TOMORROW is World Gin Day, a celebration of the spirit not only here in the UK but also across the globe. Nick Mosley talks to local distilleries to discover how they will be championing Sussex-made gin this weekend.

DURING the past decade we have witnessed a tiny craft spirits scene explode into a Sussex-wide phenomenon, with gin lovers taking their passion for drinking gin one step further and actually making it.

A dozen years ago you would be hard-pushed to find locally produced spirits on the back bar of a bar or pub. The revolution arguably began with the Blackdown Distillery in Lurgashall, near Petworth, and its Sussex Gin and memorable Silver Birch vermouth distilled from the sap tapped from the local forest. Sarah and Nathan Thompson were trailblazers and, in retrospect, a few years ahead of their time.

The now famed Brighton Gin has not only made waves with imbibers and bartenders throughout the county but is going from strength to strength nationally with a new distribution deal at Waitrose Cellar, international export to 15 countries and a score of 98/100 at this year’s hugely prestigious International Wine and Spirits Competition for its Seaside Navy strength gin that packs a punch at 57 per cent.

Despite the exponential growth and acclaim, founder Kathy Caton is taking it all in her stride.

“This week alone, I’m giving a speech at the Gin Guild’s Ginposium event,” she said. “It’s nerve-racking but an incredible honour as we’re the first Sussex distillery to be asked.

“Over this weekend we’re hosting a stand at Junipalooza at Tobacco Dock in London. It’s the world’s biggest international gin festival with an incredible line-up of gins from every continent. We’ll be representing Sussex there alongside Contractors Gin from Dedbest Distillery near Lewes.”

Elsewhere, Katie Overton-Hart of G&H Spirits will be at the annual South of England Show at Ardingly this weekend where she will be championing her newly launched Lemon Gino, a fusion of the G&H Old Tom Gin and lemon.

“It’s a busy weekend of events for us,” said Katie. “We’re really excited to introduce our unique Lemon Gino made with the juice and zest of two and a half fresh lemons and a hint of jasmine in every bottle.”

Closer to home, the Sussex Gin and Fizz Festival returns to Southover Grange in Lewes tomorrow. With two sessions – a family-friendly afternoon until 5pm, followed by a more grown-up vibe from 6pm to 10pm – local gins include Birch Gin (Wadhurst), Cabin Pressure Spirits (Horsham), Ditchling Gin, Generation Distillers (Chailey), G&H Spirits (Steyning), Harley House Craft Distillery (Seaford), Madame Jennifer Distillery (Hove) and Slake Spirits (Worthing) alongside numerous Sussex vineyards.

“The Gin and Fizz Festival is a great opportunity for us to promote our spirits,” said distiller Tom Martin-Wells of Slake Spirits. “I think festival goers will be excited to sample our gin-based Wild Elixir.”

There will be plenty of local food available too, alongside live music, entertainment and informative masterclasses with the gin makers. Adult tickets are £17.50 and available from www.sussexginandfizzfestival.com

l Meet the distillers at Madame Jennifer’s, page 29