Junimperium Distillery awarded IWSC International Gin Producer Trophy

This year’s winner of IWSC 2022 International Gin Producer Trophy, sponsored by The Gin Guild – is making sure Estonian gin production is firmly on the map.

The stratospheric growth of the gin category in recent years is no secret. Leading the revolution in Estonia is Junimperium Distillery, which was founded in the capital city Tallinn in 2019. Five friends, each with pertinent experience (from fashion to chemistry), are behind the characterful, stylish brand.

While a blended dry gin forms the backbone of Junimperium’s offering, the distillery’s special editions, including its IWSC Outstanding Sloe Gin, are especially impressive. As the distillery’s name implies, juniper is at the heart of their product. “We describe ourselves as experts of junipers,” the team say. “In the beginning, we tested almost 40 junipers from the different regions of the world. Today, we are unique in using a mix of four junipers inside our gins.

“We are constantly experimenting with junipers and testing them to find the best junipers for our gins. For example, for our Sloe Gin we use so-called ‘jumbo’ junipers which are rich in sugars and gives their unique taste to the Sloe Gin during the maceration.”

The team’s creative approach is seen throughout the distilling process. “The head from the juniper distillation, which is very oily and aromatic and not used inside our gins, is all used for producing our juniper flavour hand sanitizer, our juniper flavoured candles and also used inside our handmade chocolate truffles,” they explain. 

The ambition of Junimperium is palpable. They already offer distillery tours and have a bar on site to introduce customers to their spirits, and there are a handful of new schnapps-style products in the pipeline. A new distillery experience centre is slated for 2024. “We want to become a real leader in Estonian craft gin industry and fulfil our main goal – to be a most recognized Estonian gin in the world,” they explain.

Well done to Junimperium Distillery and thank you to our trophy sponsor, The Gin Guild.