed with my Gin Explorer, and very taken with the concept. Costing £24.99 per month, with discounts for longer subscriptions, you get a lot of bang for your buck. We’re not talking hotel samples here, rather generous 50ml samples for each gin, a wonderfully detailed presentation booklet and foodie goodies and tonics to boot. It would certainly make for a incredibly thoughtful gift for gin-lovers this Christmas - hint, hint Craig! The cut off time for each month’s box is the 5th. So head over to www.ginexplorer.com and order yours now.
To receive £5 off your first box, enter TAKEOFF at the checkout
For updates and information on the world of Gin Explorer, check out their social media channels:
Twitter: @ginexplorerbox
