If you had a medical ailment in the 16th century, you might have been prescribed an aromatic liquor called genever (via The Culture Trip). Back then, genever (or jenever) was all the rage. The Dutch used it to treat gallstones, gout, and lumbago. The Dutch government began to levy taxes on the production of genever in 1606.
After Dutch king William of Orange invaded England in 1688, traders began importing large shipments of genever into England. It is thought that gin was created around this time by working juniper berries into genever to create a new spirit.
Juniper berries are the main ingredient in the creation of gin. To make gin, these berries are distilled with grain alcohol (via BBC Good Food). In addition to juniper berries, distillers choose other botanicals to blend into the alcohol during the creation process, giving gin its signature flavor.
Today, each brand has its own specialized blend of botanicals that they use to create gin. Among the various gin companies and their respective custom botanical blends, some brands simply stun while others fall short in terms of flavor, smoothness, and quality.
25. New Amsterdam
New Amsterdam gin bottles
New Amsterdam
As a brand, New Amsterdam comes in at the very bottom of the list. We’ll start with the main benefit: It’s reasonably priced. Considering New Amsterdam Gin’s price point starts at $14.99 for a 750 ml bottle, this spirit certainly isn’t one you have to think twice about buying.
However, New Amsterdam doesn’t seem to prioritize high-quality ingredients. The GIN is IN says, “It’s an inexpensive gin that will have fans of classic style gins crying ‘uncle.’ Fans of contemporary gins may find something to like here, but seasoned gin drinkers will likely have already found a gin of this style that does it with a little more grace and without the cloying sweet notes.” While this gin is based in juniper, the artificial fruit notes leave much to be desired.
New Amsterdam makes two different kinds of gin — Stratusphere London Dry Gin and London Dry Original. You may have seen New Amsterdam at your shop because it has picked up a reputation as the go-to bottom shelf gin. But what’s the saying? Easy come easy go. You might be able to pick this bottle up anywhere, but that doesn’t mean you should. It’s not terrible for those on a budget, but anyone with a few more dollars to spend would do themselves a favor by skipping this gin.
24. Larios
Larios Gin bottles
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We could hardly leave Spain’s best-selling gin off our list. VinePair ranks this gin sixth worldwide in the list of best-selling international gin brands, right after Seagram’s. We are, of course, referring to none other than the Spanish brand Larios, which was founded in 1866.
The Larios Dry Mediterranean Gin is perfect for gin and tonics, although, according to Gin Blogger, “[T]hese originate from lemon and bitter oranges, with the juniper seemingly relegated to somewhere in the chorus line. The London Dry links are also there somewhere in the form of a little coriander and cinnamon; though I didn’t feel that the spices lingered for the sort of long finish that distinguishes the best of the breed.”
The brand’s dry gin may not be anything to write home about; however, Larios has a few other varieties that are pretty interesting — Larios 12, Larios Rose, Larios 150, and Larios Provenzal. Larios gins are ideal for pretending you’re on holiday in Southern Spain. They may not deliver complexity, but they are citrusy and fresh.
23. Gordon’s
Gordon’s Gin bottles
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Gordon’s produces three different kinds of gin: London Dry Gin, Premium Pink Distilled Gin, and Sicilian Lemon Distilled Gin. Unfortunately, none of these varieties are particularly exciting. Gordon’s London Dry Gin is a workhorse gin, one that you buy because it’s easily available and convenient. It’ll work well in your G&T but that’s not to say it tastes good.
According to Will Gordon at Serious Eats, “But what really impresses me about Gordon’s is that it defies conventional bottom shelf wisdom, which holds that the most successful bargain boozes are humble and inoffensive renditions of their betters. Not in this case; Gordon’s London Dry gin is aggressive … It’s not as complex as some higher-end gins, but it’s honest.”
Gordon’s London Dry Gin has a strong taste, which means it doesn’t exactly go down easy. While you could drink this gin neat, it’d be better off in a cocktail. Yet, for its faults, Gordon’s is a great cheap gin. It certainly doesn’t compare to middle and top-shelf gins, but it’s a decent option for the cost-conscious.
22. Aviation
Aviation Gin bottle and cocktail
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The Ryan Reynolds-owned Aviation American Gin has plenty of eyes on it. Celebrity-endorsed and packaged into a slick bottle with cool, vintage airline-themed branding — these are all factors that should make Aviation gin a guaranteed hit.
Unfortunately, it seems that Aviation gin is more style than substance. It does include botanicals of cardamom, coriander, French lavender, anise seed, sarsaparilla, orange peel, and of course, juniper. However, the brand seems to have missed the mark on certain botanical notes.
As one Reddit user pointed out, “Am I the only one who thinks Aviation tastes like vanilla extract? It’s why I personally don’t enjoy it.”
Besides the overpowering, artificial notes of vanilla, this gin falls flat in terms of flavor. If you love strong herbal notes, this definitely isn’t the gin for you. Aviation gin does work well in certain mixed drinks that don’t rely so much on the quality or flavor of the gin. Above all else, the empty bottle makes for a beautiful vase or water jug.
21. Seagram’s
Seagram’s Gin bottles
Seagram’s
Seagram’s isn’t bad for a low-budget American gin; however, it doesn’t compare to the classic English versions. Not surprising, considering gin is England’s “national spirit,” and several of the best gins in the world hail from the United Kingdom (via Food Republic). That being said, Seagram’s has been around since the late 1800s, and the brand knows a thing or two about making a gin that Americans love.
Seagram’s Gin is available in several different flavors; Watermelon Twisted Gin, Extra Dry Gin, Pineapple Twisted Gin, Lime Twisted Gin, Peach Twisted Gin, Melon Twisted Gin, Apple Twisted Gin, Grape Twisted Gin, Red Berry Twisted Gin, and the special edition Distiller’s Reserve.
The Complete Gentleman said, “Overall this is one of the best, if not the best, low budget American made Gin we have tasted — especially for a mild Gin & Tonic. Although some people are derisive of it we think this is severely unwarranted — there are plenty of low-budget gins out there with nowhere near this level of quality.”
You’re unlikely to go wrong with Seagram’s. You won’t even be disappointed, but if you’re expecting a powerfully botanic and fragrant gin, you should continue to look elsewhere.
20. Citadelle
Citadelle Gin Bottle
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As the only French gin on the list, Citadelle is carrying a lot of expectations on its shoulders. The gin uses a few different botanicals — juniper, orange peel, cubeb pepper, violet, and lemon peel. Citadelle utilizes a trademark process called progressive infusion — created by Alexandre Gabriel specifically for the company — which allows “each flavor in the gin to be infused according to its aromatic composition.” The description makes it sound as though this is a stellar gin that’s bursting with interesting botanical notes.
However, blogger Phil Grass wasn’t impressed: “I so wanted to love this gin. It has everything that a gin blogger should love. A craft, small-batch producer with an amazing array of botanicals, but in the end the taste is just a little too weak to make me love it.”
Citadelle’s gin isn’t bad by any means; it’s just light. Its delicate flavors might get lost in gin and tonics. However, that same lightness makes this gin perfect for summer sipping. In addition to the original gin, Citadelle produces the Jardin d’Été (a fruity twist on the original, signature gin), the No Mistake Old Tom ( a Dickens-inspired, barrel-aged concoction), as well as other limited editions varieties.
19. Bulldog
Bulldog Gin Bottles
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Oh, Bulldog. There’s a lot of competition within London dry gins, so Bulldog never really stood a chance. To put it simply, it’s bland. While Bulldog London Dry Gin is infused with 12 different botanicals from around the world, such as white poppy, coriander, and lotus leaves, these are nearly impossible to detect on the palate. Bulldog does gain some points because it’s a lighter style gin that functions quite well as a workhorse of sorts. It doesn’t necessarily need to be the star of the show, but it’s ideal for cocktails that need some lighter essences of gin.
According to Spirits Review, this gin “[c]ompares well with other premium gins of its type/profile. This is not your father’s gin or the kind you got deathly ill with earlier in high school or college (or maybe even before). It is a lighter style that bears more resemblance to a exotic spice melange than a fir tree.”
As espoused here, this definitely isn’t an in-your-face gin, but it’s likely to make an easy but unimpressive addition to your home bar.
18. Ophir
Opihr Gin bottles
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Ophir’s gin offerings consist of their Ophir Oriental Spiced London Dry Gin and the Ophir Ready To Drink collection, which includes a classic gin and tonic as well as a G&T with a twist of orange.
According to the brand, their whole concept is based on a “legendary region” thought to be along the Ancient Spice Route, so we know we can expect amped-up botanicals from their creations. The original London Dry gin is made from spicy cubeb berries from Indonesia, as well as cardamom, Tellicherry black pepper, and coriander. While the flavor combinations are interesting, some notes tend to be a little too bold in terms of flavor and detract from gin’s typical juniper notes.
One Reddit user described it as, “Nose is peppery, with bright citrus, and an unknown to me spice/herb, possibly the Cubeb. First sip is juniper and cardamom, then the lemon zest and orange peel from the nose, followed by a sharp pepper and spice/herb flavor, as well as an appearance of the cumin. Overall quite unique and pleasant.”
Ophir is bound to make an interesting, unique addition to your bar, but it is unlikely to wow the senses with its perfectly balanced, subtle flavors.
17. Roku
Roku Gin bottle
Roku
Roku is a beautifully packaged Japanese gin. Given the country’s proclivity towards expertly crafted whiskeys, it’s no surprise that Japan is also home to some noteworthy gins. Roku is made by Suntory, one of Japan’s most well-known producers of alcoholic beverages. Roku translates to the number six, which aligns with the six Japanese botanicals used in the bottle — cherry blossom, cherry blossom leaf, yuzu peel, two types of green tea, and sansho pepper.
While the flavors of this gin are complex and intense, they’re also rather subtle. However, while Roku contains a lot of different notes, none of them bring the punch. Roku also has a short finish. This is a delicate spirit, one that is unlikely to become your favorite cocktail gin.
According to Liquor.com, “It’s not a Gin & Tonic gin, and perhaps not even a Negroni gin, as the Campari and the tea influence may well clash instead of offering panache. But consider taking a page or two out of Audrey Saunders’ playbook and try it in a Gin-Gin Mule, playing spice on spice on citrus on flowers, or with a thoughtful swap of green tea for Earl Grey, her MarTEAni. And honestly, it’s entirely delicious solo, too.”
16. Gray Whale
Grey Whale Gin
Grey Whale gin
Gray Whale Gin has a great message. The brand commemorates the grey whale’s journey from the Baja Peninsula to the waters of the Arctic. The gin is made with an interesting mix of botanicals; juniper, lime, fir trees, sea kelp, mint, and almonds. They’re clearly going for a sea theme, but does a glass of this taste like you’re drinking seawater? Not quite.
Drinkhacker said, “Sharp, perfumed, and edged with that pine needle/forest floor note, it’s not overly complex, but it’s the finish that feels most like something is missing. This could be a go-to gin for someone with a palate tuned to lime and evergreen notes, but here I miss the gentler citrus and layer of spices you get in a more classically designed gin.”
Though this is an interesting gin, it may be trying to accomplish too much in its attempt to be unique. While we’re on the fence about the taste of the gin, we’re all for the brand’s mission. Gray Whale Gin proudly supports and contributes a portion of sales to wildlife and nature conservation efforts.
15. Martin Miller
Martin Miller’s Gin
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Martin Miller’s Original Gin is distilled using earthy and citrus botanicals, creating a bouquet of spice, pine, and lemon notes. This gin is blended with Icelandic spring water, which likely contributes to its astounding purity of taste.
As per Master of Malt, the tasting notes of this gin consist of “juniper” which “picks up on the palate, fresh and lively. Orange notes continue, not quite as pronounced. Mouth-filling and creamy.” The overall taste of this gin is described as “spicier than some, though refreshing citrus keeps it from going overboard.” The aromas of this gin are punctuated by hints of coriander and cinnamon.
Martin Miller’s also offers a variety of other gins: Westbourne, 9 Moons, Summerful, and Winterful. The 9 Moons Gin is aged in French oak barrels; the Summerful Gin is distilled with seasonal rosemary; the Winterful Gin combines cinnamon and mandarin orange peel; the Westbourne Gin has notes of licorice and citrus.
14. Malfy
Malfy Gin bottles
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Malfy is the fun summer gin that transports you to the Amalfi coast of Italy. The labels are bright turquoise, and each variety of gin has its own color scheme. In addition to the Malfy Originale, Malfy also offers other flavors such as the Con Arancia (with orange), Gin Rosa (grapefruit), and Con Limone (with lemon).
While the bottles are visually exciting, some flavors, like the Con Limone, fail to impress. According to Travel Wanderlust’s review of the Con Limone, “The feeling I get though is that this might not work well with complex cocktails as it tends to overpower other flavors and not mix that well. So, sticking to something simple and that requires a strong flavor as the alcohol base would be a good option for the Malfy Gin.”
The Gin Rosa, however, is tasty. The original version, too, isn’t stellar but it’s certainly not the worst gin on the market. While Malfy gins aren’t complex or filled with stunning flavors, they’re fresh, summery, and pair well with tonics.
13. Four Pillars
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Four Pillars creates several different types of gin: Arbory Afloat Pink Gin, Bloody Shiraz Gin 2021, Olive Leaf Gin, Spice Trade Gin, and Rare Dry Gin, among several others.
There’s something for everyone in this Australian brand’s range of gins. As per The London Economic, Four Pillars was founded by wine industry veterans in 2013, geared towards enhancing the quality of distilled gins available on the market. They utilize several different botanicals in their distillation process: orange, juniper, lemon myrtle, coriander, pepperberry, lavender, and cardamom, to name a few.
From The Gin Shelf said, “With a sip, sweet orange leaps forward, followed by a hint of subtle florals. The finish is extremely smooth. Pepper providing spice rather than heat, with a hint of licorice from the anise. Juniper is there throughout, but never takes the main stage, preferring to be the support act for the dominant citrus and spices.”
While Four Pillars do offer an exciting assortment of gins, not all of their varieties are excellent. We recommend sticking to more traditional flavors.
12. Plymouth
Plymouth Gin bottles
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This is one for the martini purists. While you can make martinis with vodka, most fans of the cocktail will want to stick with a classic gin martini. If you’re looking for a gin that really shines in a martini, there’s no better option than Plymouth Gin.
According to the brand, Plymouth Gin has the distinction of being the oldest working gin distillery in England. According to Search of Elegance’s review of Plymouth’s original gin, “As a gin, it is quite good, but what really impresses is the versatility in mixing. Because of the depth of the citrus, juniper, and coriander, highlights are added in each of those categories, and yet none of them dominates. Indeed, if you taste this one straight up the citrus is highlighted but the juniper and spice are still so clearly defined.”
Plymouth Gin is available in an assortment of styles: Plymouth Gin, Sloe Gin, Navy Strength, Fruit Cup, and Mr King’s 1842 recipe. The 1842 recipe is a limited edition release. Plymouth has only ever produced one batch of Mr King’s and has no plans of recreating it.
11. Few Spirits
Few Spirits Gin Bottles
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In addition to producing several excellent whiskeys, Few Spirits also crafts gin, available in varieties such as Breakfast Gin, American Gin, as well as Barrel Gin. According to Thirty One Whiskey, the Few Spirits American Gin “is a good gin, and I imagine would also make a wonderful martini. It’s best sipped on its own, as it doesn’t really compete well with stronger flavors. I appreciate everything that Few Spirits is doing in the gin and whiskey space, but this won’t be mistaken for a standard bearer for the American Gin.”
American-style gin is the new world version of the pervasive London Dry. As per Chilled Magazine, American gins tend to have less juniper and more notes of citrus. Few Spirits’ American Gin can make a delicious base for martinis. While it’s a definite must-add for your at-home spirits collection, it’s not one that will hold up remarkably well in mixed drinks. This is a delicious gin to drink neat.
10. Stray Dog
Stray Dog Gin
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Stray Dog is a brand that exemplifies doing one thing and doing it well. This Greek brand was inspired by treks through the mountains of Northern Greece. Stray Dog’s gin is hand-crafted in small batches. They donate a portion of sales to animal welfare organizations throughout Greece.
The brand’s only product is their Original Wild Gin created with wild-foraged botanicals such as sage, bay leaf, rosemary, and citrus. It also uses Mastiha, which is Mastic tree resin. The Mastic tree is a small evergreen that is native to various locales in the Mediterranean. The Mastiha resin is used in perfumes and chewing gums, and it’s also used as a dental adhesive, according to Gardening Know How.
It’s a unique gin, but the risks pay off. Stray Dog Gin has a layered, complex taste. Juniper and mastiha combine to create enhanced notes of pine. As per Travel Distilled, “The subtle complexity is also there when you taste the gin. There’s a swirl of sage and pine, followed by rosemary, then the citrus comes through … and when you taste the juniper it isn’t strong but seems to sit naturally in among the sage and rosemary flavors. Where it does dominate is on the finish, which leaves you in no doubt that this is definitely gin… and an excellent one at that.”
Stray Dog is an eye-catching gin to add to your collection due to its interesting origins and delicious taste.
9. Koval
Koval Gin bottles
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There aren’t too many American gins on this list. Well, there aren’t too many American gins in general. However, Koval made the list simply because of its uniqueness.
According to Wine Dharma, “It is very intense, fruity, elegant, slender and spicy, in short, it has everything you ask for a great gin. Do not expect a classic, rude and bold Dry London Gin. Indeed this Koval gin is super elegant, with a subtle fruity and floral charm that flows into a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of flavors.”
Koval Dry Gin certainly has more predictable notes of juniper but also includes unexpected hints of wildflowers, emerald grass, citrus, and white pepper that add some complexity to the gin. Koval gin is available in other versions, such as Barreled Gin and Cranberry Gin.
Koval also makes other spirits. In fact, they have a range of seven whiskeys as well as five liqueurs, in addition to vodka, brandy, and limited edition whiskeys. The brand was founded in 2008 by Dr. Robert Birnecker and Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart, a husband and wife duo. Koval, which translates to blacksmith in some Eastern European languages, is a nod to Sonat and Robert’s familial histories.
8. Hayman’s
Bottles of Hayman’s Gin
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Hayman’s London Gin dates back more than 150 years. It was founded when London pharmacist James Burrough opened his own distillery in the Chelsea neighborhood. He perfected various kinds of gin recipes such as Beefeater and London Dry Gin. Today, Burrough’s descendants, the Hayman family, have continued making gin. The current distillery is just a few miles from the original Beefeater distillery.
Hayman’s produces the flagship classic London dry gin along with an interesting assortment of gins: Exotic Citrus Gin, Old Tom Gin, Sloe Gin, Spiced Sloe gin, Navy Strength Royal Dock Gin, Peach & Rose cup. Gin Blogger said, “So … what is so special about this gin, yet another London dry amongst the hundreds now available? For both of your gin bloggers, it stands out due to its oily smoothness; and perhaps the kick/bite? We also feel it is maybe a contradiction that it is a smooth gin with a perfectly balanced bite on the finish?”
This gin has solid juniper flavors along with some citrus, herbal, and spice notes. While Hayman’s London isn’t rewriting the rules or completely changing the game, it’s a great gin to add to the rotation for at-home martinis.
7. Bombay
Bottles of Bombay Gin
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Bombay Sapphire was 2020’s third most popular gin in the world, according to Statista. They use up to 12 botanicals in the distillation process. Instead of boiling botanicals in the spirit like many other gin brands, the company utilizes methods of vapor infusion, using stills that date back to the 1830s.
The Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin is perhaps the more beloved drink from the brand, though they also produce the London dry gin, the Bombay Sapphire East, the Bombay Bramble, as well as a canned gin and tonic. The flagship Bombay Sapphire is bottled in beautiful blue glass. The botanicals are all hand-selected. The Bombay Dry Gin, on the other hand, is more traditional and has significant juniper notes.
Bombay is a solid gin brand because all of its varieties are enjoyable neat or in a cocktail. The Casks describes the original Bombay London dry gin as “an extremely pleasing, incredibly affordable, slightly softer, ‘warmer’ London dry gin” with “a subtle, almost baking spice quality that comes through on the palate.” It’s a solid, well-balanced gin that works well in classic cocktails.
6. Beefeater
Beefeater Gin
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Beefeater is one of those recognizable brands that are available at most liquor shops and bars in major cities around the globe. It’s an iconic brand that, according to Statista, was the world’s fifth best-selling gin in 2020. As per the brand, Beefeater was founded by James Burrough in 1835. Despite their extensive experience creating gin, the company has decided to take the minimalistic approach. Beefeater currently only makes three gins: London Dry Gin, Pink Strawberry, and Beefeater 24.
According to The Gin Guide, Beefeater’s nose tasting notes are “clean & earthy, with juniper & citrus,” while the palate is “smooth & clean, with orange & coriander.” Beefeater is a wonderfully balanced and smooth gin for a reasonable price point. A 750 ml bottle of Beefeater London Dry Gin costs $19.98 at Total Wine.
It’s a home bar staple. Because it is so popular and beloved around the world, it may have a reputation as simply a generic big-brand gin, but don’t let its popularity fool you. Beefeater is a great pick for most gin needs.
5. Monkey 47
Monkey 47 gin bottle
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Germany could hardly let the United Kingdom have all of the gin fame. Monkey 47 pays homage to Montgomery Collins, a diplomat’s son who grew up in East Asia and later spent plenty of time in Germany’s Black Forest.
Monkey 47’s Schwarzwald Dry Gin is an amalgamation of Collins’ experiences. Nearly a third of the ingredients are from the Black Forest. This gin prides itself on not tasting like typical gin because it uses such unique ingredients. Lingonberries offer such a unique complexity of the gin. It still contains some notes of juniper to keep Monkey 47 from straying too far from a traditional gin, but the intense fruit notes help keep the flavors interesting.
Honest Booze Reviews said, “If you are looking for the moral here it’s that combining flavors and capabilities across England, India, Germany, and more can truly be a powerful force. You see this on a shelf, as a gin lover you owe it to yourself to buy a bottle — at least once.” This flagship gin is the only gin offered by Monkey 47.
4. Sipsmith
Sipsmith gin bottles
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In 2007, childhood friends Sam Galsworthy and Fairfax Hall met Jared Brown at a Negroni party. The three knew then and there that they all shared the passion for crafting spirits. In 2009, they got to work perfecting their recipe, and Sipsmith London gin was born.
While judging a book by its cover is totally unethical, the brand makes sticking to that sentiment difficult. The brand’s gins are hand-crafted in small batches and sealed with a wax that’s color-coordinated with the label. Even if we move past visual aesthetics, Sipsmith delivers so much.
It’s not nearly as storied as other gin brands, but what Sipsmith lacks in longevity, it makes up for in balance. “The fragrance of juniper and pine are the most noticeable aromas. On tasting, juniper and coriander are followed by fresh zest and finish with liquorice. It has a lovely mouth-feel and is pleasingly savoury,” said The Gin Queen.
Sipsmith London Gins are available in the following varieties: London Dry Gin, Lemon Drizzle Gin, Sloe Gin, Strawberry Smash, V.J.O.P., and Zesty Orange. Between the original version and the fruitier styles, Sipsmith’s gin works well served neat as a sipper or in a cocktail. This is a must-have gin looks great on your bar cart and tastes just as amazing.
3. Tanqueray
Tanqueray Gin bottles
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If the world of gins is a family, then Tanqueray is the older sibling that has it all together and watches its younger siblings go through identity crises. That’s not to say Tanqueray is perfect, but it’s perfectly acceptable to call it one of the original benchmarks of gin. The green glass bottle and red wax stamp are recognizable worldwide. And the gin doesn’t disappoint. Tanqueray’s taste has helped to set the standard for gin’s signature piney flavor.
In the nearly 200 years that the brand has existed, it has set the precedent for taste. According to Diageo Bar Academy, Tanqueray dates back to 1830 when Charles Tanqueray opened up his distillery in London. He created more than 300 recipes in an attempt to find the world’s best botanicals.
“The juniper note in Tanqueray London Dry is perhaps the most signature characteristic of it, no other gin quite has that singular juniper note. There’s an intriguing intimation of citrus zest (intriguing because citrus is not a botanical) along with candied angelica stalk and licorice,” said The Ginisin.
The Tanqueray product range includes London Dry Gin, No. 10 Gin, Rangpur Lime Distilled Gin, Tanqueray 0.0%, Blackcurrant Royale Distilled Gin, and Flor de Sevilla Distilled Gin. It’s an excitingly diverse range, particularly because the brand has introduced the 0.0%, which is an alcohol-free gin.
2. Hendrick’s
Hendrick’s Gin bottle and glass
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Hendrick’s refers to its original gin as being “oddly infused with rose and cucumber.” While most gins are infused with botanicals like juniper, rarely does a gin boast such unusual ingredients. While the original Hendrick’s Gin is the brand’s flagship product, it occasionally offers some limited releases like Lunar, which contains floral essences and spices. The brand also sells Hendrick’s Orbium and Hendrick’s Amazonia.
These offerings enhance the strength of Hendrick’s as a brand, although the original gin might be enough to carry the branding all on its own. That’s because Hendrick’s gin truly is one of the best. Not only does the bottle look like it was pulled out of a vintage apothecary, but the gin itself is made for gin lovers. It works beautifully in a martini and can also be integrated into cocktails. But of course, it stands just fine on its own.
According to Liquor.com, “But if you love gin, this one’s floral notes on the nose and palate, fruitiness, silky texture, and dry pine-y crescendo of flavor feel as fresh and new as it did when Hendrick’s launched more than 20 years ago.”
1. The Botanist
Botanist Gin bottle with glass
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Made at the Bruichladdich Distillery in Scotland, The Botanist’s gin is truly special. The distillery was built in 1881 when brothers William John and Robert Harvey decided to build a state-of-the-art whiskey distillery on the remote isle of Islay. The facility was closed in 1994 and sat abandoned for a few years until it was purchased and reopened by wine merchants Simon Coughlin and Mark Reynier. They worked with local botanical experts in 2010 to create a gin recipe known today as The Botanist Islay Dry Gin.
This gin has a smooth texture on the palate. The juniper notes are pretty prominent but not to the extent that they block out the citrus. There may also be some aromas of mint, thyme, and chamomile. The Botanist’s gin is sweet and earthy, with a lovely delicateness and complexity. It’s the kind of gin that is so pure and flavorful that it might lose some of itself in a gin and tonic, but it absolutely shines when served neat or in a low-vermouth martini.
According to Jens from the Martini Whisperer, “It has a big, rather flowery aroma, it´s warm and smooth but with a crisp finish. No detectable alcohol at all, and I can recognise distinct character of juniper and some tones of citrus, liquorice and mint.”
Read More: https://www.mashed.com/783213/25-popular-gin-brands-ranked-worst-to-best/?utm_campaign=clip