GIN SUMMIT 2022

The American Distilling Institute’s Gin Summit, in association with The Gin Guild and Gin World St Louis, returns on Saturday 17th September 2022. The one-day conference will showcase a range of expert speakers covering a broad range of topics and tastings perfect for distillers, bartenders, journalists, industry professionals, and gin superfans.

09:30 – 10:00 a.m. – KeyNote – Alexandre Gabriel

Alexandre Gabriel is world-renowned for his ability to produce fine spirits and his gin brand, Citadelle, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Join Alexandre as he reflects on a quarter of a century of gin production and how he continues to innovate and keep the brand fresh.

10:00 – 10:40 a.m. – Gin in St. Louis, Missouri, and Beyond

Join our panel of local gin personalities and distillers as they discuss the special relationship between the juniper spirit, St. Louis, and Missouri. The panel will be led by Missouri’s own gin superstar, Natasha Bahrami.

10:40 – 10:55 a.m. – The U.S. Gin Association, An Introduction

Melissa Katrincic and friends introduce the U.S. Gin Association: a new organization that aims “to progress the affinity and passion for the Gin category in the U.S. amongst distillers, the beverage trade, and the media.”

10:55 – 11:20 a.m.  COFFEE BREAK

11:20 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – 5 Craft Gins that changed it all

International Gin Chap David T Smith will guide attendees through five American gins that have made a difference to the world of gin in the last 20 years, both in the US and further afield. This is a great opportunity to revisit old friends such as Junipero, Rehorst, and No. 209, as well as giving other established brands a second look.

Includes tasting samples.

12:00 p.m. – 12:25 p.m. – TALK – Gin By The Numbers with Henric Molin

The enjoyment of gin is all about smell and taste, but to really understand gin, we need to look a little deeper. Henric Molin of Spirit of Hven Distillery will discuss how chemical analysis can help you to better understand a gin, ensure its quality, and optimize production. You’ll never look at gin the same way again!

Includes nosing samples.

12:25 p.m.-  12:50 p.m. – TALK – We’re going on a Botanical Hunt: Critical points for responsible foraging

Terroir, or capturing “a sense of place” in your spirit, has been increasingly important in an ever-competitive gin market. But despite the bounty of the flora of a local area, there are key considerations to take into account, including health & safety, consistency, and – of course – the impact on the local environment. Join our expert to learn more.

12:50 – 1:30 a.m.  LUNCH

1:30 – 1:55 p.m. – The Proof’s in the Drinking: The impact that alcoholic strength has on flavor

Export strength, navy strength, and the legal minimum of 40%: gin is available at a wide range of alcoholic proofs, but how much of a difference does it make to the taste? Find out for yourself at this session, where we will taste multiple gins made using the same recipe, but provided at a variety of different strengths.

Includes tasting samples.

1:55 – 2:20 p.m. – A Perfect Pairing! Gin & Food

The very first written record of an alcohol and food pairing is from the 1600s and featured gin and gingerbread. World-renowned food and drink writer Virginia Miller will bring gin and food pairings right up-to-date in this session. 

2:20 – 2:40 p.m.  – Distilling Techniques: One Shot vs. Multi-shot

What if someone told you there was a way to increase your gin production by a factor of 10 without even needing to buy a new still? This and even greater efficiency can be achieved by adopting a multi-shot rather than a single or one shot process, but what impact, if any, does it have on the quality of the spirit?

This session will guide attendees through single shot and multi-shot processes and share samples of gin made using the different techniques, allowing the audience to make up their own mind.

Includes tasting samples.

2:40 – 3.05 p.m. – Session TBC

3:05 – 3:30 p.m. – TEA BREAK

3:30 – 4:00 p.m. – Cocktails on the High Seas with Keli Rivers ft. David T Smith

There are many influences, both social and historical, that have helped to steer the course of cocktails, but one of the lesser known was the grand ocean liners of the Atlantic. From the speedy delivery of exotic goods to the relocation of US bartenders during Prohibition, the Golden Age of steamships certainly left its mark.

Those sitting in the first few rows may get wet!

4:00 – 4:45 p.m. – How can gin become more popular in the USA?

The last decade or so has seen an increase in both the quality and quantity of gin in the USA, but the country has not quite seen the level of mania around juniper spirits experienced in other global locations such as Europe and Australia. Our panel of experts will reflect on why this is and how gin can be boosted in America.

4:45 – 5:30 p.m. Gin Cocktail Networking