Fords Gin Thanks the Global Bartending Community for Its Success — The Feeling Is Mutual

LONDON, UK (May 21, 2026) – Fords Gin, the London Dry Gin created by spirits and cocktails expert Simon Ford and tenth-generation master distiller Charles Maxwell, has been named Bartenders’ Choice Spirit in Drinks International’s 2026 Annual Brands Report, a distinction voted for by bartenders themselves and regarded as one of the most meaningful accolades in the global drinks industry.

Since its launch in 2012, Fords Gin has been shaped by and for the bar trade community. From its original liquid development, guided by bartender feedback at every stage, to the ergonomic design of its bottle and its unwavering presence behind the most celebrated bars, Fords Gin has always placed the needs, craft, and hospitality of bartenders at the heart of the brand. This latest recognition reflects the quality and versatility of the spirit, and the trust and loyalty Fords Gin has earned among the community over the last 14 years.

“This recognition means everything to us because it comes directly from bartenders,” says Simon Ford, Co-Founder of Fords Gin. “Bartenders didn’t just champion what we set out to create with Fords Gin, they helped make it. From day one, this brand has existed to support the people behind the bar and to give something back to the community that defines our past, present, and future. Being named Bartenders’ Choice is a huge honour, and one we’ll never take lightly. This award reinforces exactly why we do what we do.”

In late 2024, this ethos was brought to life with the opening of Fords Gin Bar, the brand’s purpose-built bar and home inside the relocated Thames Distillers in Bermondsey, South-East London. Designed with the global bar community in mind, the space was created as an exclusive place for them to gather, learn, and be hosted; a tangible expression of Fords Gin’s belief in returning the hospitality it has always received. Built in collaboration with leading figures from the world of cocktails and bar design, Fords Gin Bar reflects the brand’s long-standing connection to cocktail culture, celebrating London’s distilling heritage and the craft of bartending. The space serves as a hub for bar trade events, education, and collaboration, reinforcing Fords Gin’s role as a brand that shows up for bartenders, not just in words but also in action.

This latest accolade for Fords Gin marks a first for the Annual Report itself, with the brand having debuted at number one in the Bartenders’ Choice ranking—an unprecedented achievement for a new entry. As part of their coverage on the achievement, Drinks International acknowledged that Fords Gin has seen significant growth in the US, with its latest success also driven by increased engagement across Europe, including the opening of the dedicated bar at Thames Distillers.

Fords Gin has consistently invested in education, hospitality, and on-the-ground support for bartenders across a range of initiatives around the world, including at bartender-forward events such as Tales of the Cocktail and Bar Convent. Earlier this year, Simon threw a dedicated Industry Appreciation Night at Fords Gin Bar, hosted by a collection of top bartenders including Ryan Chetiyawardana and Ian Burrell.

As the bar industry continues to evolve at an exhilarating pace, and Fords Gin approaches its 15th year, the brand looks ahead with the same clear purpose that has defined it from the beginning: championing bartenders, supporting cocktail culture, and creating gins that work uncompromisingly well behind the bar.

For more information about Fords Gin, Fords Gin Bar, or the brand’s work with the global bar community, visit fordsgin.com and follow @FordsGin on social media.

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FORDS GIN Distilled in London at Thames Distillers, Fords Gin is a collaboration between 11th generation master distiller Charles Maxwell and gin expert Simon Ford. A modern take on a classic London Dry Gin, Fords Gin starts with a traditional base of juniper & coriander seed balanced by citrus, florals, and spices that are steeped for 15 hours before being distilled. Each botanical blends together to create the perfect base for any gin-inspired cocktail.

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Fords Gin London Dry Gin, 45% Alc. by Vol., The Fords Gin Co., Louisville, KY. Fords Gin is a registered trademark. ©2026 Brown-Forman Corporation. All rights reserved.