The best gins in the UK 2023

Gin is an alcohol that first appeared in the Middle Ages. Made from juniper berries, this drink was once used in herbal medicine. It became popular in the 16th century and is one of the broadest categories of spirits, which can make it difficult to find a quality drink. That's why we've dedicated this guide to it.

Brockmans Premium Gin 70 cl 1
9/10

Best value for money

Brockmans Premium Gin 70 cl

Best gin in 2021

This Brockmans signature gin is a perfect combination of the ingredients that have made this spirit so successful around the world. You will appreciate its long finish.

33,31 £ on Cdiscount

What better way to fully appreciate the flavors and character of juniper brandy than with a dry gin? This Brockmans cuvée is a testament to the distillers' expertise in blending botanical ingredients from around the world, including juniper berries, blackberries and lemon and orange peel. One also appreciates the exhalation of the notes of lily and almond, the details that sublimate the nose of this drink.

With its silky texture and exquisitely smooth composition, this London Dry Gin will appeal to your taste buds, offering a long and complex finish. You will appreciate the spicy taste and the lightness of this elixir. Light in taste, it will surprise you in effect, as this drink has an alcohol content of 40% of the volume. Finally, know that this premium Gin from the United Kingdom has been double distilled.

Gin Bombay Bramble 1 L 2
7/10

Best value for money

Gin Bombay Bramble 1 L

Best entry-level gin

This is a stimulating gin that is sure to tantalize the nose and taste buds with its subtle notes of 100% natural blackberries and raspberries.

27,32 £ on Amazon

If you're looking for a potent gin that can be used to create colorful and creative cocktails that are as explosive in taste as they are in presentation, this Bombay Sapphire distillate is the one for you. Blended with an infusion of red fruits, while focusing on the basic ingredient of juniper berry. It is thanks to the ripe blackberries and raspberries that this brandy takes on its red color while exhaling its 100% natural aromas, with no added sugar.

Offering great versatility and a complex, sophisticated taste, this gin is best enjoyed in a classic bramble tonic or clover club cocktail. Add a lemon wedge to enhance its natural flavor. You can also enjoy it in a glass filled with ice or dry, depending on your taste and preference.

Sipsmith Vjop London Dry Gin 70 cl 3
9/10

Best value for money

Sipsmith Vjop London Dry Gin 70 cl

Best premium gin

This is a juniper brandy for the connoisseur of spirits. To be consumed in moderation, given its rather high alcohol content.

52,03 £ on Cdiscount

Enjoy the quintessential London dry gin through this elixir from Sipsmith. Characterized by an intense and concentrated taste, we appreciate the roasted notes mixed with an assortment of spices including ginger, cardamom, star anise and pepper. The presence of juniper berries combined with bitter orange and lemon brings a subtle fruity touch to this powerful gin. Indeed, it is a particularly powerful brandy, as evidenced by the alcohol content amounting to 57.5% of volume.

This alcohol content is sobering, even for juniper brandy lovers. However, the power is compensated by the aromatic device set up by its manufacturer. To fully appreciate the flavor, it is best to consume this Sipsmith gin in a cocktail or with some ice. However, it all depends on your preferences and tastes. Just be sure to moderate this to enjoy your gin in the best conditions.

Tanqueray N° Ten Gin 70 cl 4
8/10

A great choice

Tanqueray N° Ten Gin 70 cl

Powerful and balanced.

Enjoy a distilled gin made deep in the Scottish Highlands. It is one of the few spirits in the prestigious San Francisco Spirits Hall of Fame.

27,71 £ on Amazon

This Gin is the proof that Scotland is not only the country of scotch. It is a testament to the highlands' distilling expertise. Described as a brandy with an inimitable taste, this gin combines power and freshness and is characterized by the presence of fresh citrus fruits instead of the traditional dried citrus fruits. Indeed, we find notes of white grapefruit, Florida oranges and Mexican limes.

It goes without saying that juniper berries play their part in this composition, as well as coriander seeds, chamomile flowers and angelica roots. It is the process of distillation in copper stills known as the Tiny Ten that gives it its name. These small stills are the secret of its aroma and the presence of intense citrus flavors.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best gin

Any specific needs?

Best gin in 2021

Best entry-level gin

Best premium gin

Powerful and balanced.

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best gins

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Brockmans Premium Gin 70 cl 5
9/10
Gin Bombay Bramble 1 L 6
7/10
Sipsmith Vjop London Dry Gin 70 cl 7
9/10
Tanqueray N° Ten Gin 70 cl 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Brockmans Premium Gin 70 cl
Gin Bombay Bramble 1 L
Sipsmith Vjop London Dry Gin 70 cl
Tanqueray N° Ten Gin 70 cl
This Brockmans signature gin is a perfect combination of the ingredients that have made this spirit so successful around the world. You will appreciate its long finish.
This is a stimulating gin that is sure to tantalize the nose and taste buds with its subtle notes of 100% natural blackberries and raspberries.
This is a juniper brandy for the connoisseur of spirits. To be consumed in moderation, given its rather high alcohol content.
Enjoy a distilled gin made deep in the Scottish Highlands. It is one of the few spirits in the prestigious San Francisco Spirits Hall of Fame.
Type of Gin
London dry Gin
Distilled gin
London dry
Distilled gin
Capacity
70 cl
100 cl
70 cl
70 cl
Alcohol content
40%
37,5 %
57.5%
47,5 %
Origin
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Scottish highlands
Taste
Spicy and light
Fruity
Intense and concentrated
Citrus flavors

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How to choose your gin

Gin is one of the most varied spirits in the world. Distillation, flavors, aromas, each vintage has its own characteristics. This is why it is essential to sort out the rare pearl in this wide range of choices. To choose in the best conditions, here are the parameters to take into account:

#1 - Type

You will have the choice between a multitude of variants that can be classified in 3 main categories of products. There are the classic gins, the distilled ones and the London Dry. The amateurs of this brandy appreciate more particularly the London Dry and its variants, because this one presents the essential characteristics on this kind of drink. However, all tastes being in nature, take time to think before deciding.

#2 - Brand

There are many brands of Gin sharing the market of this spirit and each one has its arguments to make. However, some stand out thanks to their manufacturing secrets and present drinks with subtleties that are worth the detour. In order to be in the presence of a brandy that is really worth it, prefer the brands that have proven themselves such as Tanqueray, Bombay or Citadelle.

#3 - Provenance

The origin of Gin also influences the character of this brandy. Some countries such as the United Kingdom are the territories of the masters in the field while the United States produces the original spirits that are sure to surprise you. French Gins also have their say as do the Japanese who are beginning to titillate the top of the rankings in this sector.

#4 - Alcohol content

Also remember to check the alcohol content in your Gin before making your choice. Indeed, some juniper brandies can have an exceptional aromatic profile while containing a significant amount of alcohol or vice versa. Choose according to your tastes and expectations. Generally speaking, the alcohol content oscillates between 35 and 60 degrees for this category of spirits.

#5 - Ingredients

Gin is elaborated with a basic element that is the juniper berry. However, each distiller adds his personal touch to enhance the taste. We find gin with fruity, floral or woody tastes. It's up to you to choose which one you prefer and what best suits your taste buds as well as those of your family and friends.

Gin for variety

Every spirits lover has his or her own preferences in terms of taste and strength of the elixirs they choose. It is this variety of tastes that has allowed this drink from the Netherlands to make a name for itself with consumers. In fact, this drink presents various variations in alcoholic strength, aromatic profile, color and many other characteristics. It can be drunk dry, on the rocks or in cocktails.

Thus, gin has become very popular, thanks in particular to its use in the essential cocktail that is the gin and tonic. It can also be used to boost one's creativity in the elaboration of house cocktails because it is important to remember that this refined spirit is made from agricultural alcohol only. In short, gin is a standard spirit that can substitute for rums, whiskies and vodkas, thanks to which you can enjoy other alcoholic flavors as needed.

The different types of gins

Enthusiasts have counted about a hundred variants of this spirit. These variants can be classified in 3 main categories: the London Dry, the Gin, and the Distilled Gin. Zoom on the characteristics of these 3 categories:

London Dry

London dry is the category of gin that has accelerated the popularity of this drink among consumers. It is a version obtained from an ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin redistilled in stills by adding the necessary plant materials. The distillate obtained must be at least 70%.

The name evoking the city of London does not necessarily designate the origin of this brandy, but a style and a process of elaboration during which no artificial element is allowed. As the name suggests, this is a dry gin, a characteristic that does not appeal to everyone.

Compound Gin

Compound gin is the category designating juniper berry spirits resulting from the flavoring of an ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin only. This type of gin is characterized by an alcoholic strength of at least 37.5%.

Unlike the distilled style, this one does not undergo redistillation. Most of the time, an infusion of juniper berries is used to obtain it, to which flavors are added according to preference. This brandy is not subject to any color restrictions and is often sweetened to the delight of spirit lovers who like sweetness.

Distilled Gin

The recipe for distilled Gin has given rise to a long line of variants of this drink, including London dry or Charentais still Gin. It is not subject to any restriction in terms of alcoholic strength. Often, flavors are added after the drink is redistilled.

Close on the heels of London Dry as the most widely consumed gin in the world, some representatives of this category have received medals in the spirits rankings, which is rare for juniper brandy. In a distilled Gin, the flavors are emphasized, a characteristic that may displease some dry spirits lovers.

Gin or Scotch?

Gin

Gin is a brandy made with agricultural alcohol flavored with juniper berries and some other natural additives. This process of elaboration makes it a powerful alcohol with an aroma enriched by botanicals that can be fruits or berries. The success of this category of alcohol lies in its taste and its power associated with a more affordable price compared to whisky. On the other hand, some will only moderately appreciate the absence of the smoky taste so characteristic of scotch.

Scotch

Scotch is also a brandy typical of the Scottish highlands, even if its paternity is claimed in Ireland. It is the most popular alcoholic beverage and some representatives of this category are classified as luxury spirits. Scotch whisky lovers appreciate its smoky taste due to its aging in old oak barrels. Scotch is appreciated by lovers of strong spirits to be drunk dry or with a few ice cubes at most. On the other hand, cocktail lovers will find it difficult to get the most out of it.

Verdict

It all depends on your taste preferences. If you're looking for a strong, authentic, smoky-flavored spirit, Scotch is for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a fairly neutral drink ideal for awakening your bartending instincts by making a few homemade cocktails, gin is the way to go. If you want to vary the pleasures, do not hesitate to alternate the two types of alcohol, you will appreciate the effects.

Why buy gin?

Because it's affordable

Gin is one of the best value spirits. It is sold at a much lower price than whiskies or other high-end rums. So if you're looking for a classy spirit with which to enjoy good times at a lower cost, include gin in your list of choices, you'll appreciate it in the moment and the next day.

To have a choice alcohol

Gin is a refined alcohol wonderfully mellowed by the composition based on juniper berry aroma as well as the assortment of botanicals that makes it a powerful and wonderfully drinkable blend. All in all, if you want to enjoy a few sips of a unique and well pronounced brandy, don't hesitate to give your preference to London dry, distilled gins and other categories of this spirit.

To enjoy with friends and family

Without doing injustice to the other categories of alcohol, gin is one of the most convivial spirits to be enjoyed with friends and family. A few bottles of this spirit accompanied by an assortment of small snacks will allow you to spend good moments with family, friends or a special person. All in all, gin is the perfect spirit for building or strengthening social bonds.

To make great cocktails

Gin is the main ingredient in the famous cocktail called Gin Tonic and some others. The composition of this type of alcohol also makes it a perfect beverage to do some research to develop some home recipes. Thus, gin is the perfect alcohol to enrich one's knowledge in the preparation of cocktails. By choosing a gin, you may be opening up a career in premium cocktail design.

For variety

If you've never had gin, but subscribe to other types of alcohol, it's time to try something different with an age-old spirit enjoyed by many spirits lovers around the world. By opting for gin from time to time, you will discover other olfactory, gustatory and psychic sensations, all depending on your consumption pattern.

The best brands of gins

In our opinion, the best brands of gins in 2022 are :

Tanqueray
Bombay Sapphire
Brockmans
Sipsmith
Hendricks

Tanqueray is a gin distiller established in Ireland since the 19th century. This house is known by the design of distilled gin, many of which have won awards, including Tanqueray No. Ten which is listed in the prestigious spirit hall of fame in San-Francisco.

Bombay Sapphire is a gin brand that is also one of the must-haves in the juniper brandy industry. This company has marked a new era for Gin by producing unique spirits in their distillation process.

Brockmans is among the best representatives of London Dry Gin. The juniper brandies designed by this distillery stand out by using an assortment of products from around the world including coriander, almonds and even rice.

The Sipsmith distillery was started in 2009 by two childhood friends. The only distillery to use traditional copper stills since 1820, it has brought gin back to the forefront by offering high-end products appreciated by a wide range of consumers.

Hendricks is among the proud representatives of Irish gin. Located in the small coastal village of Ayrshire, this distillery has made a name for itself in the production and marketing of juniper berry beverages that are particularly appreciated in Europe and around the world.

What is the price for a gin

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
20 £ to 40 £
Mid-range
40 £ to 60 £
High-end
more than 60 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Keep your gins in an upright position

Like other varieties of alcohol, your gin will keep better if you keep it in an upright position. This is important if you have already opened the bottle. So, if there's not enough room on the fridge door, don't be tempted to put it on the glass shelves, as you may lose quality.

Chill your brandy

If you want to optimize your gin drinking experience, keep it chilled before drinking. Also, opt for some ice cubes or cold drinks to accompany your brandy, this will help you better appreciate the subtleties of the drink while taking advantage of its potency.

Vary the preparations

In the world of brandies, you shouldn't hesitate to experiment with new things. You have all the existing cocktail recipes on the internet and you can try them one by one. On the other hand, you also have the possibility to create your own cocktails according to your appreciation. If you establish a clean cocktail, it can lead to something very interesting financially.

Buy cocktail glasses

You have to give yourself the means to fully enjoy your gin-based cocktails. To do this, use cocktail glasses. With this juniper brandy, it's best to use a shooter, but a martini glass will do. By using cocktail glasses, you will multiply the sensations at the time of tasting your preparations.

Cut your juniper spirit

With a white alcohol of the gin type, one can want to taste it dry considering its crystalline aspect. However, with gin, one must be careful. Indeed, this alcohol is 37.5% alcohol minimum and can reach 60%, which is much higher than most agricultural rums. That's why it's best to cut gin with ice, water or a small cool drink.

FAQ

Where does Gin come from?

Gin is a spirit drink whose production began in the Spanish Netherlands in the 17th century. This century saw the appearance of gin on the market. But this drink is said to have existed since the Middle Ages in northern Europe, but was used exclusively as a herbal treatment.

How is Gin and Tonic made?

The gin-tonic is the most famous cocktail derived from juniper brandy. What's more, it's fairly easy to make. To make it, you start by chilling a glass, filling it with ice cubes and pouring the gin over the ice cubes. Then pour the tonic, add the lime and you're done. You can improve the recipe with your own ingredients.

What are the other Gin-based cocktails?

Aside from the inevitable gin and tonic, you can try the gin fizz, a variant of the former with a few spoonfuls of cane sugar added. You can also try a dry martini or a grapefruit gin, one of the most popular gin-based cocktails in Europe. Alternatively, you can try an Orchard Collins, a Cucumber Lemonade or a Negroni, the cocktail made in Italy.

Who are the main Gin producers in the world?

Spain is the main supplier of Gin, closely followed by its country of origin, i.e. Holland. The United States and Great Britain are also among the main producers of Gin and offer their own variants that allow them to have a clientele of their own. French gins are also among the most sought-after at the moment, especially for the Charentais variant.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. How do you choose your gin selection in the face of a changing market?THE GIN GUIDE, Lexplorateurdugout.com
  2. The GIN GUIDE FOR REAL MEN, Whisky.fr
  3. 12 INCONTROVERTIBLE GIN-BASED COCKTAILS, Kool-stuff.fr
  4. Do you know the difference between Distilled Gin, Comptoir-irlandais.com
  5. and London Dry Gin?, Spiritueuxmagazine.com
  6. How many types of gin are there?, Askfrance.me
  7. The 19 Best Gin Brands to Drink Right Now, Esquire.com
  8. Best gin for the perfect gin and tonic, Which.co.uk
  9. Provenance and profits: The future of the gin industry, Theiwsr.com
  10. About Gin and Genever, Tastings.com
  11. Gin - Wikipedia, fr.wikipedia.org
  12. Gin - The Most Beautiful Gin Bottles | Gin Selection from ..., whisky.fr
  13. Gin - The Gin Guide - Classification - Maison du Whisky, whisky.fr
  14. Top 10 best gins - Le Figaro, avis-vin.lefigaro.fr
  15. The best of gin is on Urban Drinks, urban-drinks.fr
  16. French Gin : The Best of Craft Gin and Tonic - G&T ...., gin.fr
  17. Gin | Dugas Club Expert, dugasclubexpert.fr
  18. 3 ways to drink gin - wikiHow, fr.wikihow.com
  19. Gin : our delicious gin recipes - 1001cocktails.com, 1001cocktails.com
  20. Gin | SAQ.COM, saq.com
  21. Erika Spirit - French spirits and honey : vodka gin and ..., erikaspirit.com
  22. Luxury Gin Brand | Order 44 Gin online ..., fr.44gin.com
  23. Belgian gin | Belartisan, belartisan.be
  24. gin - Wiktionary, fr.m.wiktionary.org
  25. Home - Gin in the Box, gininthebox.com
  26. Gin tonic recipe - AZ Cuisine, cuisineaz.com
  27. 10 cocktails with gin to sip this summer - AZ Cuisine, cuisineaz.com
  28. French gin: the age of maturity - L'Express Styles, lexpress.fr
  29. Gin - Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org
  30. Ichimaru gin | Bleach Wiki | Fandom, bleach.fandom.com
  31. Best Gin Brands in Nov. 2021, boissonsfines.fr
  32. Gin Tonic : Gin Tonic Recipe - 1001Cocktails, 1001cocktails.com
  33. Gin Cocktails | SAQ.COM, saq.com
  34. Festival | The Gin Addict | Join us for our annual Gin Cocktail ..., theginaddict.com
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Brockmans Premium Gin 70 cl 9
Brockmans Premium Gin 70 cl
Gin Bombay Bramble 1 L 10
Gin Bombay Bramble 1 L
Sipsmith Vjop London Dry Gin 70 cl 11
Sipsmith Vjop London Dry Gin 70 cl
Tanqueray N° Ten Gin 70 cl 12
Tanqueray N° Ten Gin 70 cl

Lecteurs

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