American Craft Gin Enters UK Market Waterloo Gin, an Austin-based premium gin maker, has launched in the United Kingdom, marking its first international expansion. The brand is now available to UK consumers through WaterlooGin.com, introducing its complete portfolio of three gins that draw inspiration from Texas Hill Country botanicals and limestone-filtered spring water.

Three Distinct Expressions Waterloo's UK debut includes: Waterloo No. 9 Gin — The flagship expression won platinum at the 2026 SIP Awards. It balances juniper with grapefruit, lavender, and pecan, earning a 94-point "Superb" rating and Best Buy designation from Wine Enthusiast. The gin suits classic gin and tonics, martinis, and contemporary cocktails. Waterloo Barrel Aged Gin — This gold winner at the 2026 SIP Awards combines gin and American whiskey traditions, aged for two years in new American white oak char #3 barrels. It delivers vanilla, oak, and spice notes, designed for classic cocktails like Old Fashioned, Negroni, and Blackberry Bramble. Waterloo Prickly Pear & Rose Gin — The double gold winner at the 2026 SIP Awards blends prickly pear, rose petals, and hibiscus with nine signature botanicals to create a pink gin. The brand suggests it works in cocktails including Prickly Pear Collins, French 75, and Southside.

Market Entry Strategy The UK launch begins with direct-to-consumer e-commerce, with orders fulfilled by Tipple Operations UK Ltd for delivery across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The company plans to pursue additional retail and on-premise opportunities. "Bringing an American gin to the UK, a country with such a rich gin heritage, is a particularly exciting milestone for Waterloo," said Justin Meigs, CEO of Waterloo Gin. "We have tremendous respect for the traditions that have shaped gin in the UK. Waterloo builds on those traditions with something distinctly our own: the botanicals, craftsmanship, and character of the Texas Hill Country in an American gin. We're excited to introduce UK gin enthusiasts to a different expression of a spirit they love so much." Waterloo Gin is owned by John Paul DeJoria, an entrepreneur and spirits industry figure. The brand currently operates in the United States and has used this UK expansion to broaden its geographic footprint.

Why It Matters

As American craft spirits continue to gain traction in traditional European markets, Waterloo's UK entry signals confidence in the premium segment and regional-style positioning. For UK on-premise and retail operators, the launch offers a differentiated American gin option with established award credentials and a clear botanical identity.

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Written by FBM Publications Editors

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Waterloo's three gin expressions launching in the UK?

Waterloo No. 9 Gin (platinum, 2026 SIP Awards, 94-point Wine Enthusiast rating), Waterloo Barrel Aged Gin (gold, aged two years in new American white oak), and Waterloo Prickly Pear & Rose Gin (double gold, pink gin with prickly pear and rose petals). All three are available now through WaterlooGin.com.

Which Waterloo expression won the most awards at the 2026 SIP Awards?

Waterloo Prickly Pear & Rose Gin took double gold, the highest distinction among the three expressions. Waterloo No. 9 won platinum and Barrel Aged won gold.

How is Waterloo fulfilling UK orders?

Direct-to-consumer e-commerce through WaterlooGin.com, with Tipple Operations UK Ltd handling fulfillment and delivery across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The company plans to pursue retail and on-premise distribution next.

What does Wine Enthusiast say about Waterloo No. 9 Gin?

Wine Enthusiast rated Waterloo No. 9 at 94 points with a "Superb" rating and Best Buy designation, citing its balanced profile of juniper, grapefruit, lavender, and pecan.

What makes Waterloo Barrel Aged Gin distinct from the flagship?

Waterloo Barrel Aged spends two years in new American white oak char #3 barrels, delivering vanilla, oak, and spice notes—designed for spirit-forward classics like Old Fashioned and Negroni, versus the No. 9's gin-and-tonic versatility.