No, not the blue bottle. It's like the standard Tanq, but sweeter and more subdued. You're unlikely to go wrong with Seagram's. American-style ginis the new world version of the pervasive London Dry. Excellent examples are being made everywhere these days, from the US to Mexico to Southeast Asia. As a brand, New Amsterdam comes in at the very bottom of the list. Neither is in regular production, but both have made comebacks for short periods over the years. Launched in 2007 New Amsterdam Gin was right at the fore of the Contemporary Gin explosion stateside. The Stratosphere is 47% while the original is 40%. Theres also a barrel-aged version to try, aged for at least 12 months in oak, and a gin flavored with elderflower. The botanical list includes juniper, angelica root, cassia bark, cinnamon, coriander seed, lemon peel, licorice, nutmeg, orange peel, and orris root. Yet, it is the final step, an infusion of rose petal and cucumber before bottling, that has come to define this gin. I have to admit, I was surprised by how much I liked the classic Seagram's in the bumpy bottle. The Summer Edition from 2010 was amazing and lightly flavored. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. In 2007, childhood friends Sam Galsworthy and Fairfax Hall met Jared Brown at a Negroni party. Beefeater is a wonderfully balanced and smooth gin for a reasonable price point. It is bottled at a standard 40 percent ABV (80 proof). Continuing our journey into gin made from parts of the world not usually identified with the category, this one comes from Oaxaca, Mexico. What's most amazing is that this four times distilled gin uses just four botanicals: juniper, coriander seed, angelica root, and licorice. Lets avoid any jokes about it surrendering to stronger flavors, and talk about the romance of it: while still junipery, it has a strong floral element, and warm spice on the finish. Well, there aren't too many American gins in general. This bottle was only recently made available again, having disappeared from the market for years. In fact, they have a range of seven whiskeys as well as five liqueurs, in addition to vodka, brandy, and limited edition whiskeys. Plymouth has only ever produced one batch of Mr King's and has no plans of recreating it. The brand commemorates the grey whale's journey from the Baja Peninsula to the waters of the Arctic. The Stratosphere is the new one and it's a true London Dry gin. This gin is distilled in a copper pot still named "Marjorie." In fact, they'll only ship to Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. Brands like Beefeater and Tanqueray are classics for a reason, but the world of gin has expanded enormously over the past 20 years as new distilleries tinker with the formula. New Amsterdam is WAY better than both Bombay Sapphire and Tanqueray Ten. In addition to the original gin, Citadelle produces theJardin d't(a fruity twist on the original, signature gin), theNo Mistake Old Tom( a Dickens-inspired, barrel-aged concoction),as well as other limited editions varieties. It burns a little, but I like that, and it ends on clove and citrus flavors. How to drink it: Mix Burnett's into something citrusy (or a good ol' G&T), and avoid the martini; this gin isn't quite assertive enough for that drink. My only complaint is that too many stores only stock the Sapphire, which I find too soft and floral for martinis, Negronis, and even for citrusy cocktails (though the Sapphire makes a good G&T, I must say). edited 3y. Indeed this Koval gin is super elegant, with a subtle fruity and floral charm that flows into a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of flavors.". Roku also has a short finish. This bottling rests the gin in previously used bourbon barrels for nine months to give it a fascinating sweetness of vanilla and oak. Roku means six, referring to the six Japanese botanicals that are used as flavoring agents here (along with other more traditional botanicals): sakura flower, sakura leaf, sencha tea, gykuro tea, sansho pepper, and yuzu peel. Its blue bottle has an allure that will catch your eye, though the gin itself is not bluelook to Magellan Gin for that. And the gin begins to change color when you mix it with tonic or seltzer, shifting from dark black to a lighter lavender. Unlike gin, whiskey needs to be barrel-aged before release, meaning that distillers sit on their stock for years and don't earn a buck on it, and yet they still make great stuff for under $20. Hendrick'srefers to its original gin as being"oddly infused with rose and cucumber." The resulting spirit is fragrant, floral, and has just a hint of spice, making this an interesting (if expensive) gin to sample. As per Chilled Magazine, American gins tend to haveless juniper and more notes of citrus. Juniper, coriander, licorice and angelica root remain.. Hendricks has been one of the biggest success stories in the new-school gin movement since it launched in 1999. It was at the forefront of the New Western Gin movement, featuring a softer juniper profile and gins that are often handcrafted in small batches. Tanqueray Rangpur Gin 1.75L The rare Rangpur lime is an ingenious choice to bring a distinct and bold flavour to Tanqueray Rangp $49.99 Save $3.00 (6%) $46.99 It's bottled at 44 percent ABV (88 proof), so the flavor is rather pronounced. You start with neutral grain spirits, which many distilleries just buy inexpensively from other producer, and then you add your juniper, your citrus, and whatever other flavorings you like to it. In fact, one is called Terroir Gin, which is steeped with botanicals like Douglas fir, California bay laurel, and coastal sage. Germany could hardly let the United Kingdom have all of the gin fame. While the flavors of this gin are complex and intense, they'realso rather subtle. The story of Old Tom Gin is complicated and it dates back to the 1700s when almost any English gin was called "Old Tom." TEN, which was designed as a more modern gin with pronounced notes of white grapefruit, lime and orange. Enjoy the unparalleled smoothness of Stratusphere The Original in a classic Gin & Tonic, or elevate with our premium cocktails. And to be sure, it smells mostly lemony, with no pine aromas. Either of these sweeter gins are ideal for classic cocktails. It is one of the newer names in this tight market, having launched in 1999, yet it has quickly risen to the ranks of the best gins available. Orange notes continue, not quite as pronounced. Hendricks partnered with Project Seagrass for this release, and created a Magic-of-the-Sea spa kit of which the profits go directly towards this organization focused on seagrass meadow conservation. They use up to 12botanicals in the distillation process. Tanqueray's crisp, dry style is the benchmark for a London dry gin without any citrus in the botanicals. According toTravel 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. The other botanicals are infused and distilled separately in two runs, including calamint, safflower, wild celery, pine needles, and elderberry. Thats where the Still Fired Distillery is located, near the Bay of Fundy which the spirit is named after. While the original Hendrick's Gin is the brand's flagship product, it occasionally offers some limited releases like Lunar, whichcontains floral essences and spices. It can also keepyou from getting bored. You cannot miss Bombay Sapphire on the liquor shelf. New Amsterdam or "New-Am" has won over quite a following. For a drink loaded with berries and cherries, try theAmerican collins, or share a pitcherofpineapple and sage gimletswith friends at brunch. The lovely part about Aviation is that it is so lovely. This is a classic, evocative, and deceptively simple cocktail that changes character based on which gin you choose to showcase, which is why its so damn good. (Need a reminder about how gin is made?) The original is still the same straight gin. Kiemaker 4 yr. ago. That's not to say Tanqueray is perfect, but it's perfectly acceptable to call it one of the original benchmarks of gin. It has that wonderful juniper dominance of a London dry and it is perfectly balanced, crisp, clean and simply an extravagant gin. It, too, is slightly overproofed, bottled at 42 percent ABV (84 proof), so it's not as delicate as it's often made out to be. You may be surprised by the brand's London Dry Gin as well as Hayman's Gently Rested Gin, which spends some time in old scotch casks. A modern take on a 400-year tradition, New Amsterdam Stratusphere Gin is building its reputation as a gin on the rise, one accolade at a time. Its other claim to fame is that its a very good modern take on London dry gin, flavored with juniper, orris root, cassia bark, and ground almond, among other botanicals. Beefeater ($23/750 mL) is 94 proof and another nearly perfect London Dry. You might be able to pick this bottle up anywhere, but that doesn't mean you should. We could hardly leave Spain's best-selling gin off our list. Its infused with flavor from a mixture of grapefruit peel, jasmine, and two kinds of juniper, among other botanicals. Today, drinkers can enjoy the diversity of gin. Ten Gin is about presenting a wider palate of flavors to build on for cocktails. This is another new Canadian gin, this time from a Quebec City distillery called Stadacon, which will likely make an impression on gin drinkers stateside as it becomes available this year. New Amsterdam has the juniper nose of Tanqueray, but one sip is something entirely different. According to Jens from theMartini Whisperer, "It has a big, rather flowery aroma, its warm and smooth but with a crisp finish. Buy Tanqueray Gin: UK: Amazon.co.uk or Master of Malt USA: Drizly; Australia: Amazon.com.au; Also Try: Tanqueray 10 Gin, Tanqueray Rangpur Gin, Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla Given the country's proclivity towards expertly crafted whiskeys, it's no surprise that Japan is also home to some noteworthy gins. The former supplies the alcohol, and maybe some flavor from the vermouth, a twist, or a few olives depending on how you take it. This is a gin that you can find in any liquor store or bar and be guaranteed that it will make a good gin cocktail, no matter what you mix it with. 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.". Whilst it can be used in a Gin & Tonic or a Martini, these classic drinks lose out due to the general mildness and taste of the spirit. Aviation American Gincame to market in 2006. Even if you have had a martini a million times, switching to Old Tom offers an entirely new experience. Aviation gin does work well in certain mixed drinks that don't rely so much on the quality or flavor of the gin. Juniper is present, along with citrus, lemongrass, rosemary, ginger, and eucalyptus. The spirit attempts to link Asia to North America with a fragrant and unconventional botanical mixture, including Kaffir lime, Tasmanian berry, coriander, and lavender. Bols Geneverwas on the U.S. marketuntil Prohibitionand was not available again until the summer of 2008. It makes a lovely gimlet or martini, but can get overwhelmed and surrender to stronger tonic flavors (sorry, we know you helped us win the Revolutionary War). Juniper andmastiha combine to create enhanced notes of pine. To make gin, these berries aredistilled with grain alcohol (via BBC Good Food). Aviation is produced in Portland, Oregon, by House Spirits Distillery. 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). 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 expectamped-up botanicals from their creations. The original version, too, isn't stellar but it's certainly not the worst gin on the market. Sometimes called Dutch gin or Holland gin, genever is a sweetened style of gin that originated in the Netherlands. This gin from Vermonts Caledonia Spirits is unique in that the only botanical infused into the spirit is juniper. The bottle got a redesign this past summer, with a look updated to what the brand says is inspired by public art. The liquid inside remains the same, though. 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. Get our free book when you sign up for our newsletter. It's certainly confusing - almost as much as the name change. This Bay Area distillery makes all sorts of spirits, including some excellent whiskeys. Today,each brand has its own specialized blend of botanicals that they use to create gin. This Tuscan gin is made in two steps: first local juniper berries are infused in a wheat-based spirit and distilled in an alembic still. The Dutch used it to treat gallstones, gout, and lumbago. I'd say New Amsterdam. The current distillery is just a few miles from the original Beefeater distillery. Theoretically, finding good gin that doesn't cost an arm and a leg should not be difficult. As per the brand,Beefeater was founded by James Burrough in 1835. It works just as well in highballs as it does in short drinks, so you'll also want to mix up aTom Collinsandgin rickeywhile you have a bottle on hand. What they Say: "New Amsterdam Stratusphere was born from a passion to elevate gin to new heights. It's another mainstream gin show dow and this time it's good old fashioned Beefeater vs classic Tanqueray! Nearly a third of the ingredients are from the Black Forest. There it's paired with Earl Grey for a delightful, and easy, iced tea cocktail. A commitment to new heights flows through everything we do. Make no mistake, gin remains very popular, with distilleries all over the world producing versions of this centuries-old spirit that capture the character of the particular locales from which they spring. Michael Dietsch is a barfly, boozehound, book hoarder, jazz fiend, and technographer. It's a lemon bomb, with tons of citrus and juniper and that's about it. Makes the perfect martini with just a rinse of Noilly Prat. Tanqueray is one of the best-selling gins in the world, and a superb (and affordable) example of the London dry category. TUCK Gin was created in Connecticut, not usually the first state you think of in terms of gin (or any other spirit, to be honest). These are the bottles that can be relied on for a greatgin and tonic,as well as countless other cocktails, and they can be found almost anywhere. We begin with the oldest of the two, genever. Our Story Stratusphere Cocktails Top off your evening with a top-notch cocktail. The overall taste of this gin is described as "spicierthan some, though refreshing citrus keeps it from going overboard." Old Tom Gin was the gin of the Victorian period (18371901),and it was the gin of choice for many early bartenders. You can use it as a substitute for a variety of vodka cocktails, as seen in the sparkling strawberry cocktail, thecherub's cup. It is thought that gin was created around this time by working juniper berries into genever to create a new spirit. According to the brand,Plymouth Gin has the distinction of being the oldest working gin distillery in England. Brands like Beefeater and Tanqueray are classics for a reason, but the world of gin has expanded enormously over the past 20 years as . In 2009, they got to work perfecting their recipe, and Sipsmith London gin was born. Instead, they rely on whiskey barrel aging to bring out an Old Tom taste and accentuate the original Aviation's natural sweetness. The exact botanicals arent revealed, but Gracie says the overall palate is sea bottled in a gin, with coastal herbs, ocean botanicals, and a citrus finish. Despite their extensive experience creating gin, the company has decided to take the minimalistic approach. It's also right at home in a G&T and a Negroni. 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.". 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. New Amsterdam Gin Vs Tanqueray. Radico Khaitan Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin. Bols has expanded their genever selection. However,the brand seems to have missed the mark on certain botanical notes. While judging a book by its cover is totally unethical, the brand makes sticking to that sentiment difficult. Tanqueray is upfront with its juniper flavor, and has that telltale pine with a citrus bite. For example, thepomegranate gin fizzwas designed for the softer profile of Beefeater Summer Edition, but it can stand up to any bottle you have. Go fruity with New Amsterdam: rickeys, gimlets, sours, daisies, and so on. It's a staple that you can rely on and a good premium gin to keep in stock. Bottled at 40 percent ABV (80 proof), Beefeater also comes at a decent price, so you can afford to keep it in stock. You can mix this gin into any cocktail and it won't get lost. Still, it's a solid, completely affordable gin and a great start for a home bar. If you ever come across them, pick up a bottle of Tanqueray Malacca or their version of an Old Tom Gin. It's not as complex as some higher-end gins, but it's honest.". Beefeater 24, for example, is a regular offering that is a nice upgrade from the original and the brand often comes out with limited editions. Which isn't to say it's a bad thing. 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. Sipsmiths claim to fame is that it was the first copper pot still distillery to operate in London in nearly two centuries when it opened in 2009. 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. While this gin is based in juniper, the artificial fruit notes leave much to be desired. Gordon's London Dry Gin has a strong taste, which means it doesn't exactly go down easy. Bombay Sapphire East adds lemongrass and black pepper to the mix for an interesting twist. I knowthis month, I scoured and I searched and I hunted, and I tried 15 of 'em. It works beautifully in a martini and can also be integrated into cocktails. Between the original version and the fruitier styles, Sipsmith's gin works well served neat as a sipper or in a cocktail. It's time to go old school and get a taste of gin brands that have revived the oldest gin recipes in the world. They donate a portion of sales to animal welfare organizations throughout Greece. 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. It has a smooth and creamy texture, and tastes less citrusy and more spicy than the Extra Dry. Youll find big notes of juniper with a bit of garden herbs and black pepper to round things out. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife, two daughters, and one cairn terrier. The 10 Best Gins of 2023 Bartenders Can't Live Without, Bols Genever: A Revival of Old-School Dutch Gin. You see this on a shelf, as a gin lover you owe it to yourself to buy a bottle at least once." The biggest name in genever is Bols, and it is one of the few brands that is available worldwide. But what's the saying? It adds four new ones to the Tanqueray formula. Got $20? Bombay. The flagship Bombay Sapphire is bottled in beautiful blue glass. Bombay Sapphire The majority feature some degree of the pine flavor that comes from juniper, which is gin's signature ingredient, yet no two bottles have the same combination of botanicals. You can do well with rum under $20, and there's tasty affordable tequila, too. Stray Dog Gin has a layered, complex taste. 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. And, in true British fashion, you'll want to pour any bottle of Beefeater into aroyal-tea recipe. It resembles Tanqueray and Beefeater in that it offers a lot of juniper, some citrus, and that's about it. Theres a lot of great booze being made in Brooklyn these days, including this gin, which is distilled in the Greenpoint neighborhood. But a highlight is this trio of gins that are flavorful and highlight the Northern California terroir. Above all else, the empty bottle makes for a beautiful vase or water jug. 1. The Bombay Dry Gin, on the other hand, is more traditional and has significant juniper notes. Griffo Distillery Barrel Aged Gin. Bitter orange peel, lemon peel, and lime peel in the second. Luckily, there are more than a few bottles of gin you can snag for under $25. You can mix this gin into any cocktail and it won't get lost. It's a lot like Tanqueray in its ubiquity and flavor, though it's a bit cheaper and a bit more mellow. Answer (1 of 11): Many, though Hendricks is probably the best if you like the cucumber, a thin potato peeler strip of cucumber and wine cracked black pepper helps, as does the right tonic (I would go with the Fever Tree Mediterranean) I also think you can do a lot more with gin than just G&T and. Grains of paradise, almond, and cubeb berries are not your average gin ingredients and they help this bottle stand apart from the crowd. O'Dwyer Distillery Aged Radoune. These are the best offerings hiding out below the top shelf. Gordons is a simple, satisfying, and cheap gin, whether you are drinking it from a plastic handle or a more refined 750ml glass bottle. This comes two years after the first batch, and according to the brand will probably be the last. The latest is the Neptunia, a gin inspired by the coastline that isnt far from the Gin Palace where Hendricks is distilled. It's designed to be especially smooth, creamy, and citrusy, meant to appeal to people who are new to gin. 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. 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. Astor Wines and Spirits in New York City bottles this as a house brand, stating they wanted a classic London Dry that didn't carry the mark-ups of premium gin brands. Oh, there are others. The Navy Strength expression ups the proof to a solid 114, putting it on par with some cask-strength whiskeys. Perhaps it's about making appearances. Theyutilize several different botanicals in their distillation process: orange, juniper, lemon myrtle, coriander, pepperberry, lavender, and cardamom, to name a few. Beefeater's not a complicated gin, but juniper, lemon, orange, licorice, and coriander come together cleanly and in perfect balance to. Its multiple ingredients form an amalgam, perfectly balanced between juniper, citrus, floral, earth, and spice. Theres also an Old Tom gin, aged for two years in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in Oloroso sherry casks, and a Beach Plum gin liqueur. How to drink it: Thanks to its classic London dry profile, I like this in a martini and also a Negroni, though it would also work in citrusy cocktails, such as gimlets, sours, and fizzes. 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. The few extra bucks buy you more pronounced juniper notes, better balance with other flavors, and almost consistently, higher proof, which, in my mind, makes for a better martini. Made with 47 botanicals in the Black Forest region of Germany and based on a British soldier's 1950s-era recipe, Monkey 47 gin ($44.99 a 375-ml. Seagram'sGin 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. But a martini of this sort is more a vessel for intoxication than a true gustatory experience (although some vodkas certainly have some character). There may also be some aromas of mint, thyme, and chamomile. 1 2020 Release, aged in Utah distillery High West's American Prairie bourbon barrels for ten months. It's designed to be especially smooth, creamy, and citrusy, meant to appeal to people who are new to gin. Boodles and Bulldog are both great in the under-$25 market. Tanqueray to me tastes like what gin should taste like as a standard. Overall quite unique and pleasant.". Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks. "I have the full production chain in-house.". 10 Gin) and a "party with your friends gin." Today the brand is distilled at the massive Cameronbridge Distillery in Scotland and owned by Diageo. Its made from an agave base spirit, the plant most commonly used for tequila and mezcal, and is infused with 32 botanicals meant to represent the 32 Mexican states. The botanicals are all hand-selected. It tastes fresh, piney, lemony, and herbal, with mild cinnamon and cardamom flavors. The spices are more pronounced in Broker's than in nearly all of the less expensive gins, and I find that these flavors are worth paying extra for. I would put this gin up against Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, Boodles, Citadelle, Broker's, and Beefeater any day of the week!!