Gin, Gin, and More Gin: My Favorite Gin Roundup
The Botanist Dry Gin
Gin has always been one of my favorite spirits. It’s complex, sophisticated, and plays a starring role in many of my favorite cocktails. From the classic London Dry to the more contemporary craft gins, there’s definitely a gin out there for every taste palate. I’ll take you on a journey through some of my favorite gins, each with its own charm. Whether you’re a seasoned gin lover or a curious newcomer, I hope this guide will inspire you to explore and appreciate the wonderful world of gin. Here’s my top picks.
Hendrick’s Gin Flora Adora
Hendrick’s Gin Flora Adora
Notes:
Floral, rose petals, bouquet botanicals, hibiscus, and juniper
Signature cucumber and citrus notes
Sweet, herbal, smooth, elegant and sophisticated
Why I love it:
Florals of course! This gin is sip-able and tastes like a garden party. The aroma is so alluring
The Botanist Islay Dry Gin
The Botanist
Crafted on the Isle of Islay, The Botanist features 22 hand-foraged local botanicals, making it an aromatic masterpiece. Besides its herbaceous, floral complexity, the slick bottle design makes it perfect to display for any of my house get-togethers. Plus, it makes for an elegant Negroni or a lovely botanical gin sour. This one is for those who love to explore new layers of flavor with every sip.
Notes:
Fresh florals with citrus, menthol, and herbs
Juniper, orange, lemon, and chamomile
Tanqueray Number 10
Tanqueray No. 10
When it comes to a refined London Dry gin with a citrus-forward twist, Tanqueray No. Ten is a classic. Tanqueray as a brand has loyal fans for good reason. With fresh whole citrus fruits in the distillation process, this gin adds a certain brightness to a martini or a refreshing G&T. Its smooth, clean profile makes it a staple in any home bar.
Notes:
Strong bright citrus notes coupled with grapefruit and lime
Juniper, citrus, and white pepper
Floral with lingering lime zest
Empress 1908 Gin
Empress 1908 Gin
Empress 1908 Gin has always been a cocktail blogger’s dream spirit. With its deep indigo hue, Empress 1908 is a crucial ingredient for many showstopping drinks. This gin is infused with butterfly pea blossoms, which means it changes color when mixed with tonic or citrus. Beyond its striking looks, Empress 1908 offers a sturdy and reliable blend of botanicals, making it an excellent choice for creative cocktails that wow your guests.
Notes:
Coriander and citrus peel
Juniper, citrus, and a touch of cinnamon and ginger
Tea undertones
Sipsmith V.J.O.P
Sipsmith V.J.O.P
Juniper is the star of the show with Sipsmith VJOP (Very Juniper Over Proof) which is why it makes my list. I’m a sucker for intricate floral notes and Sipsmith delivers. It’s high-proof and definitely not for the faint-hearted. Yet manages to balance the heavy juniper flavor. This is a strong gin—perfect for Negronis, Martinis, and G&Ts.
Notes:
Strong juniper, pine, citrus zest, and spice
The juniper is balanced with black pepper, dark chocolate, and earthy spice
Long finish, warm and slightly oily
I truly love this spirit. The taste can be so layered and a nice gin can be the perfect spirit for an amazing floral-front cocktail. If you’re new to gin, give one of these a try, you may be surprised. I love gin so much, so you’ll see a ton of gin-based cocktails here on my blog. Happy tasting!
Cheers!
