The Gin Guild, established in 2012 through a partnership between the Distillers’ Company and four leading gin-producing companies - Bacardi, Diageo, Pernod Ricard and William Grant & Sons - is now celebrating its 15th year. Based in London, the Guild works to protect, promote and invigorate the gin category worldwide.
With more than 650 members, the Guild brings together gin distillers and industry leaders around the world involved in the production, promotion, distribution and appreciation of gin, united by a shared commitment to excellence.
The Gin Guild is a home for gin innovation, embracing established producers alongside new businesses, craft distillers and the growing global community of craft-distilled gin.
For more information, visit www.theginguild.com
The Gin Guild is operated by The Gin Guild Limited, a company wholly owned by the Distillers’ Company. It has its own board, leadership and membership, while retaining close links to the Company that created it.
Those links are both practical and ceremonial. Guild installations draw inspiration from the traditions of the City’s historic trade guilds, and the annual autumn installation is held alongside the Distillers’ Banquet. The Guild’s ceremonial head, the Grand Rectifier, represents its values and presides over installations.
The relationship also creates a route through which people active in the gin industry can encounter the fellowship, educational work and public purpose of the Distillers’ Company.
Connecting people, brands and businesses across the global gin community so they can exchange knowledge, form relationships and work together.
Recognising exceptional contribution, innovation and leadership within gin distillation and the wider category.
Providing technical resources, research, seminars and opportunities for shared learning that deepen understanding and help raise standards.
Promoting the quality and diversity of gin through public engagement, industry communication and opportunities to present the people behind it.
Protecting gin’s identity and regulatory integrity, with an emphasis on authentic production, clear definitions and honest labelling.
The Guild’s best-known educational event is Ginposium, an annual conference bringing together distillers and specialists to explore production, regulation, sustainability, flavour, botanicals, brand building and the future of the category.
Its wider resources include technical guidance, recorded talks, information about botanicals and distilleries, and Gin-Note™, a flavour guidance system designed to help people understand and describe gin.
Formal installations, dinners and member events add fellowship and recognition to that educational purpose.
The Guild’s work reaches beyond the success of individual brands. By supporting better knowledge, responsible production, sustainability and shared standards, it helps maintain trust in the category as a whole.
That approach matches the purpose of the Distillers’ Company: bringing an industry together so that experience can be shared and the next generation can work with confidence.
Discover the Gin Guild