While I can’t give a definitive answer on the best gin, because taste is subjective, what one person thinks is the best gin may not be the same for another. Today, however, there are several gins that are popular with gin lovers and bartenders. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular and highly rated gins and what makes gin great.
Popular Gin Brands and Their Characteristics
1. Tanqueray
History and Reputation
Tanqueray is one of the most well-known and respected gin brands in the world. It has a long history dating back to the 1800s. The brand is known for its high-quality gin and has a reputation for producing consistent and flavorful spirits.
Tanqueray has been a favorite among bartenders and gin enthusiasts for decades and has played an important role in the history of gin cocktails.
Flavor Profile
Tanqueray’s gins are known for their strong juniper flavor. The Tanqueray London Dry Gin has a bold and classic gin taste with a good balance of juniper and other botanicals. It has a touch of spice and a clean finish, making it a great choice for a wide range of cocktails.
The Tanqueray No. TEN is a more premium offering. It is distilled in small batches and uses fresh citrus fruits in addition to the traditional botanicals. This gives it a more vibrant and citrusy note along with the strong juniper backbone. It has a smooth and luxurious, making it a great choice for enjoying neat or in more sophisticated cocktails.
Recommended Cocktails
For the Tanqueray London Dry Gin, classic cocktails like the Gin and Tonic, Martini, and Negroni work well. The strong juniper flavor stands up to the other ingredients and creates a well-balanced drink.
With the Tanqueray No. TEN, you can try cocktails like the French 75, which combines the gin with champagne, lemon juice, and simple syrup. The citrusy notes of the gin pair well with the champagne, creating a refreshing and elegant cocktail. Or you can make a Gin Crusta, which features the gin with lemon juice, sugar, and a bit of maraschino liqueur, and the No. TEN’s unique flavor profile adds an extra dimension to this classic cocktail.
2. Beefeater
Brand Heritage
Beefeater is another iconic London Dry Gin brand with a rich heritage. It was founded in the 1820s and has been producing gin in London ever since. The brand is known for its traditional production methods and its commitment to quality.
Beefeater has a strong presence in the global gin market and is often considered a benchmark for London Dry Gin.
Flavor Profile
Beefeater Gin has a well-balanced flavor profile with a prominent juniper note. It also has hints of citrus and a touch of earthiness from the other botanicals. The gin is known for its smoothness and its ability to work well in a variety of cocktails.
It has a relatively clean finish, which makes it a popular choice for those who prefer a more straightforward gin flavor. The quality of the ingredients and the careful distillation process result in a gin that is both flavorful and versatile.
Cocktail Pairings
The Gin and Tonic is a classic choice with Beefeater Gin. The gin’s juniper and citrus flavors combine well with the bitterness of the tonic water. You can also make a Beefeater Martini, using a good quality vermouth to complement the gin’s flavor. Another great option is the Pink Gin, which is made by adding a few drops of Angostura bitters to Beefeater Gin. The bitters add a touch of complexity and spice, creating a unique and enjoyable drink.
3. Hendrick’s
Unique Selling Points
Hendrick’s Gin is known for its unique flavor profile and its unconventional approach to gin production. It is distilled in small batches and uses a combination of traditional botanicals along with some more unusual ingredients like cucumber and rose petals.
The addition of cucumber gives the gin a fresh and cooling note, while the rose petals add a delicate floral aroma. This makes Hendrick’s Gin stand out from other traditional gins and has attracted a wide range of consumers who are looking for something different.
Flavor Characteristics
The gin has a smooth and mellow flavor with a prominent cucumber note that is immediately recognizable. The rose petals add a subtle sweetness and a floral undertone. The overall flavor is refreshing and light, with a good balance between the herbal, floral, and cucumber elements.
It has a relatively low alcohol content compared to some other gins, which can make it more approachable for those who are new to gin or who prefer a milder spirit.
Drinking Suggestions
Hendrick’s Gin is great in cocktails that highlight its unique flavor. The Hendrick’s Gin and Tonic with a slice of cucumber and a sprig of mint is a popular and refreshing choice. You can also make a Hendrick’s Martini with a touch of dry vermouth and a cucumber garnish for a twist on the classic. Another option is to try it in a Cucumber Collins, where the gin’s cucumber flavor pairs well with the lemon juice and soda water. It can also be enjoyed neat over ice with a slice of cucumber for a simple and refreshing drink.
4. Bombay Sapphire
Botanical Blend
Bombay Sapphire is known for its unique blend of ten botanicals, which are carefully selected and distilled to create a complex and aromatic gin. The botanicals include juniper, coriander, lemon peel, orange peel, and others, which work together to create a well-balanced and flavorful spirit.
The brand uses a vapor infusion process, where the botanicals are suspended above the heated base spirit, allowing the vapor to pass through and extract the flavors. This method helps to preserve the delicate flavors of the botanicals and results in a gin with a distinct and refined taste.
Flavor Profile and Aroma
The gin has a bright and citrusy aroma with a hint of spice and floral notes. The flavor is smooth and has a good balance between the juniper and the other botanicals. It has a clean and refreshing taste with a touch of sweetness from the citrus peels.
The complex flavor profile makes it a versatile gin that can be used in a wide variety of cocktails. It can add a unique flavor to classic cocktails like the Gin and Tonic or the Martini, or it can be used in more creative cocktails to showcase its complex flavors.
Cocktail Applications
In a Gin and Tonic, Bombay Sapphire’s citrusy notes enhance the drink, and you can add a slice of orange or a sprig of thyme for an extra touch of flavor. For a Martini, use a good quality dry vermouth and a lemon twist to complement the gin’s flavor. You can also try making a Bombay Sapphire East, which combines the gin with ginger beer, lime juice, and a dash of bitters for a spicy and refreshing cocktail. Another interesting option is the Sapphire Sour, which is made with the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and an egg white for a frothy and tangy drink.
5. The Botanis
Islay Origin and Foraged Botanicals
The Botanist Islay Dry Gin is unique in that it is made on the Isle of Islay in Scotland. It is made with 22 locally foraged botanicals, which gives it a distinct flavor profile that is influenced by the island’s terroir.
The use of local botanicals adds a sense of place and authenticity to the gin. The Islay origin also gives it a slight peaty undertone, which is characteristic of the region’s whiskies and adds an interesting dimension to the gin’s flavor.
Flavor Complexity
The gin has a complex herbal flavor with notes of mint, thyme, and other wild herbs. The combination of the various botanicals creates a rich and full-bodied taste that is both earthy and fragrant. The peaty undertone adds a touch of smokiness and depth to the overall flavor.
It has a long and smooth finish, with the different flavors lingering on the palate. The complexity of The Botanist makes it a great gin for those who enjoy exploring unique and sophisticated flavors.
Enjoyment Recommendations
This gin is best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water to fully appreciate its complex flavor. You can also try it in a more complex cocktail like a Last Word, which combines the gin with green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice. The herbal and peaty notes of The Botanist work well with the other ingredients in this cocktail, creating a balanced and flavorful drink. Another option is to make a Gin and It, which uses The Botanist with sweet vermouth and a dash of Fernet Branca.
See Also: What Can We Mix Gin With?
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several well-regarded gins on the market that are popular among gin enthusiasts and mixologists. While taste is subjective and what one person considers the best may not be the same for another, some of the key factors that can make a gin great include the quality of botanicals, the distillation process, the balance of flavors, and versatility. By understanding what makes a gin great and trying different gins, you can find the one that suits your taste and preferences.
You might be interested
