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Gordon’s Gin celebrates 250th anniversary
Diageo-owned Gordon’s Gin has created two commemorative cocktails to celebrate 250 years since it was created by founder Alexander Gordon in 1769.
Diageo-owned Gordon’s Gin was founded by Alexander Gordon in London in 1769
The London Dry gin brand, which was created by Gordon in the Southwark area of London, has grown to become the world’s best selling gin brand, and according to Brand Champions data sold 6.5 million nine-litre-cases in 2018.
To mark the anniversary, Gordon’s has created two anniversary cocktails: the Futurity Fizz, which is made with Gordon’s, blackberries, vanilla sugar and Prosecco; and the Leave it to Gordon’s, which combines Gordon’s, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, Maraschino and soda water.
Joanne McKercher, Diageo’s gin archivist and historian, said: “We are proud custodians of Gordon’s, an internationally renowned brand built over hundreds of years. The entrepreneurial spirit and determination passed down by Alexander Gordon continues to inspire this iconic brand today.
“We have items dating from the 1700s in our archive, from old recipe books and bottles, to vintage advertising. The collection continually inspires all who work on Gordon’s Gin, and ensures everything we do for the brand is rooted in authenticity.”
Diageo still owns the Old Tom copper pot still dating from 1769 that was used to make Gordon’s Gin and the still continues to be used for gin production today.
The brand launched its first flavoured variant in 1906, Gordon’s Sloe, and added the raspberry, strawberry and redcurrant-flavoured Gordon’s Pink to its range in 2017.
Gordon’s gin grew global volumes by 27.8% from 2017 to 2018, according to IWSR data, and as such ranked 13th in the IWSR’s ‘top 100 spirits brands by absolute volume growth’.
According to Diageo, more than three million Gordon’s and tonics are sold globally every day and only six people in the world know the recipe to make Gordon’s gin.
Kathy Parker, senior vice president for Gordon’s, said: “In its 250th year Gordon’s is a brand that is as relevant to consumers today as it was in 1769.
“Gordon’s has defined the world’s taste for gin and through consistent innovation offers a portfolio that reaches every occasion for every consumer. At a time when gin has never been a more popular category and is in high levels of growth in many parts of the world, for me, Gordon’s is very much 250 years young.”
Gordon’s Pink alone broke through the million-case barrier in 2018.