I thought that you may appreciate a Gin Geek slaving away over a hot MacBook and putting together this super duper review of my Top 10 Best Gins.
Due to an uplift in Gin popularity recently, there are such an enormous selection to choose from that it’s sometimes tricky to see the wood from the trees (or indeed the Gin from the Gin).
Let’s have a quick run through before we review each Gin individually.
Top 10 Best Gins
- Tanqueray No. Ten
- Monkey 47
- Caorunn
- Sipsmith London Dry
- Hendrick’s
- Beefeater 24
- Brooklyn Gin
- Portobello Road
- Brockmans
- Bloom London Dry
All of these are truly excellent Gins, and although I do kinda feel it’s unfair to declare an out-and-out winner, it’s a cut-throat world out there full of winners and losers, so my particular favourite is duly noted in the conclusion at the end of this post and it’s for your eyes only.
Let’s now check them out in more detail.
01. Tanqueray No. Ten
- Gin Geek Rating – 97/100
- Distiller – Diago Plc
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV) – 41.1%
- Country – Scotland
The Bottle
Presented in a beautiful Art Deco style green bottle, with its red waxed seal being the official Tanqueray stamp. Must be one of the most distinctive Gin bottles out there. An excellent addition to your home drinks selection, or as a fabulous gift.
The Gin
This is such a versatile Gin, excellent with tonic water & a slice of grapefruit, also a great base for any Gin cocktail.
Known Botanicals
Made with fresh citrus fruits, plus chamomile flowers, and juniper, coriander, angelica, and licorice.
A bit of Trivia
Made in small batches, this Gin gets its name from the number 10 still where it is distilled.
Best Served
Tanqueray No.Ten with ice, tonic water, plus a slice of grapefruit.
Conclusion
A modern day classic
Check Price/Buy Online
You can also check pricing, customer reviews and buy Tanqueray 10 Gin online using one of the below links.
UK readers can view this Gin here at Amazon.co.uk
02. Monkey 47
- Gin Geek Rating – 98/100
- Distiller – Black Forest Distillers
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV) – 47%
- Country – Germany (Black Forest)
The Bottle
A rather scary looking ‘poison’ bottle complete with a cork that one cannot help feeling that when opened it will dispense smoke all over the bar. Coupled with the label that appears to be a large postage stamp of some forgotten Victorian-esque era, it certainly makes an impact.
The Gin
This is the Jaegermeister of the gin world, with a whopping 47 botanicals, you name it, its in there. Certainly a premium Gin using the freshest handpicked ingredients. So many flavors, you can truly get the taste of the Black Forrest.
Known Botanicals
Here we go…. Juniper, acacia, flag, pimento, almond, orange, pepper (4 types), blackberry, cardamom, cassia, cinnamon, , rose mallow, lemon verbena, cloves, coriander, cranberries, pomelo, cubeb, dog rose, elderflower, ginger, Grains of Paradise, spruce, hawthorn berries, sage, ambrette, honeysuckle, jasmine, kaffir lime, lavender, lemon, chamomile, lemon balm, lemongrass, licorice, bee balm, nutmeg, orris, rosehip, sloe, angelica root, acacia flowers, bramble, lingonberries.
A Bit of Trivia
Named not because it’s alcohol content (ABV) is 47%, but rather is in memory of Montgomery Collins and his monkey, Max, plus reference to the 47 botanicals this Gin contains.
Best Served
Monkey 47 with ice, and ginger ale (I don’t feel you need garnish due to the 47 botanicals!).
Conclusion
An eclectic mix with many layers that will certainly keep your taste buds entertained. Great for Gin Cocktails too.
Check Price/Buy Online
You can also check pricing, customer reviews and buy Monkey 47 Gin online using one of the below links.
UK readers can view this Gin here at Amazon.co.uk
03. Caorunn
- Gin Geek Rating – 94/100
- Distiller – Balmenach Distillery
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV) – 41.8%
- Country – Scotland
The Bottle
A distinctive clear bottle that emphasis its clean ingredients including natural Scottish Water.
The Gin
Clean, crisp, slightly sweet, with floral and citrus tones. Quadruple-distilled (why do it once when you can do it four times!), and is made in small batches. Using natural Scottish Water and 11 botanical ingredients.
Known Botanicals
Juniper Berries, Cassia Bark, Lemon Peel, Coriander Seed, Angelica Root, Orange Peel, Rowan Berry, Bog Myrtle, Heather, Coul Blush Apple, Dandelion Leaf.
A bit of Trivia
Pronounced ‘ka-roon’, this is the Gaelic word for Rowanberry
Best Served
Caorunn with ice, tonic water, & slices of red apple.
Conclusion
Clean and crisp. Sets the standard, making it a great go-to Gin.
Check Price/Buy Online
You can also check pricing, customer reviews and buy Caorunn Gin online using one of the below links.
UK readers can view this Gin here at Amazon.co.uk
04. Sipsmith London Dry
- Gin Geek Rating – 95/100
- Distiller – Sipsmith Distillery
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV) – 41.6%
- Country – England
The Bottle
A rather unassuming bottle, but don’t let that lull you into thinking this is anything less than a very high class Gin
The Gin
Still using traditional copper pot distillation, containing many exciting botanicals, ensuring a delightful crisp taste with a mix of juniper and citrus.
Known Botanicals
Lemon peel, Seville orange peel, juniper berries, Madagascan cinnamon bark, Belgian angelica root, Bulgarian coriander seed, Chinese Cassia Bark, Italian Orris Root, Spanish Ground Almond, Spanish liquorice root
A bit of Trivia
Prudence, Patience, and Constance are the names of the three still copper pot used for the distillation of this fine Gin
Best Served
Sipsmith London Dry Gin with ice, tonic water, plus a slice of lime.
Conclusion
A classic London Dry Gin, perfect with tonic water or as the base for a cocktail.
Check Price/Buy Online
You can also check pricing, customer reviews and buy Sipsmith Gin online using one of the below links.
UK readers can view this Gin here at Amazon.co.uk
05. Hendrick’s
- Gin Geek Rating – 93/100
- Distiller – William Grant & Sons
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV) – 41.4%
- Country – Scotland
The Bottle
Love this bottle, it’s along the same lines as Monkey 47. A very Gothic/Victorian style bottle that could just as easily be displayed on the shelf in Dr Frankenstein’s laboratory when he created ‘The Monster’.
The Gin
Hendrick’s distills in minuscule batches of only 500 litres for greater control of quality. The inclusion of cucumber certainly explains for the distinctive fresh taste.
Known Botanicals
Juniper, orange peel, yarrow, chamomile, coriander, and infused with Bulgarian rose petals and cucumber
A bit of Trivia
Hendrick’s Gin is actually a combination of two different spirits from two stills.
Best Served
Hendrick’s with ice, tonic water, plus a couple of slices of cucumber to garnish.
Conclusion
A crisp dry Gin with cucumber undertones. Don’t overdo the cucumber garnish as it can overpower.
Check Price/Buy Online
You can also check pricing, customer reviews and buy Hendrick’s Gin online using one of the below links.
UK readers can view this Gin here at Amazon.co.uk
06. Beefeater 24
- Gin Geek Rating – 89/100
- Distiller – Beefeater Distillery
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV) – 45%
- Country – England
The Bottle
Fabulous deep red bottle, really striking, highlighting its oriental roots. A design masterclass.
The Gin
With the inclusion of a number of traditional Japanese botanicals, may I be as cliche (well I am going to be cliche anyway) to say you get a real taste of the old colonial orient? It’s a sweeter dry Gin, and comes to life when garnished with a slice of grapefruit.
Known Botanicals
Juniper, Japanese Sencha, Chinese Green Tea, Grapefruit Peels, Lemon Peel, Almond, Seville Orange Peel, Coriander Seed, Orris Root, Liquorice Root, Angelica Root, Angelica Seed
A bit of Trivia
When in Japan, Beefeaters Master Distiller (Desmond Payne) would mix his Gin with chilled green tea rather than the local sweet tonics waters (as quinine was banned for tonics), and thus decided to incorporate it in to a Gin, Beefeater 24 was born.
Best Served
Beefeater 24 with ice, tonic water & a slice of grapefruit.
Conclusion
This is a very unique tasting Gin, one I would enjoy instead of a dessert wine.
Check Price/Buy Online
You can also check pricing, customer reviews and buy Beefeater 24 Gin online using one of the below links.
UK readers can view this Gin here at Amazon.co.uk
07. Brooklyn Gin
- Gin Geek Rating – 92/100
- Price Range – Warwick Valley Winery
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV) – 40%
- Country – United States (New York)
The Bottle
Really got the design spot on, with the Art Deco look reminding me of the style seen during the prohibition era.
The Gin
Not a surprise if I told you that this Gin is made in the good old US of A. Consisting of fresh (not frozen) citrus peels and hand cracked juniper. This Gin is produces in small batches, and is clean enough to drink straight up with ice.
Known Botanicals
Juniper, angelica root, lemon peel, lime peel, orange peel, lavender
A bit of Trivia
These guys peel the oranges for this Gin by hand (maybe they will get an orange peeler for their Birthday)
Best Served
Brooklyn Gin with ice, tonic water, sliced orange, lime, & some thyme.
Conclusion
A clean, citrus tasting Gin, with a hint of spice.
Check Price/Buy Online
You can also check pricing, customer reviews and buy Brooklyn Gin online using one of the below links.
UK readers can view this Gin here at Amazon.co.uk
08. Portobello Road No. 171
- Gin Geek Rating – 94/100
- Distiller– ‘The Distillery’ London
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV) – 42%
- Country – London, England
The Bottle
Not so much the bottle but oh wow, the label!, very striking and ‘Old London’
The Gin
It’s a ‘ye olde worlde’ London Dry Gin, with traditional botanicals and spices, allow it to time travel you back to old London Town (‘bring out yer dead’, ‘gor blimey guvna’ and other such phrases).
Known Botanicals
Juniper, coriander seed, angelica root, orris root, lemon Peel, orange peel, liquorice root, gassia bark, nutmeg
A bit of Trivia
Check out their website, you can even pay a visit to their ‘Ginstitute‘ to sample some Gins in Old London Town, in your guesses it, Portobello Road.
Best Served
Portobello Road No. 171 with ice, tonic water & a slice of grapefruit.
Conclusion
A great Gin which is a versatile base for endless cocktails, as its multi level taste shines through.
Check Price/Buy Online
You can also check pricing, customer reviews and buy Brooklyn Gin online using one of the below links.
UK readers can view this Gin here at Amazon.co.uk
09. Brockmans
- Gin Geek Rating – 96/100
- Distiller – Brockmans Distillery
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV) – 40%
- Country – Scotland
The Bottle
This dark black ridged bottle with the Brockmans logo, has a great feel to is and would not look out of place on the set of Harry Potter (if Harry were allowed to drink!, well… I think he is old enough now).
The Gin
Brockmans is an independent English Gin company who distill in a 100-year old traditional copper still. This Gin has a subtle sweet edge to it, citrus tones, and in my opinion its the berries that really stand out. An excellent summer Gin with Ginger Ale, I personally prefer this neat with Ice as it’s that smooth.
Known Botanicals
Juniper, Blackberries, Blueberries, Coriander, Angelica Root, Orris Root, Cassia Bark, Liquorice, Orange peel, Lemon peel, Almond
A bit of Trivia
In the words of the creators of this Gin, “The aim was to create a gin so smooth and sensual, you would want to drink it neat over ice”. Mission accomplished I say, as I am a bit sissy when it comes to neat spirits, but this is oh so good.
Best Served
Brockmans with Ice, tonic water (or Ginger Ale in the summer), pink grapefruit peel and a few blueberries
Conclusion
A fabulous summer Gin that is so smooth you can even drink it neat with ice (and not cough up a lung in the process).
Check Price/Buy Online
You can also check pricing, customer reviews and buy Brockmans Gin online using one of the below links.
UK readers can view this Gin here at Amazon.co.uk
10. Bloom London Dry
- Gin Geek Rating – 91/100
- Distiller – G & J Distillers
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV) – 40%
- Country – England
The Bottle
Classic understated bottle and label design, although nothing to write home about. Could do with a makeover to add a bit of character. The Gin however is another matter.
The Gin
Delightful citrus tones with a floral hint from the honeysuckle and chamomile. What I love about this Gin is it demonstrates that we don’t need a bucketful of botanicals to produce a fabulous Gin, well done Joanne Moore (Master Distiller).
Know Botanicals
honeysuckle, chamomile and pomelo
A bit of Trivia
Created by Joanne Moore, one of the world’s first female Gin Master Distillers. Go Girl!, show them guys a thing or two!
Best Served
Try Bloom London Dry Gin with ice, tonic water & strawberries.
Conclusion
Another fabulous summer Gin that would also make a perfect dessert Gin.
Check Price/Buy Online
You can also check pricing, customer reviews and buy Bloom Gin online using one of the below links.
UK readers can view this Gin here at Amazon.co.uk
The Winner
So there you have it, my Top 10 Best Gins. The great thing about Gin is there is such a great choice and we will all have different ones we gravitate towards. OK, I have kept you in suspense for too long now and can imagine you are about to explode, although you must promise to not tell a soul, so….. at present…….
(long pause for effect like on one of those reality shows)
My absolute favourite of the bunch is Monkey 47, now the cat/monkey is now officially out of the bag.
Where to Buy these Gins Online
Call me lazy but I would buy almost anything online if it saves me venturing outside to fight the hoards of shoppers and crazies. Buying Gin is no exception, and you can do it from the comfort of your home.
Life tips from The Drinks Geek
If anyone say’s to you that you are drinking too much Gin, please explain to them that you are not ‘drinking’, merely ‘tasting’ but have a very sensitive swallow reflex.
You will not get these kinds of tips anywhere else you know, at least I hope not!
oh some lovely list of gins here! I haven’t tried all of them… so thanks I will be looking out for them 🙂
I love Tangueray the best and Bombay Sapphire is my second favorite. G+T have been my go-to drinks for years now. It’s simply delicious.
Hi Dinh, thank you for sharing, such excellent choices! Bombay Sapphire will soon be featured on an upcoming post I am writing regarding Gins from/inspired by India and the Far East. Stay tuned!
A very good choice, I love All except for Hendricks, don’t ask me why! I would replace it with Blackwoods. We have near identical tastes.
Hello Kitty, ooh, have not tried Blackwoods Gin yet, only their Vodka, will give it a go. I think Hendrick’s can be a bit like Marmite (love it or hate it) as it’s fairly distinctive on the cucumber, then most bar-folk add more cucumber to it! For me it works well as a summer afternoon Gin.
Hope you’ve now tried Blackwoods it is really nice. Also try Brecon if you can.
Hello Jacky,
Yes I have indeed now tried Blackwoods, their 60% limited edition on the rocks with premium Indian tonic water and orange peel provides a hint of spice and was excellent.
What do you recommend for Brecon as a serving suggestion?
Hendricks hands down is the most refreshing and satisfying of gins. Ironically, perennial best seller at the liquor store and bar establishments.
The VERY best martini gin is absolutely “The Botanist” from Islay.
Regards,
The Martini Purist.
Hello Martin, the Botanist is indeed a future classic. I have reviewed it in my Best Scottish Gins post. 🙂
How about Star of Bombay? I had it while I was in Europe. Incredibly smooth!
Hello Jim, wow this looks very interesting indeed, thank you. I will certainly grab bottle and write a review. In the mean time, UK readers can purchase a bottle here and readers from the USA can purchase here from Drizly/StarOfBombay
I admit that I have only tried 5 of your top 10 gins, but my favorite gin will remain Plymouths gin. It’s worth a try if you are looking for well rounded gin.
Hello Jacob, thank you for the recommendation!, I will certainly check it out and write a review. In the mean time, UK readers can purchase it here Plymouth Gin, and readers from the United States can follow this link to Drizly/Plymouth
My Aunt who lives in Guildford just visited her family here in the US and knowing I was a rather rabid gin fan, was asking if I’d had Silent Pool gin, made not far from her. Have you tried and if so, worth pursuing (not readily available around here)?
Hello Andrew, Silent Pool Gin is in fact on my list for a new post I am putting together for ‘Best New Gins to Try in 2019’. Its a work in progress!
In the USA you can purchase it here at Drizly/SilentPool
Hope you manage to grab yourself a bottle!
Monkey 47 is my favorite as well… it’s nectar of the gods
Hello Carole, thanks for your message! Hope you are well. Yes Monkey 47 is such a great Gin, still one of my all time favorites and I don’t feel that will ever change. I have very recently been drinking it on the rocks with a fat wedge of Orange, yum.
Have you seen my recent post of Best Gin of 2018. Apologies, its pink!
Apparently you haven’t had Amalaga gin of Alaska?
Hello Jacquelyn, thanks for dropping by. No I have not managed to get a bottle in the UK yet. It’s now on my wish list for 2019! Any readers who would like to check out this distiller, here is the link for http://www.amalgadistillery.com
Came back to gin after many years . Silent pool from england usd recommended
not sure you should be recommending US customers to buy from masters of malts given that they can NOT ship to the US…just a thought tho
Hello Cory, Thank you for your comment. Master of Malt can ship to the USA but I agree its very limited state to state. I am considering using drizly.com and wondering if you have had any experience of a company that can deliver in the USA? I would love to hear about it, as over 60% of my readers are from the United States. (thanks to all you guys and girls in the USA for your readership!)
Tanqueray 10 is my fave and I’ve also tried Hendricks more recently which was deelish.
8 more to go!!
Hello Atiria, yes Tanqueray 10 is an all time classic, as is Hendricks. You could try Chase Pink Grapefruit if you enjoy citrus, it’s fab and is my ‘Best Gin of 2018’!
Would love to try them all, I love my Gin, but most not available in Canada. How can I get Monkey 47 in Ontario?
Greetings Anne! You could try ordering from Drizly as pretty sure they deliver inside Canada. Here is the link to treat yourself to a bottle of Monkey 47 on Drizley. Hope that helps!
Great reviews! When you get a chance, give Oxley a shot! It may crack your top ten. But love the list! I have had many of them!
Hello Ryan, glad you like the list! I have not tried Oxley Gin just yet. It’s been added to my list and I have added a link to Amazon.co.uk for those who are interested 🙂
Hello everyone, Recently tasted Gin #0 and I highly recommend it. Of course is out of these range of Gins but it’s really flavored considering the price and you don’t need to add anything else to enjoy it.
Regards form Barcelona.
Jorge
Hello Jorge, thanks for commenting! I have been unable to find a gin by that name. Typo on your post?
Gotta check out No. 3 from Berry Bros in St. James Square if you haven’t already. Hard to find here in Texas (a bit ironic, as Berry Bros is located in the building that housed the brief Republic of Texas embassy to the Court of St. James in the 1840s). I can only find it at one liquor store – Total Wine & More – for just under $40 for a .750. Very juniper forward classic London dry. I keep Tanq 10 for citrus drinks (G&Ts, Collins, etc.) but for a martini, give me a No. 3 with lemon or orange peel every time.
Hello Steve, apologies for my slow reply, been a bit crazy here writing new content for upcoming posts. Wow, if the bottle is anything to go by then Berry Bros No.3 should be pretty darned good. I will be reviewing it this quarter. UK readers can check Berry Bros on Amazon.co.uk.
Steve, have you tried looking on Drizly?
I’ve only tried a few Gins and I’m a fan!
I recently tried Beefeater Pink and found it delightful. However, it didn’t have a classic juniper taste.
I look forward to trying your suggestions!
Hello Julia, indeed the Beefeater Pink is fairly delicate in taste. Let me know how you get on with your Gin journey, there are so many Gins to choose from you are spoiled for choice. Whitley Neill Rhubarb Gin is excellent btw.
The Empress Gin is a beautiful gin!
Thank for sharing Marina! Afraid I have not got around to reviewing it yet. Here is a link to Empress Gin (UK Gin Lovers) and here for USA/Canada Gin lovers for those who are interested.
Hi Andrew,
Thanks for all the inputs, Monket 47 definitely sounds worth trying. Hendricks is an all time favourite. Would strongly recommend you trying Opihr if you haven’t yet and would appreciate your feedback on this gin. Infused with Very rare and exotic herbs from various destinations…
Hello Niraj, thank you for your recommendation, it’s really helpful to know what readers would like reviewed next! Opihr looks very interesting indeed, I will certainly review shortly and pop a post out. For those who want to stay ahead of the curve, here is Opihr in the UK on Amazon, and here is Opihr in the US/Canada on Drizly
Thanks for the review! I’ve been planning to buy a bottle as a gift, and this definitely gives me some ideas. I spend the summers in northern, pine-filled woods, where a local farm distillery makes jack pine gin. I shake it with crushed ice and drink it neat. The rest of the year, when I’ve got to choose from international brands, it’s good to have them curated!
Hello Jeff, my pleasure! Yes Gin makes a great gift (subtle hint to my Girlfriend!) and there is such choice. Wow Jack Pine Gin looks pretty awesome.Here is a link to North Lattitude Distilleries for readers who would like to check this Gin and other products out!
Hi Andrew,
I have been a Rum/Brandy drinker mostly. However, a friend got me hooked on gin.
The gin was Bombay London Dry original. Cheap but it was nice. Will be trying other gins now.
Hello Rodney, great to hear you have finally come over to join us Gin lovers! You have certainly come at a great time as we are now spoiled for choice with a huge variety of Gins. As you are just starting out, please check out Monkey 47 and Tanqueray 10 if you get the chance. Both are available at any decent Bar with a good Gin selection. Have fun!
Hi Andrew, You’ll have to redo your list after you taste Boar Gin (like 47 it’s also from the Black Forest) – the difference is they also mix with the rare Black Forest truffle! Walk slowly over hot coals to find this one…it’s worth it ! It’s not yet widely available outside Germany…..wait until the word gets out as to how good it is. Here’s a link to some of the awards it has won recently https://boargin.de/en/awards-2/
Hello Daryl, oooh sounds awesome. Let me check it out and report back. Thanks for the the heads up.
I would add to this list Barr Hill Gin, from Vermont, which is so smooth you can drink it neat. Is it a London Dry Gin? Don’t know. Probably not. They also make a tea-colored gin called “Tom Cat” that is possibly even tastier. Their “secret” ingredient is locally source honey.
Hello! Will see if I can grab myself a bottle of Barr Hill as love drinking a smooth Gin neat, especially as an aperitif. Here is the link to Tom Cat Gin for those readers interested, looks fab.
A very dry Beefeater martini, up with a twist is my version of heaven. However, I have been impressed with Bombay Sapphire lately. There are so many quality gins on the market, today. I guess it, all, boils down to what pleases you. It’s nice to have options.
Thanks Tom, Bombay Sapphire is a great Gin also as makes an excellent cocktail base. Appreciate your input!
Gin Mare, more high end.. Its absolutely gorgggg. Tried it last week… …. Hendrinks is my current favourite overall. l
Hello Shezzy.Thanks for sharing! Gin Mare is on my list to review in 2019. It’s a full time job testing all this Gin 🙂
I feel very blessed to live in Oregon where we have several excellent local gins. In no particular order (mostly because my favs change with the seasons and my mood):
Rolling River Gin
Aria Gin
Bar Pilot Gin
Big Bottom London Dry Gin
WildRoots Northwest Gin
The only one on your list I have yet to try is Monkey 47. Can’t wait, as I wholeheartedly agree with your other reviews. Thanks much — cheers!
Hi Timothy, thanks for dropping by and sharing with us these great Gins.
Have you ever tried Mayfair gin? Its smooth and delicious. The Mayfair vodka makes the best martini.
Hello Eliabeth. I have not tried Mayfair Gin (link provided) yet, but thanks for sharing! Has anyone else had the chance to check it out. I have added it to my list 🙂
Hi Andrew! This list is fantastic, many thanks! I was introduced to a beauty this past weekend. Tattersall Gin, out of Minneapolis, MN. The balance of botanical to juniper is absolutely perfect in my opinion. If you can get your hands on it, I highly recommend! Cheers!
Thank Lisa, sounds great, thank you for the suggestion. Here is a link to their site. I see they do a barrel-aged gin too!
Orion Dry Gin Barrel aged is our favorite. Me and my friend are gin lovers and taste a lot. Our favorite gin is brewed in Eindhoven, The Netherlands. It has a intense taste and is held on oak barrels. If you have the change try it. https://bottledistillery.nl/product/orion-dry-gin-barrel-aged/
I agree with R White about Barr Hill’s gins. Especially their Tom Cat with honey flavors. Here is the correct link: https://caledoniaspirits.com/spirit/tom-cat/
Cheers.
For me the most original gin of all the newcomers from the last years is the North-German gin called “Skin Gin”. This distinguished taste based on mint with citrus is so far unique and never tasted this before. But indeed if you do not like mint, this is a no go.
Cheers for the info Dennis, mint combined with citrus is a refreshing combo. Agree you need to love mint or it will just taste like toothpaste. Personally I love mint so yay!
I’m a total gin and tonic fan!! My favourite is Tanqueray 10 and Hendricks ( btw have you tried their summer solstice limited edition? Just bought myself a 70 cl from Heathrow today…. can’t wait to check it out!! Also adore Bombay Sapphire ( it’s lovely and smooth) and Jodhpur ( what a gorgeous bottle ❤️) ! Have you tried Oxley? I hear good things. And now Monkey 47 is on my wish list?? thank you for the recommendation ???
Hello Simi, how were the gins? Hope you enjoyed them! You will love Monkey 47, its sublime.
Hi Andrew,
Have you tried Dublin City Gin? I live in Mexico and we are trying to bring it here. Found your list very enlightening. Cheers!
Hello Jose, welcome! I have not sampled that one, now added to my evergrowing list. For all of you gin lovers here is the official Dublin City Gin website
Tanqueray 10 did not originate in Brazil.. God knows where you got that information from ???♂️??♂️
How did that sneak in there! Apologies to Tanqueray for my error, lol. Will get that fixed.
It was hard to track down here in the States but I finally got some Monkey 47. At $75 (750ml) I didn’t want to like it, but I did. IMO it’s the only gin (and I’ve tried every one you’ve listed) that compares to Hendricks. My opinion again, I believe a gin should be judged on its drinkability without a mixer. Why pay all that money only to dilute it with tonic? If that’s the case Beefeaters works perfectly fine. The Hendrick’s perceived cucumber taste helps smooth out the harsh “alcohol” taste that is prevalent in something like Old Raj ( I might as well be drinking straight grain alcohol from a still) and most other gins. So for me, three fingers of Hendricks with a couple of cubes and perhaps a small slice of lime is as close to perfect as you can get. (hold the cucumber slice, it never made any sense anyway) Monkey 47 may be a bit better but $75 (750ml) versus $60 (1.5 liter) of Hendricks………the Hendricks is a no brainer. The most disappointing gins on your list and one I had high hopes for…Caorunn. I found it to be just an average gin and at $20 (750ml) I guess I shouldn’t have been expecting much better. But at the end of the day, an average gin is better than the best vodka.
Well done Tony in obtaining Monkey 47. I am finding it hard to help you guys in the USA with useful links. If you know of anywhere I can link out to please do let me know. I am putting together a neat drinking gin review soon so stay tuned!
Hi Andrew, one of my favourites is a Canadian gin called,Dry Fly. Yeh not a great name I know but a fantastic Gin. Lovely served with Tonic and a slice of cucumber.
Hello Shaun. Oooh have not heard of that one, here is a link for our readers to Dry Fly Gin official website, it looks great. Here are some of the notes… fuji apple, coriander, lavender, mint, and hops YUMMY!
Hi Andrew, only just coma across this and note the last comments are from July 2019. I too share some of your top list – Monkey 47, Tanqueray No.Ten are certainly there. I think there are some other excellent gins I would really recommend. I think someone mentioned No.3 which I think superb. Isle of Harris , equally superb and I also really like Chase Pink Grapefruit and Pomelo, Tanqueray Rangpur, Hayman’s Old Tom, Chase Elegant, Whitley Neill Blood Orange – I could go on but out of my modest collection, these stand out to me. Interested on your thoughts. All with Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic, loads of ice and orange, lemon, lime and grapefruit as required!
Hello Paul, all excellent choices and the Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic is so clean yet the herbs do stand out! I have really been into The Old Bakery Gin and Zing 72 Gin recently. You can check them out on my more recent post of the best gins to try in 2020.