Any classic London dry gin will carry the unmistakable crisp aromas and flavours of juniper. Still, if you crave an extra upfront kick of fresh pine, the best juniper forward gins I have lined up will have you drooling!
Juniper forward gins are highly aromatic, with the classic London dry gin as the base; they tend to be light-bodied with upfront notes of juniper that ensure ultra-refreshing G&Ts.
7 Best Juniper Forward Gins
The best juniper forward gins will boost your classic G&T with even more crisp juniper flavours right from the first sip. Here are 7 to try.
1. Hayman’s London Dry Gin
Overview
- Distiller: Hayman Distillers
- ABV: 41.2% (82.4 Proof)
- Country: England
- Colour: Clear
Review
Hayman’s London Dry Gin is a classic gin blended with ten different botanicals following the 150-year-old family tradition and recipe. The botanicals are steeped in the traditional two-day process in copper stills before undergoing distillation.
On The Nose
Aromas of fresh juniper, citrusy wafts of lemon zest and orange peel, followed by slight spice.
On The Palate
The expected dry feel of a classic London dry gin with sharp notes of juniper takes centre stage. Peppery notes enveloped in refreshing citrus bursts, and a slight trace of bitterness from the orris root follows.
Best Served
A refreshing gin to serve with a traditional G&T allows the bold juniper flavours to shine through and is accented with Fever Tree tonic water and garnished with a sliver of lemon peel.
Related: Does Gin Need To Be Refrigerated?
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
2. Citadelle Gin
Overview
- Distiller: Citadelle
- ABV: 44% (88 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Clear
Review
This French gin is progressively infused with 19 botanicals that complement the juniper notes and achieves the perfect poise of delicately balanced exotic spices from around the world and French juniper berries that Maison Ferrand grows themselves.
On The Nose
Crisp juniper with faint hints of floral, citrusy notes and fragrant wafts of spices, mainly from the coriander and nutmeg.
On The Palate
Juniper forward with citrus dusted with cracked black pepper. The medium tangy finish lingers in the back of your throat.
Best Served
Enjoy this dry gin with sharp flavours in a French 75 cocktail, with a dash of lemon juice for a refreshing note sweetened with simple syrup and topped with champagne.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
3. Tanqueray London Dry Gin Export Strength
Overview
- Distiller: Tanqueray
- ABV: 43.1% (86.2 Proof)
- Country: England
- Colour: Clear
Review
Following the traditional recipe from 1830, Tanqueray Export strength is triple distilled. It contains three distinct ingredients of Tuscan juniper, angelica, and coriander, lending to a dry aromatic and juniper-forward gin that’s ideal for beginners.
On The Nose
A juniper-led aroma with woody notes of cedar and subtle zesty lemon tangs infuse the nose with a faint hint of rootiness from the angelica botanical.
On The Palate
The unmistakable pine freshness of juniper is at the forefront, with the traditional zesty sparkle of lemon peel enhanced with notes of orange peel and a hint of spice.
Best Served
Tanqueray’s export strength is the perfect accompaniment to a G&T for a refreshing hot summer’s day quencher that highlights the juniper-forward aromas.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
4. Jawbox Classic Dry Gin
Overview
- Distiller: Jawbox
- ABV: 43% (86 Proof)
- Country: Ireland
- Colour: Clear
Review
Jawbox distillery believes that you need to take your time to achieve greatness. This is the method behind this classic dry gin that is triple distilled from grains grown on their 300-acre country estate in Belfast.
Jawbox gin is produced in small batches and infused with eleven botanicals through a copper still, which includes Black Mountain Heather. Almost a Navy Strength Gin.
On The Nose
Strong notes of juniper engulf the nose, balanced with notes of coriander and sparkling essence of citrus that invigorate the senses.
On The Palate
A complex gin that evolves on the palate, starting with the piny juniper froward and citrus tangs of lemon peel while slowly developing into pepper and angelica.
Best Served
In a twist to the classical G&T, this classic dry gin from Jawbox is the perfect gin for an Aviation cocktail.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
5. Sipsmith V.J.O.P Gin
Overview
- Distiller: Sipsmith
- ABV: 57.7% (115.4 Proof)
- Country: England
- Colour: Clear
Review
Sipsmith has beefed up the flavours with this V.J.O.P., which stands for “very juniper over proof.” Doubling the quantity of juniper berries they use and cranking up the A.B.V.
This three-part juniper infusion process includes three days of macerations with juniper berries, more junipers added to the pot still, and a vapour infusion with more juniper berries.
On The Nose
The sharp assertive aromas of juniper infused with notes of pine and peppery wood. Zesty orange drifting in the background.
On The Palate
The big juniper flavours jump out first, with rich notes of spices lingering and smooth smacks of dark chocolate mid-palate. The finish is dry and ever-so-slightly bitter.
Best Served
This bold juniper-tasting gin is perfect for a modern take on the classic Tom Collins gin cocktail.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
6. Boodles London Dry Gin
Overview
- Distiller: Boodles
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: England
- Colour: Clear
Review
Boodles gin derives its name from a prestigious gentlemen’s club in London that hosts statured men.
This gin is inspired by an 1845 recipe using English wheat with botanicals, including sage, rosemary, and nutmeg. The omission of citrus makes this gin unique and leads to a more understated aromatic nose.
On The Nose
Classic, clean notes of gin are straightforward, with strong notes of juniper mingling with angelica, sage, rosemary and elegant whiffs of lavender.
On The Palate
A bright and forward juniper flavour with hints of liquorice from the caraway spices. The generous amount of coriander seeds provides a lingering fruity and herbal note.
Best Served
Try it as a zesty Negroni, with a shot of sweet vermouth, a dash of Campari, and the juices of refreshing grapefruit, topped with soda water and a long sliver of grapefruit peel.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
7. Aviation Gin
Overview
- Distiller: Aviation
- ABV: 42% (84 Proof)
- Country: USA
- Colour: Clear
Review
Aviation uses a blend of nine botanicals suspended in neutral grain spirits for 18 hours before being single-distilled with the addition of pure water.
The heart of the gin is collected over a period of seven hours before being bottled. Some say each bottle of this gin contains a single tear of joy from Ryan Reynolds himself. The Drinksgeek cannot confirm or deny this statement.
On The Nose
Fresh juniper pine, mint, and cardamom, balance well with the sweet notes of anise and hints of orange.
On The Palate
A juniper-forward gin boosted by the freshness of mint. Mid-palate reveals eucalyptus and citrus to pulsate in the mouth with suggestive notes of floral and spice on the finish.
Best Served
This delicious American gin is good as a brunch aperitif and would be ideal for a Southside gin cocktail, especially if you love a Mojito.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
Andrew’s Top Pick
Sipsmith V.J.O.P Gin
My top recommendation for best juniper forward gin goes to Sipsmith V.J.O.P Gin. As you would expect, juniper leaps out straight away, with discreet spices and a touch of bitter dark chocolate. Nice dry finish.
Cocktail Ideas
| No. | Gin | Cocktail Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hayman’s London Dry Gin | Hayman’s Martini, French 75 |
| 2 | Citadelle Gin | French 75, Citadelle Negroni |
| 3 | Tanqueray London Dry Gin Export Strength | Tanqueray Tom Collins |
| 4 | Jawbox Classic Dry Gin | Jawbox Bramble, Belfast Coffee |
| 5 | Sipsmith V.J.O.P Gin | Gin & Tonic, Bold Negroni |
| 6 | Boodles London Dry Gin | Gin & Tonic with a lemon twist |
| 7 | Aviation Gin | Cucumber Southside |
Conclusion
The best juniper forward gins are for those that want that extra burst of piney juniper upfront for elevated freshness and distinctive aromatic pine fragrance.
The unmistakable fore note of juniper works well in a classic G&T. It should be balanced with complementary botanicals such as citrus, herbs and spices.
Juniper Forward Gin Q&A
What Is A Juniper Forward Gin?
As with all gins, juniper forward gins are produced with a pure base spirit and infused botanicals, including juniper. However, juniper berries are at the forefront of the flavour profile, often referred to as classic gins, and are easily compared to London Dry Gins.
Is A Juniper Forward Gin Different To A Normal Gin?
Although juniper must be present in every gin, juniper forward gins enhance the freshness by using more juniper in their recipe. A typical gin can often stray towards other flavours, such as citrus, herbs and spices.
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.
