Hendrick’s Gin is a uniquely crafted gin created in 1999 by Master Distiller Miss Lesley Gracie in Girvan, South Ayrshire, Scotland. The best Hendrick’s gins use a wide variety of unique ingredients and flavours that rival many small-batch gin brands.
I personally feel that Hendrick’s deserves credit for being the catalyst that turned around the fortunes of gin worldwide. Pre 1999, gin was not too popular, and only a handful of brands dominated the market.
Since then, competition is fierce, with literally 1000s of different gin distilleries worldwide producing every botanical combination you can dream of. But let’s not forget the brand that pioneered the gin revival.
Best Hendrick’s Gins
More than a one-trick-pony, here are 5 of the best Hendrick’s gins that every gin-lover should get thoroughly acquainted with.
1. Hendrick’s Gin (Original)
Overview
- Distiller: Hendrick’s
- ABV: 41.4% (82.8 Proof)
- Country: Scotland
- Colour: Clear
Review
This original blend was the first of Hendrick’s Gin to be crafted in 1999 and paved the way for the brand’s debut. I honestly feel Hendrick’s was responsible for making gin cool again and made it to my list of 10 all-time best gins.
Hendrick’s was voted the best gin globally in 2003. It has also been awarded two gold, a double gold, and a silver medal from the Worlds Spirit Competition in San Francisco from 2005 to 2012.
Lucky number 13 is Hendrick’s recipe for success. In addition to juniper, Hendrick’s infuses chamomile, elderflower, lemon peel, orange peel, caraway, coriander, cubeb berries, angelica root, yarrow root, and orris root.
The gin is distilled in two different stills, then married together, and is finally infused with rose and cucumber essences. Check out 10 Lemon Gins too!
On The Nose
A light yet complex aroma of fresh pine with hints of citrus and floral elements.
On The Palate
A fanfare of fresh citrus and a burst of juniper with the spiciness of cracked pepper and cumin, finishing off with a smooth lingering floral bouquet with the mellowness of cucumber.
Best Served
Perfect as a companion to tonic water with a twist of cucumber, instead of the usual lime, to bring out the essence of the infused cucumber. It’s a great gin for beginners and veterans alike.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
2. Hendrick’s Neptunia Gin
Overview
- Distiller: Hendrick’s
- ABV: 43.4% (86.8 Proof)
- Country: Scotland
- Colour: Clear
Review
This Scottish gin is driven by the mesmerizing wave crashing along the Ayrshire coastline and the magical invigoration of the fresh ocean breeze.
Hendrick’s Neptunia was proudly created in 2022 as a limited edition supporting the environmental charity for the conservation and recreation of the dwindling seagrass ecosystem that supports a variety of sea life.
In addition to its already perfect blend of botanical, the addition of sea kelp, costal thyme, and lime helps gear this gin as a perfect reminder of the beauty of the sea.
On The Nose
Fresh aromas of juniper revitalize your mind with hints of fresh thyme and the scents of roses.
On The Palate
Light and savoury, with hints of saltiness enlivening the citrus tangs before lingering off into a smooth blend of fresh zest.
Best Served
An excellent serving suggestion is the Hendrick’s Neptunia Gin Fizz. This refreshing summer drink can be enjoyed any time of day. Gin, simple syrup, soda water, and garnished off with a sliver of cucumber.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
3. Hendrick’s Lunar Gin
Overview
- Distiller: Hendrick’s
- ABV: 43.4% (86.8 Proof)
- Country: Scotland
- Colour: Clear
Review
Inspired by the moon and its alluring mystical properties, Hendrick’s Lunar was made under the waxing moon and created as a limited edition in 2021.
The intention of this beauty is as a slow sipping drink to carry you into meaningful conversations as the sun sets and the moon rises.
The inclusion of baked spices and the zesty tang of citrus flavours bring a new dimension to the original blend of botanical herbs.
On The Nose
Wafts of violet and lavender scents part ways to the aromas of warm spiciness that invigorates the mind.
On the Palate
Fresh citrus on the open and warm spiciness of black pepper and cardamom in the middle. It finishes with a refreshing tone of spicy floral.
Best Served
Enjoy Hendrick’s Lunar with premium ginger ale, a dash of lemon juice, and garnish with a sliver of orange zest and three crisp cucumber slices.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
4. Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice
Overview
- Distiller: Hendrick’s
- ABV: 43.4% (86.8 Proof)
- Country: Scotland
- Colour: Clear/red
Review
Nothing inspires more than that perfect summer day when blossoms are at their peak, and the warmth rejuvenates the heart. This gin encompasses the myriad of summer florals in its limited release and the first variant of Miss Lesly Gracie’s Cabinet of Curiosities that launched in 2019.
Enhancing the perfect infusion of Hendrick’s gin, this blend boasts infusions of orange blossoms, iris, and heavy floral essences. Reminds me of some of the Japanese gins I recently reviewed.
On The Nose
With bursts of aromatic floral scents giving way to the puffs of fresh pine, it is mildly cast aside by the aromas of black tea.
On The Palate
The palate engages delightfully with the slightly dry taste of juniper infused with floral essences and a pleasant hint of orange blossom and rose water peaking at the aftertaste.
Best Served
For a delightful Midsummer Solstice Spritz, add a splash of sparkling wine to your Hendrick’s gin and mix it up with tonic water. Garnish with a long ribbon of cucumber and a fresh slice of orange.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
5. Hendrick’s Orbium Gin
Overview
- Distiller: Hendrick’s
- ABV: 43.4% (86.8 Proof)
- Country: Scotland
- Colour: Clear/blue
Review
Hendrick’s Orbium was launched in 2017 as a reimagined product of the original launch of Hendrick’s gin. It is a crafted edition of small batched made for a limited time.
I must confess I love the presentation; the medicine bottle design takes you back to the Victorian age of terrifying medicine. The bottle has the same blue hue as the blue lotus essence added to the gin.
The original recipe is heightened with the addition of wormwood, extracts of quinine, and the essence of the blue lotus flower.
On The Nose
There is an intriguing aroma of lotus flower blossom mixed with melon, cucumber, rose water, and candied sweets.
On the Palate
Floral, herbaceous and melon perceptions. The intertwining of the spicy citrus and bitter flavour of wormwood is very unusual. Reminds me a little of when I reviewed 10 absinthe brands.
Best Served
Best served as an Orbium Martini, stirred, not shaken, with a dash of Dolin dry vermouth. Garnish off with lemon zest and a cucumber slice, allowing you to appreciate this exquisite blend’s entire essence.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
Andrew’s Top Pick
Hendrick’s Gin (Original)
Call me a traditionalist, but Hendrick’s Original Gin is my top pick. Its clean nose, refreshing juniper and cucumber led palate, and cheeky black pepper finish is everything a gin should be.
Hendrick’s Q&A
Is Hendrick’s Gin Any Good?
Hendrick’s produces an excellent gin and is an innovator in its field. It is not your standard juniper-infused gin but was created as a super gin with infusions of rose and cucumber.
Is Hendrick’s A Top Shelf Gin?
Hendrick’s Gin is not considered a top-shelf gin but sits in the upper middle. It is a high-quality mass-produced gin in the mid-priced price bracket but lacks the small-batch rarity factor.
Is Hendrick’s Gin Worth It
Hendrick’s gin is worth it as it’s a great way to introduce vodka drinkers to the gin scene. Maybe a bit overpriced compared to other quality gins, it brings a different twist to the traditional gin flavour.
How Is Hendrick’s Gin Made
Hendrick’s Gin is a uniquely crafted gin that’s distilled twice in two very different stills. The amalgamation of these two very different styles sets Hendrick’s Gin apart.
The Bennett still, dating back to 1860, steeps the botanicals in spirit before the distillation process. Next, the Carter head still, dating back to 1948, steams the herbs in a basket to create a more delicate spirit.
Conclusion
The best Hendrick’s Gins come with fascinating flavours and blends that are either loved or loathed. Their twist on the generic juniper led gin is enhanced by combining cucumber and rose essences that bring in a refreshingly new diverse aroma and perception.
The ingenuity of the blends allows for a different quality of gin and how it is enjoyed in fancy gin cocktails and mixes. Hendrick’s deserves a lot of love for staying true to their original recipe yet daring to come up with the likes of Hendrick’s Orbium. Bravo!
Also read: 14 Best American Gin Brands: Exploring USA’s Gin Scene
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from The Drinks Geek blog. We write articles on several fascinating areas of drinks, including different brands, drink types, cocktail recipes and more.
