Gin Diaries No. 6: the book becomes real

Sharing the cover for World Gin Day

It's been an intense couple of months to say the least. I sent the final proof corrections for Gin: A Tasting Course to the publishers at the beginning of May then jumped right into a WSET Level 3 Spirits course. These usually run on one day a week over a couple of months but mine was compressed into a single week. That's a lot of tasting and cramming! That ended with an exam, and then it was right into shepherding our middle child through her GCSEs. All of this while undertaking a major building project on our little South London terrace house.

But here's some excitement at last amid the chaos. It's finally time, for World Gin Day, to share the book's cover with you.

I've written bits and pieces for publication for years now. In fact, if you include editing texts as well, it has my taken up my whole working life. But this is my first book, and writing it was some of the best fun I've ever had. I loved being able to devote myself completely to such a fascinating subject. Tasting gin day in, day out really gives you a new perspective on the spirit!

I hope this book will help readers feel more confident thinking and talking about flavour. That's the key when it comes to picking a gin. God knows there are plenty to choose from, and you want to make sure you spend your money on one you'll enjoy.

That's why I’ve grouped its gin reviews (over 100 in all) by how they taste rather than where they were made. I also give readers some background on how flavour works, and how to become better tasters. (It's possible! You don't have to be born that way.) There's also loads of info about gin's botanical ingredients and how they affect its flavour, plus how to choose the right garnish to bring out the best in your G&T.

Gin: A Tasting Course will be published by DK on 7 September but it's available to pre-order now.