Discover the Top 10 Gin Brands You Need to Know

Gin, a spirit with origins tracing back to 18th-century Holland, has evolved into a versatile and beloved beverage worldwide. From its contentious reputation in London as “mother’s ruin” to the refined and diverse spirit enjoyed globally today, gin has a rich history and an exciting future. This blog post explores the top 10 gin brands you should know about, highlighting their unique characteristics, histories, and what makes them stand out in the crowded gin market.

Boatyard

Launched in 2016, Boatyard Gin is produced in northwest Ireland at the first legal distillery in Fermanagh since 1890.

Key Features:

• Botanical Profile: Boatyard Gin is made from eight botanicals, including sweetgale harvested on the distillery’s family farm. Other botanicals include juniper, coriander, licorice, angelica, orris, grains of paradise, and lemon peel.
• Production: The lemon peel used is pulled from unwaxed lemons on the day they are to be used for optimal freshness.
• Flavor: The gin offers a balanced profile with fresh citrus notes complemented by the earthiness of angelica and the sweet spiciness of grains of paradise.

Boatyard Gin is a testament to the revival of traditional distilling practices in Ireland, combining local ingredients with meticulous craftsmanship to create a distinct and fresh gin.

Citadelle

Native to France, Citadelle Gin was founded in 1996 and now produces a variety of gins.

Key Features:

• Botanical Profile: The original gin is produced in the dry style from 19 botanicals, delivering floral aromas and a spicy, powerful, and fruit-forward palate.
• Varieties: Citadelle offers several expressions, including the garden-inspired Jardin d’Été, the berry and rhubarb-infused Rogue, and an Old Tom gin.
• Flavor: Each variety showcases a unique blend of botanicals, with the original gin emphasizing a floral nose and a complex, spicy finish.

Citadelle’s innovative approach to gin production and its range of expressions make it a versatile and exciting choice for gin enthusiasts looking for both traditional and experimental flavors.

Monkey 47

Produced in Germany’s Black Forest, Monkey 47 is a relatively young brand but has quickly become a favorite among bartenders and gin aficionados.

Key Features:

• Botanical Profile: The gin gets its name from its 47 botanicals and its 47% ABV. It features rare ingredients like lingonberries that can only be found in parts of Germany, Scandinavia, and the Netherlands.
• Flavor: Monkey 47 is known for its complexity, offering a rich and layered flavor profile that includes juniper, citrus, and a variety of floral and herbal notes.
• Production: Despite its youth, the brand has made a significant impact with its meticulous production process and unique botanical blend.

Monkey 47’s dedication to complexity and unique botanical ingredients make it a standout gin that offers a unique tasting experience, setting it apart from more traditional gins.

The Botanist

Distilled by the same hands that produce Bruichladdich Scotch, The Botanist is one of the very few gins produced on the Scottish island of Islay.

Key Features:

• Botanical Profile: The gin’s recipe includes 22 hand-foraged local botanicals, producing a spirit that exudes lemon balm, juniper, and wildflower aromas.
• Flavor: The Botanist offers a harmonious blend of floral, citrus, and herbal notes, creating a well-rounded and distinctive gin.
• Production: The use of local, hand-foraged botanicals highlights The Botanist’s commitment to sustainability and local sourcing.

The Botanist’s connection to Islay’s rich distilling heritage and its unique botanical profile make it a must-try for those interested in exploring gins that capture the essence of their origin.

Fords

Created for bartenders by bartenders, Fords Gin is designed to be mixed into cocktails and has become a popular choice in the trade.

Key Features:

• Botanical Profile: Fords Gin uses nine botanicals during distillation, each chosen to complement each other while allowing juniper to take center stage.
• Flavor: The gin’s balanced profile makes it an excellent base for a variety of cocktails, from classic martinis to innovative mixes.
• Production: The collaboration with bartenders ensures that Fords Gin meets the needs of professionals in terms of flavor, versatility, and mixability.

Fords Gin’s focus on bartenders’ needs and its versatile, balanced flavor profile make it a top choice for anyone interested in crafting exceptional gin cocktails. Its design philosophy and practical use in mixology set it apart from other gins on the market.

Roku

Launched in 2017, Roku Gin hails from Japan and quickly established itself as a notable alternative for gin lovers.

Key Features:

• Botanical Profile: Roku, which means “six” in Japanese, features six unique botanicals native to Japan: yuzu peel, sakura flower, sakura leaf, sencha tea, gyokuro tea, and Sanshō pepper.
• Flavor: The gin offers a harmonious blend of citrus, floral, and peppery notes, providing a delicate and balanced flavor that stands out among other gins.
• Production: The use of traditional Japanese botanicals gives Roku a distinct character, making it a refreshing departure from typical Western-style gins.

Roku Gin’s innovative use of Japanese botanicals and its balanced, nuanced flavor profile make it a unique and delightful choice for those looking to explore international gin styles.

Hendrick’s

Founded in Scotland in 1999, Hendrick’s Gin has gained a loyal following with its distinctive flavor and branding.

Key Features:

• Botanical Profile: Hendrick’s is known for its unusual botanical mix, which includes rose petals and cucumber, alongside more traditional ingredients like juniper, coriander, and citrus peel.
• Flavor: The gin is celebrated for its fresh, floral, and slightly sweet notes, making it particularly refreshing in gin and tonics and other light cocktails.
• Production: Distilled in small batches, Hendrick’s employs both a pot still and a Carter-Head still in its production process, ensuring a smooth and refined spirit.

Hendrick’s unique use of rose and cucumber, coupled with its high-quality production methods, make it a standout gin that offers a refreshing and distinctive drinking experience.

Bombay Sapphire

Produced in a historic distillery over 1,000 years old, Bombay Sapphire is renowned for its striking blue bottle and exceptional quality.

Key Features:

• Botanical Profile: Bombay Sapphire is infused with ten botanicals sourced from around the world, including juniper, lemon peel, coriander, and almond.
• Flavor: The gin is known for its balanced and complex flavor, with notes of licorice, almond, and juniper berries shining through.
• Production: The gin is vapor-infused, a process that gently steeps the botanicals to extract their flavors, resulting in a clean and crisp spirit.

Bombay Sapphire’s commitment to quality, its distinctive flavor profile, and its iconic packaging make it a perennial favorite and a staple in many bars and households.

Tanqueray

Founded in 1830, Tanqueray has a long and storied history, surviving significant challenges to become one of the most recognized gin brands globally.

Key Features:

• Botanical Profile: Tanqueray is crafted with a blend of four classic botanicals: juniper, coriander, angelica root, and licorice. This classic botanical combination gives Tanqueray its distinctive flavor profile, characterized by its bold juniper notes.

• Flavor: Tanqueray is renowned for its robust and well-balanced flavor, with juniper taking center stage, supported by citrus and spice undertones.
• Production: Despite its relocation to Scotland during World War II, Tanqueray has maintained its commitment to quality and tradition, ensuring consistency in every bottle.

Tanqueray’s long history, classic botanical blend, and timeless appeal make it a quintessential gin that remains a favorite among gin enthusiasts and cocktail aficionados alike.

Beefeater

Named after the iconic guards of the Tower of London, Beefeater Gin has been a staple in the gin world since its founding in 1820.

Key Features:

• Botanical Profile: Beefeater is crafted with a blend of nine botanicals, including juniper, angelica root, coriander seeds, almond, orris root, Seville orange peel, lemon peel, licorice, and angelica seed.
• Flavor: The gin is known for its robust and peppery flavor profile, with citrus and spice notes adding complexity and depth.
• Production: Despite its ownership by Pernod Ricard, Beefeater maintains its traditional production methods, ensuring a consistent and high-quality product.

Beefeater’s rich history, classic London Dry style, and enduring popularity among bartenders and consumers make it a must-try gin for anyone looking to explore the world of gin.

Conclusion

The world of gin offers a diverse array of flavors, styles, and brands to explore. Whether you prefer the classic juniper-forward profile of Tanqueray or the innovative botanical blends of Monkey 47, there is a gin out there to suit every palate. So, raise a glass and toast to the wonderful world of gin, where tradition meets innovation, and every sip tells a story.