Here’s a fun fact for you: gin was born around 1689 in London, and the earliest known food pairing for the spirit was gingerbread.
Gin, a unique and pure distilled alcoholic drink derived from juniper berries, has always been a popular choice for those who appreciate a good drink every now and then. Thanks to its main ingredient, the juniper berry, gin is predominantly sweet and has a strong citrus and pine-tree scent. However, in modern times, distilleries have started to turn towards other herbals and fruits. Thanks to that, we have more varieties of gin that suit different palates.
Whether you’re looking to have a fun night out or just a solo drink party at home, here are 10 best gins that you can enjoy, each special in their own way.
Table of Contents
Overview
Tanqueray Nº Ten’s highly confidential recipe is only known by four people. That, and the clear and bright appearance of the gin that almost looks like it’s glowing, really piqued our interest, which is why this is the first one on the list.
Well-known for its fancy and luxurious bottle, the Tanqueray Nº Ten has an exquisite flavour that is essentially a blend of spicy juniper with a hint of cardamom and Earl Grey Tea. We also can't get enough of the fragrant, zesty flavour that embodies every glass, adding to the overall drinking experience. Overall, this is a fantastic drink that will take your usual palate to the next level.
Details:
- Distilled in small batches with fresh, whole grapefruits, oranges, limes and chamomile
- Alcohol percentage: 47.3%
Who Is This For?
Crafted meticulously, Tanqueray Nº Ten makes a perfect martini, giving the ever-needed fresh herbal opening that makes the drink super smooth. Dirty Martini, Gibson, Alaska Cocktail – just name it. Tanqueray Nº Ten provides the perfect balance that a good martini needs. If you like citrusy cocktails, then go for this.
Overview
As its name suggests, this gin is imbued with the taste of sweet, citrusy pink grapefruit, which only works to elevate the slightly spicy tones of the cassia and orris root. It has a wonderfully creamy texture over the citrus flavour, which is an unexpected and welcoming twist that brightens the entire taste of the drink.
For the cherry on top, the hot pink bottle matches the light and fizzy drink well, so you’re getting a feast on both your eyes and your palate when you pour one of these out.
Details:
- Consists of juniper, coriander seeds, cassia bark, orris root, angelica root, sweet orange, liquorice root, lemon peel, lime, pink grapefruit, balm herb cloves and chamomile
- Alcohol percentage: 43%
Who Is This For?
The tropical flavour, veiled with a slight spiciness, is definitely not something you would expect from a regular gin. If you’re looking for an alcoholic adventure, this is the best drink to start from.
Overview
Do you remember the fun fact from the start of the article? As opposed to the previous product, the Berkeley Square London Dry Gin is as authentic as it gets. Tasting predominantly of juniper berries, the drink does not contain any artificial flavourings or colourings, instead using re-distillation to thoroughly infuse the botanical flavours.
This ultra-smooth contemporary drink is nothing short of unique, with bright lemon, juniper, and a touch of floral sweetness that is barely sharp, creating a neat ending to the drink.
Details:
- Made using a double distillation process that includes infusion of botanicals and kaffir lime leaves.
- Alcohol percentage: 46%
Who Is This For?
Berkeley Square London Dry Gin is the classic gin, complete with the traditional flavours of juniper and other herbal and floral notes. It makes a great spicy martini, the way James Bond like it: “Shaken, not stirred.”
Overview
Edinburgh Gin Raspberry, a fruity, ambrosial, and sophisticated drink, has reached a broad audience who prefers tropical flavours in their liquor. Even before drinking, the seductive and sweet aroma of fresh raspberries is enough to captivate even the lightest drinker. Every gulp is like sitting by a raspberry field, taking in the dreamlike summer light and the sweet smell of red berries that permeates your entire body. It's a beautifully crafted drink with a low alcohol aftertaste that's thoroughly enjoyable without any bitterness at the end.
Details:
- Consist of raspberries, orange peels, mulberries, pine buds, lavender and lemongrass
- Alcohol percentage: 20%
Who Is This For?
This delectable drink would appeal to anyone looking for a taste of summer. It is not heavy or high in alcohol content, so it is suitable for novice drinkers or people who don’t want to get drunk.
Overview
This beautifully crafted gin will definitely dance on your palate even after the party is over. A fan favourite of gin enthusiasts worldwide, this liquor delivers a tangly and slight pepper flavour that cuts through the acidic taste, thanks to the 22 botanicals that complement each other. Sounds complicated? Just take a sip, and let the liquor speak for itself!
Details
- Consists of Yuzu, Kabosu, Amanatsu and Shequasar for citrus flavour
- Alcohol percentage: 47%
Who Is This For?
Your Gin and Tonic is just about to get ten times more extraordinary with this addition! Nikka Coffey Gin's citrus and bitterness will elevate the gin and tonic, making it more surprising and complex. To make your gin and tonic more special, let this magical potion do its trick!
Overview
Nutty, fruity, and refreshing, the Monkey 47 ‘Schwarzwald’ Sloe Gin is blended so well that the complexity of the spicy note only adds to the richness of the taste. Nonetheless, the aroma defies the drink's intensity with a fresh and fruity sweetness.
Despite its lower alcohol content, the Monkey 47 'Schwarzwald' Sloe Gin stands out as a complex spirit created by macerating Black Forest sloes in spirit for three months. It has a very aromatic and complex nose, with a lot of fruit and juniper notes!
Details
- Made with 47 botanicals
- Alcohol percentage: 25%
Who Is This For?
The bold, captivating, and complex flavour will appeal to anyone who enjoys an earthy, refined, and balanced drink that is not overpowering. Pour Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Sloe Gin over ice cubes and top with soda water. Finish with a sprig of mint or lemon zest as a garnish,, and enjoy your delicious after-dinner refreshment!
Overview
Roku, which means "six" in Japanese, says everything about this gin. Combining six traditional Japanese botanicals that are infused, distilled, and blended by Japanese artisans, the smooth and silky texture doesn’t overcomplicate the flavours, keeping it light and breezy. The harmonious flavours of each botanical never fail to shine, and the crisp Japanese sansho pepper adds a little spiciness to the finish.
Details
- Consists of juniper berry, coriander seeds, angelica root, angelica seed, cardamom seed, cinnamon, bitter orange peel and lemon peel and their own six traditional Japanese botanicals
- Alcohol content: 43%
Who Is This For?
Rather than the typical sweet and tangy flavour, Roku Gin offers a subtle sweetness that pairs well with those who aren't fans of overly sweet, tropical gins. Not to mention, while the flavour layers appear complex, it is not heavy on the palate and maintains a refreshing note.
Overview
It's difficult to find a mixer drink that goes well with cocktails. Bombay Sapphire is popular among clubgoers because of its strong and sophisticated aftertaste.
It gradually coats the entire mouth with a spicy and fizzy lemon taste. Bombay Sapphire Gin, when combined with other alcoholic beverages, creates an unstoppable cocktail that cannot be defeated in any way.
Details:
- Distilled using 10 hand-selected sustainably sourced botanicals from around the world and crafted by the Master of Botanicals and Master Distiller
- Alcohol percentage: 47%
Who Is This For?
Cocktails are extremely popular, whether in a club or at a business dinner. It is unquestionably a milder, more refreshing take on alcohol. Bombay Sapphire simply adds a nice punch to the drink, making it much more refined.
Overview
Luxxy, which is blended and bottled in Malaysia, offers a fresh, refined gin that is still affordable and can be a pleasant choice for Malaysians. It's a unique and bold liqueur with a refreshing note and a noticeable pine flavour. Its clean, fresh flavours are ideal for creating exceptional mixed drinks.
Details
- Alcohol content: 40%
Who Is This For?
Luxxy Gin has a delectable taste and a sweet and smooth mouthfeel for a lower price. Among the gin brands that are considered lavish and extravagant, the affordability that comes with such exquisite flavour is unquestionably worth it. So, if you're a beginner looking for a low-cost yet delicious option, this is an excellent choice.
Overview
This Scottish floral gin from the Secret Garden distillery in Edinburgh's Secret Herb Garden is an enchanting drink in a remarkable bottle.
The gin is aromatically rich, with fresh rose notes that bloom with each sip. Juniper and coriander form the foundation of this gin, while the Angelica root and the subtler flavours of Angelica leaf are combined with Winter Savoury. These four botanicals provide a smooth, elegant, and light base gin to which we add freshly distilled Apothecary Rose, resulting in a multi-layered, intriguing drink.
Details:
- Consist of juniper, coriander and Angelica root
- Alcohol percentage: 39%
Who Is This For?
A floral-flavoured drink is undisputedly appealing. With how easy-going it can be without being too overpowering and strong on your palate, the subtle and aromatic drink is a natural eye-catcher for sweet alcohol lovers.
FAQ
- How To Drink Gin?
Gin can be consumed on its own. If you want to drink gin straight up, chill it first because gin tastes best ice cold. All you have to do is stir the gin into a mixing glass filled with ice, then strain it straight into a rock glass.
Like whiskey, gin can be served “on the rocks” too. To serve gin on the rocks, fill a rocks glass halfway with ice and pour gin over the top. Because the ice dilutes the gin as it melts, this method is not as strong as serving it straight.
A gin martini is an absolute classic way to drink gin. Given that they're typically just dry gin and dry vermouth, these martinis can be quite potent. You can add a splash of water to dilute the liquor if you want to reduce some of the strength.