Handcrafted premium gin is on the rise in Sweden, and with a reputation for high quality, pure and natural products, Sweden is starting to make its global footprint as a leading producer of high quality gin
Many people often consider vodka as the most popular Swedish spirit, but over the last 5 years gin sales have seen a 700% increase in Sweden and the number of Swedish gin producers has doubled from 15 to 30.
In fact Sweden is something of a hidden gem when it comes to botanical spirits, having produced a version of gin since the 15thcentury. Gin’s 500 year old predecessor ‘Genever’ (Dutch for Juniper) consisted of a malt wine base and juniper berries to hide its harsh flavour.
By the 1700s, it had taken on a form much closer to today’s gin but known as aquavit, often flavoured with caraway and dill.
Fast forward to the 21st century and Sweden is now well known for high quality production when it comes to artisanal, handcrafted spirits. The quality of the Swedish water is a crucial factor, as is the natural local botanicals such as lingonberries, dill, raspberry and blueberry,
The driving force behind the rise in popularity of Swedish gin is the growing, global demand for premium spirits. According to Systembolaget the government-owned chain of liquor stores in Sweden, the strongest growth is within the premium segment, and will continue to be years to come, both in Sweden and internationally.
At JÜST, it was always our intention to produce a very high quality, smooth gin. Dill isn’t a traditional gin botanical, but it is a quintessentially Swedish ingredient and when picked at just the right time, makes for a delicious lemony-sweet botanical.
We look forward to a lot more Swedish producers coming to the premium gin market and establishing Sweden as a world leader in the fine craft of gin making!
