Explore our comprehensive gin brands list, highlighting the best gin options for every preference. Discover premium, classic, and unique gin varieties to suit any palate.
What is Gin?
Gin is a spirit that is made from juniper berries, but distillation and infusing different herbs into it give gin its distinctive taste. Nowadays, various gin brands have come into place which include different styles and combinations that appeal to different people.
Different Styles of Gins To Know About
Being aware of the different styles of gin will assist you in choosing from the various brands available in the market. Below are the main categories of gin:
London Dry Gin
Traditionally made and heavy in taste with juniper, which is ideal for gin cocktails.
Plymouth Gin
Originates from Plymouth in the UK, is earthy, and provides a slight sweetness.
Old Tom Gin
Designed for cocktails, but possesses a softer and sweeter taste.
New Western or Modern Gin
More creative botanicals with reduced focus on junipers.
Genever
The first type of gin that was mild in flavor and had a whiskey taste.
Best Gins For New People
Here are a few brands that provide a good balance in taste and are gins for people who are new to gins:
- Bombay Sapphire – Popular for its mellowness and great mix.
- Tanqueray – Older classic variant that has a great mix of botanicals.
- Beefeater – Mixes well with cocktails and is a dry gin from London which is cheap.
Best Gins For Connoisseurs
There is an array of top-tier gins that incorporates different blending styles and provides a great drinking experience for connoisseurs:
- Hendrick’s – Highly addictive due to its infusion of cucumber and rose that seems interesting.
- Monkey 47 – Contains 47 types of botanicals that make it a German gin rich in flavor.
- The Botanist – A Scotland gin that has 22 types of local plants.
- Nolet’s Silver Dry Gin – A Dutch gin with peach and raspberry as its base notes.
- Tanqueray No. TEN – Perfect for martinis because it has a gentle touch and citrus flavors.
London Dry Gin Brands
If you love the old recipes that have a lot of scents from juniper berries, these are some of the best labeled London Dry gins you can find:
- Gordon’s London Dry Gin – A favorite of many because it is inexpensive and greatly marketed.
- Sipsmith London Dry – One of the few new London Dry gins in years and is custom-made.
- Plymouth Gin – Recognizable by its strong, earthy overall flavors that are full-bodied.
- Boodles Gin – A gin with a peculiar taste as it has extra plants but does not have any citrus.
- Fords Gin – A well-rounded gin with a deep herb profile, making it good for cocktails.
Old Tom Gin Brands
The genever and London Dry gins use Old Tom gin in some of their recipes to get more sweetness off of it:
- Hayman’s Old Tom Gin – An old recipe gin with a mild sweetening effect.
- Ransom Old Tom Gin – Olive oil gin with deeper flavors and a whiskey-like aroma.
- Jensen’s Old Tom – A recipe dating back to the 1800s, made to be smooth and lightly sweet.
New Western or Modern Gin Brands
Newer gin brands tend to experiment, putting less emphasis on the traditional gin flavor which is made almost entirely of juniper:
- Aviation American Gin – Omits juniper, introducing cardamom and lavender notes instead.
- Brooklyn Gin – Infused with citrus and juniper that is cracked by hand.
- Caorunn – Scottish gin with five foraged botanicals local to Scotland.
- Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin – Australian gin featuring native spices and orange flavoring.
- St. George Terroir Gin – A dry gin inspired by California’s forests.
Craft Gin Distilleries to Try
There is a burgeoning number of craft gin distilleries, each with its own specialty. Here are some worth trying:
- Cotswolds Dry Gin (England) – Characterized by strong citrus flavors.
- Dingle Original Gin (Ireland) – Incorporates Irish botanicals.
- Roku Gin (Japan) – Features six Japanese botanicals, including cherry blossoms.
- Balcones Rumble Cask Reserve Gin (US) – Has an oaked taste with hints of smoke.
- Scapegrace (New Zealand) – A smooth, silvery citrus gin that has won awards.
Global Gin Brands
International gin producers incorporate native ingredients and develop unique flavors:
- Roku Gin (Japan) – Six high-quality botanicals provide a distinct taste.
- Monkey 47 (Germany) – Known for its 47 botanicals creating diverse flavor.
- Scapegrace Black Gin (New Zealand) – Changes color due to unique ingredients, made with sweet potatoes.
- Nordés Gin (Spain) – Combines a white grape base with Galician botanicals.
- Gin Mare (Spain) – Mediterranean gin with rosemary, basil, and olives.
Gins with Distinct Flavor Profiles
These gins have unique taste profiles for those seeking new flavors:
- Empress 1908 – Changes color based on temperature, infused with butterfly pea flower.
- Uncle Val’s Botanical Gin – Features lavender, sage, and chamomile for a herbal undertone.
- Suntory Roku Gin – Enhanced with botanicals like cherry blossoms and green tea.
- Opihr Gin – A traditional spiced gin with cumin, cardamom, and black pepper.
- Silent Pool Gin – Floral and fruity undertones with chamomile and elderflowers.
Non-Alcoholic and Low Alcohol Gins
For those wanting the gin experience without the alcohol buzz, these are great options:
- Seedlip Garden 108 – Non-alcoholic, herbal flavor with pea and hay botanicals.
- CEDER’S Crisp – Non-alcoholic gin with cucumber, chamomile, and juniper.
- Lyre’s Dry London Spirit – A non-alcoholic gin styled after traditional British gin.
- CleanCo Clean G – A gin-flavored drink with minimal alcohol.
- Tanqueray 0.0 – Alcohol-free gin for teetotalers.
Answers to the Most Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most common type of gin?
The most common types of gin are Plymouth, Old Tom, New Western, Genever, and the globally popular London Dry Gin. Each has a distinct taste, for example, London Dry is heavy on juniper, whereas Genever is more whiskey-like with sweet malt undertones.
Which gin is best for someone who is just starting out?
Bombay Sapphire and Tanqueray are great for beginners, as they have a balanced taste and suit many cocktails.
Is there any non-alcoholic gin that is worth it?
Yes, Tanqueray 0.0 and Seedlip Garden 108 are non-alcoholic options that retain the classic gin taste without the alcohol.
What gin is best for serving martinis?
Tanqueray No. TEN and Nolet’s Silver Dry Gin are ideal for martinis, offering subtle citrus and refined flavors.
Why is the term London Dry gin used?
To be classified as London Dry, gin must use only natural botanicals with no added color or flavors post-distillation, resulting in a dry and strong juniper flavor.
With this guide, one can find an excellent list of gin brands with style and preference recommendations. From classic London Dry to boutique craft gins, there’s a brand for everyone. Whatever your expertise level with gin, these selections are sure to enhance your gin experience.
