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The selection of gin available to order online is vast. For enthusiasts of premium spirits and classic cocktails, the question often arises: which bottle is the right addition to a home bar? This guide is designed to help you make an informed decision by providing objective information on established premium gin brands and comparing their key characteristics. The goal is to equip you with the facts you need to find the perfect gin for your taste and occasion.
Before you choose a gin, a few fundamental criteria can help simplify your selection.
The term London Dry Gin is not a designation of origin, but a standard of quality. It dictates that all botanicals must be added during distillation and that nothing but water and a minimal amount of sugar may be added after distillation. This results in a pure, juniper-forward, and dry flavour profile that serves as the foundation for many classic cocktails. Other styles, such as New Western Dry Gin, place less emphasis on juniper and more on other botanicals, like floral or fruity notes.
The selection and composition of botanicals define a gin's character. Alongside the mandatory juniper berry, ingredients like coriander seeds, angelica root, citrus peels, or more exotic components shape the aroma. Some distillers, like Bombay Sapphire, use a vapour infusion process where the alcohol vapours pass through a basket containing the botanicals. This often results in a more subtle and delicate aroma compared to the direct maceration of ingredients in the spirit.
A gin's alcohol content typically ranges from 37.5% to 47% ABV. A higher alcohol content can carry flavours more intensely and give the gin more body, which is particularly advantageous in cocktails like a gin for a gin and tonic. The standard size for a bottle of premium gin is 0.7L, which is a good quantity for home use and allows you to try different brands without a long-term commitment. When considering a gin offer, always pay attention to the price-to-volume ratio.
Here is a selection of established gin brands that are worth considering for their specific characteristics and production processes.
Why it stands out:Bombay Sapphire Gin is renowned for its unique vapour infusion process. Instead of macerating the botanicals directly in the spirit, the alcohol vapours are passed through a copper basket containing 10 carefully selected botanicals. According to the manufacturer, this method ensures a particularly smooth and balanced infusion of flavours, resulting in a crisp and complex taste profile.
Advantages:
Best suited for: Those seeking a classic yet refined London Dry Gin that performs well both neat and in a gin and tonic. Its balanced nature makes it a versatile base for a wide range of cocktails.
Why it stands out:Hendrick's Gin sets itself apart with its post-distillation infusion of cucumber and rose petal essences. This Scottish gin is produced in small batches, combining traditional botanicals with these unconventional ingredients. The result is a gin with a distinctly floral and refreshing character. Its quality has been recognised with accolades such as a 97-point rating in the Pe?ín Guide.
Advantages:
Best suited for: Gin lovers looking for an alternative to the classic London Dry and who appreciate a distinctively floral and fresh flavour profile. It is the foundation for the famous Hendrick's Gin & Tonic, which is classically garnished with a slice of cucumber.
Why it stands out:Tanqueray Gin has been crafted since 1830 using a classic recipe based on just four botanicals: juniper, coriander, angelica root, and liquorice. According to the brand, it is distilled four times, which results in exceptional smoothness and a harmonious taste. Its clear focus on the essential gin flavours makes it a timeless standard in the world of gin.
Advantages:
Best suited for: Purists and fans of classic, juniper-dominant gins. Its robust profile stands up well in mixed drinks, making it a preferred choice for a traditional gin for a gin and tonic.
If the classics featured here don't quite match what you're looking for, or if you're curious about other spirits and specialities, you can find more products in our collection.
Discover more spirits and delicacies in our golden berries category.
A London Dry Gin must adhere to strict production regulations. All botanicals must be of natural origin and added during the distillation process. After distillation, only water may be added to adjust it to bottling strength. The addition of colourings or artificial flavourings is not permitted.
For a classic, juniper-forward gin like Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphire, a traditional, dry Indian Tonic Water is an excellent choice. It enhances the gin's herbaceous and citrus notes without overpowering them. For a floral gin like Hendrick's, a milder, less bitter tonic water can better highlight its delicate aromas.
Gin is a relatively stable spirit. An opened bottle should be kept tightly sealed, stored upright, and in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Unlike wine, gin does not need to be refrigerated, although chilled storage will not harm the flavour. Manufacturers often recommend consuming the contents within a year of opening to ensure the full quality of the aromas is maintained.