Gin cocktail (Photo by Devin Berko on Unsplash)
EdNews compiles lists of consensus picks featured on credible review sites. We aim to lay out top consumer research finds for you by bringing expert rankings to one place.
Alright, gin lovers and cocktail connoisseurs, it’s time to raise your glasses and get ready for a botanical adventure! We all know gin is the sophisticated spirit of choice for the discerning drinker—whether you're channeling your inner James Bond with a martini or just trying to impress your friends with a classic G&T. But with so many gins on the market, how do you choose the best one without turning your home bar into a miniature liquor store? Fear not, fellow gin enthusiasts!
Ready to find your new favorite bottle of gin? As always, we at EdNews have taken the time to research across 10 expert sources to bring you today's ranking of the best gins you can find on the market today. Don't agree with our list or feel we missed a favorite of yours? No worries, we would love to hear from you in the comments down below!
Table of contents
The List
1. Beefeater
Coming in at number one is Beefeater, a renowned brand of London dry gin that has been capturing the hearts of gin enthusiasts for over 150 years. “If you like bold juniper and bright citrus, classic hallmarks of a London Dry gin, Beefeater is the benchmark to measure against. Up at 94 proof (that's 47 percent ABV), it's a strong spirit in more ways than one. Proud and assertive, Beefeater is a gin drinker's gin,'” says Food and Wine.
This brand is great for whatever drink your heart desires. “‘Beefeater is a great value for gin and tonic or martini purposes,' says Jesse Vida, operating partner of the Cat Bite Club in Singapore. ‘Bold and citrusy, not shying away from the alpine flavors of juniper berries, London dry gins are for those who love that star botanical.' This brand, owned by French company Pernod Ricard, is produced in London from a nine-botanical recipe created by founder James Burrough. You can also try Beefeater 24, made using 12 botanicals, including green tea that's steeped in the spirit for a full 24 hours,” writes Men's Journal.
This bottle will become an at-home bar staple. “Compared with Broker's gin, Beefeater isn't as punchy or heavy on the juniper. After a light hit of juniper and spruce up front, Beefeater London Dry Gin transcends into earthy sweetness. An excellent example of a classic London Dry gin that isn't showy or gimmicky, Beefeater's aroma slowly opens up as you drink. Earthiness gives way to floral and citrus notes on the finish. It's truly one of the most versatile gins we've tasted. In a martini, dry vermouth brings out this gin's lighter floral notes. But Beefeater maintains a strong presence in a gin and tonic through the finish, where others seem to fade,” adds NY Times.
2. Bombay Sapphire
Next up is Bombay Sapphire, a premium brand of gin that is renowned for its distinctive bottle and unique blend of botanicals. It was first created in 1987 by master distiller Thomas Dakin, who sought to craft a gin that would stand out from the rest. “While it may not be the most popular bottle for a Gin and Tonic cocktail, Bombay Sapphire stands out for several reasons. Not only does it offer a vibrant blend of ten hand-selected botanicals that create a unique flavor profile, but the brand also operates on renewable energy, making it one of the most sustainable gins on the market,” states Nestor Liquor.
“Bombay Sapphire's smooth, complex, world-famous gin in its distinctive blue bottle contains ten hand-selected botanicals from exotic locations around the world. The brand's Master of Botanicals, Ivano Tonutti, travels all over the globe and develops personal relationships with suppliers to help create fine, top-quality gin,” explains Taster's Club.
Let's take a deep dive into the details: “Made with Italian juniper berries and orris root, Spanish almonds and lemons, grains of paradise from West Africa, and Chinese licorice, Bombay Sapphire is the product of a 1761 gin distillery founded by Thomas Dakin in Warrington, England. The London Dry Gin, spotted easily because of its distinct, bright blue bottle, is aromatic and crisp and holds up delightfully in a martini,” notes The Spruce Eats.
3. Tanqueray
Tanqueray takes the third spot as a classic and iconic spirit that has been enjoyed by gin enthusiasts around the world for over 180 years. With its distinctive green bottle and elegant branding, “Tanqueray is one of the best-selling gins in the world and a superb (and affordable) example of the London Dry category. The flagship expression combines bright flavors of juniper and citrus in equal proportions, making this a go-to bottle for cocktails. Plus, everyone's favorite Negroni mixer, Stanley Tucci, partnered with the brand last year on a campaign to showcase various cocktails you can make with this gin,” describes Esquire.
“Tanqueray is hands down a favorite of gin lovers everywhere. Not only that, but it is also one of the best-selling gins in the world. Rooted in Charles Tanqueray's 1830s recipe, this gin is a marriage of four distinct botanicals: juniper, angelica, licorice, and coriander. Its flavor profile lays the foundation for an unforgettable gin experience by offering a balanced blend of iconic and versatile flavors,” adds Nestor Liquor.
“Even if you don't drink gin, you can probably picture the iconic round green bottle when you hear the word Tanqueray. This one is classic and assertive, with the unctuous mouthfeel and in-your-face piney-ness that are characteristics of old-school gin. However, the individual flavors stand out instead of coming together in a cohesive way. I imagined a roll call in class as I sipped the Tanqueray martini. Juniper? Here! Coriander? Here! And so on,” reports NY Times.
4. Plymouth
Plymouth Gin takes the next spot on today's ranking. Plymouth gin is a historic and renowned gin brand that has been delighting gin drinkers for centuries. “Distilled since 1793, the rich and smooth taste of Plymouth Gin is the result of a balanced blend of 7 hand-selected botanicals. The citrusy, earthy spirit carries a softened juniper profile and is drier than the traditional London Dry gin style,” states Taster's Club.
Its balanced blend of botanicals includes juniper, coriander, and cardamom, offering a gentle citrus and spice complexity. “Choosing the ‘best gin' is not an easy task. Each bespoke blend of botanicals has its own unique character. But because of its singular place in the world of gin, Plymouth stands out from the crowd. Having been distilled at the same site since 1793, Plymouth gin is almost its own sub-category of the spirit. The sweeter profile is balanced by earthiness and spice, and while the juniper is still very present, it's not as aggressive as some other styles of gin,” raves Insider.
The finish is clean and crisp, making it a versatile choice for both classic and contemporary cocktails. “The sweet, earthy flavor that angelica and orris roots provide helps play down the juniper in Plymouth Gin. The result is a more grounded spirit. To me, Plymouth has the most seamless flavor profile. Individual flavors don't jump out as much as they do with other gins. The recipe and craftsmanship here seem to be focused on balance, but not in a way that every individual flavor has equal standing. It's rooty, citrusy, spicy, and floral—with zero bitterness. This gin is smooth and delightful,” adds NY Times.
5. Sipsmith
Sipsmith, a premium craft gin brand that has gained worldwide recognition for its exceptional quality and traditional distilling methods, is next up. “Sipsmith started up in 2009 in London as the city's first copper-pot-based distillery in nearly 190 years. Its London Dry gin is the quintessential expression of a classic, traditional London Dry. Bold, complex, and aromatic, it's smooth enough for a martini. Yet, its balance and richness make it perfect for a gin & tonic, too,” states Taster's Club.
Sipsmith Gin delivers a bold, juniper-forward flavor with a refreshing burst of citrus zest. Its rich botanical blend includes hints of spicy coriander and sweet licorice, creating a well-rounded and smooth taste. “Handcrafted in small batches, Sipsmith London Dry Gin is a testament to traditional distillation methods. This gin captures the essence of juniper with a special flavor profile that pays homage to the historic London Dry style. Its well-balanced botanical blend produces a juniper-forward profile with subtle notes of spices and citrus. Sipsmith London Dry Gin is a versatile option that works well in classic cocktails like the Gin and Tonic,” notes Nestor Liquor.
The finish is exceptionally clean and slightly peppery, making it a favorite for classic gin cocktails. “Sipsmith might be a relative newcomer to the gin category, but the London distillery is making some of the best you can find. ‘Sipsmith didn't reinvent the wheel, but they managed to thread the needle by taking an innovative small-batch craft approach to make a historically spot-on top-quality commercial gin,' said Alex Smith, partner at San Francisco's gin palace Whitechapel. You can choose from the original London Dry Gin, the higher proof VJOP (Very Junipery Over Proof) Gin, or some flavored options like Zesty Orange or Lemon Drizzle,” explains Liquor.
6. Monkey 47
Our number six spot is dedicated to the gin Monkey 47. “Made in Germany's Black Forest with 47 different types of botanicals, Monkey 47 is diverse, complex, and lovely in a spirit-forward drink like a martini. Stephanie Reading, the bar manager at Birdie G's in Los Angeles, agrees. ‘For my martinis, I tend to choose a lighter, more delicate gin—one with subtle flavors and a rounder finish than a classic London Dry. That said, I've really gotten into Monkey 47, which, in my opinion, makes a delicious, dangerously drinkable classic martini. Its subtle flavors and unique style lend to a quite refreshing and surprisingly smooth complexity that is completely unique to the brand,'” raves The Spruce Eats.
Monkey 47 is a premium spirit that has gained worldwide recognition for its exceptional quality and unique flavor profile. “The Negroni is a classic gin cocktail and one that deserves a flavorful and fragrant gin that can stand up to the bitterness of the Campari and sweetness of the vermouth. Monkey 47 fits that role perfectly. ‘The long list of botanicals used in making this German gin is extensive but really well balanced,' said Stephen Kurpinsky, bartender and US brand ambassador for Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur. ‘It's a natural in many traditional gin cocktails,'” reports Liquor.
“Monkey 47 is already an interesting gin, but each year, the distillery also releases Distiller's Cut, a riff on the core expression, and the latest from 2022 is worth checking out. The 48th ingredient for this release is woodruff sourced from the forest surrounding the distillery. The result is a light and fragrant gin with a bit of sweetness balanced out by baking spice notes like cinnamon and nutmeg. This is one of the more expensive gins out there, but it's a winner as usual and is well worth seeking out,” adds Esquire.
7. Hendrick's
Last but certainly not least on our list is the tried and true Hendrick's. “In 1999, Lesley Gracie created the recipe for Hendrick's Gin using rare and classic stills. The unconventional strategy yielded undeniable results and built Hendrick's cult following. Crafted with care and attention to detail, this spirit is as enchanting as it is distinctive. It features citrus, vanilla, and rose flavors with a subtle hint of refreshing cucumber,” says Nestor Liquor.
This is a premium Scottish gin that gained worldwide recognition for its unique and unconventional approach to distillation. “Hendrick's is an unusual, distinct, and incredibly smooth gin created from 11 fine botanicals. Infusions of rose and cucumber complement classic juniper, giving the spirit a uniquely balanced flavor. Hendricks has won numerous awards and been named the ‘Best Gin in the World' by The Wall Street Journal,” adds Taster's Club.
“Handcrafted in the Southwest coastal town of Girvan, Scotland, Hendrick's is made 500 liters at a time to ensure each and every batch is up to the company's impressively high standards. On its own, you'll taste roses, cucumbers, juniper, and ten other fine botanicals, which earn bottlings praise on Flaviar for being ‘clean, crisp, and utterly refreshing,'” concludes Delish.
How to Select the Right Bottle of Gin
With so many different gins available on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. To help you narrow down your choices, here are a few factors to consider when selecting the right bottle of gin:
- Flavor profile: Gin is made with a variety of botanicals, each of which contributes its own unique flavor to the spirit. Some common botanicals include juniper berries, coriander seeds, citrus peel, and angelica root. When choosing a gin, consider the flavor profile you are looking for. Do you want a gin with a strong juniper flavor, or one with more citrus or floral notes?
- Proof: Gin is typically bottled at 40% ABV (alcohol by volume). However, there are also gins available at higher proofs, such as 50% ABV or more. These gins are known as navy strength gins. If you are new to gin, it is best to start with a standard proof gin. However, if you are looking for a more intense flavor, you may want to try a navy strength gin.
- Brand: There are many different brands of gin available, from mass-produced brands to small craft distilleries. If you are new to gin, it is a good idea to start with a well-known brand. This will help you to get a sense of the basic flavor profile of gin. However, once you have a better understanding of what you like, you can start to explore gins from smaller craft distilleries.
Sources used to find these consensus picks
- Nestor Liquor
- Taster's Club
- The Spruce Eats
- Esquire
- NY Times
- Food and Wine
- Insider
- Liquor
- Delish
- Men's Journal
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. EdNews is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
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Seriously, what about Sapphire and Hendricks??? Recheck your research