HAVING ditched its image as a drink for the posh or elderly, gin has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years and has now established itself as a tipple to be enjoyed by all.

Sales of gin went beyond the £1bn mark for the first time in 2015, with Mintel predicting sales will continue to rise and reach £1.3bn by 2020, according to Bar Magazine.

This news comes as no surprise to Kate Compston who has just opened The Gin House in Wimborne, which is the sister to the award-winning real ale pub, The Taphouse, run by her husband Gordon.

Kate told Taste: "The gin industry has seen enormous growth with lots of small batch boutique distillers opening all over the country, offering a huge choice of flavours and styles.

"Gin is unique in that any botanical can be used to manipulate the flavours which means exciting creative opportunities. In the last ten to 20 years, much like micro breweries with ale, a lot of creative people have managed to push the boundaries of spirits in the drinks sector by making a drink which can consist of virtually any botanical known to us."

The Gin House currently has a range of 150 different types of gin which Kate plans to expand to around 300 by the summer.

Due to a rising demand for unusual ingredients, gin connoisseurs are continuing to tempt consumers with new and exciting ways to enjoy the juniper-based spirit.

Kate added: "We have around 27 different garnishes ranging from lemongrass to juniper berries, rose petals, lemon thyme, lavender, fresh mint, ginger and coffee beans.

"We also have six different types of Fever Tree tonics, including Mediterranean tonic, Elderflower tonic and ginger ale. The gins are matched to the mixer and garnish that best enhance the gins botanicals."

Kate adds: "I think at The Gin House you are definitely going to find a gin for every occasion, season and budget!"

The Taphouse, a small independent micropub in Wimborne, won East Dorset CAMRA Pub Of The Season Spring 2014 and East Dorset CAMRA Pub Of The Year 2014.