Try These Top Botanical Gin Brands
Outstanding examples of gin are nowadays being made everywhere. Right from Southeast Asia to the United States, gin is making life happen.
Nonetheless, you are entitled to pick your preference and taste when it comes to gin. But consider the difference between one brand and the other as a host of botanicals smoothly blend and complement each other in this particular spirit.
Unlike the Vodka martini, a Gin martini is a gustatory experience. This martini is worth pondering over. Moreover, gin by definition is full of flavor. Where juniper is the conductor leading a symphony of botanicals that harmoniously complement and play together.
An expertly proportioned ice-cold gin martini can reach imposing heights. Gin martini as such is an evocative, classic, and deceptively simple cocktail. This drink changes the character based on which gin brand you choose to showcase. It just happens to be so damn good.
Varied Styles of Gin
Gin just does not come from England and the United States. Gin distilleries now spread all around the world produce versions that try to capture the character of the land where they are located. However, there are three main categories.
Like whiskey, distilled gin is produced from a mash of grains. However, redistilled gin is a neutral grain spirit being distilled a second time. Compounded gin, on the other hand, is a neutral grain spirit that is infused with flavors. You can practically use any botanical you can think of to flavor gin. Although juniper is the key ingredient in this spirit.
There are two ways to infuse botanical flavors into gin. You can either macerate them into the spirit or suspend them in what essentially works like a large tea bag in gin. This infuses the spirit with vapors. Moreover, there are a few different styles of gin as well to consider.
London Dry Gin
This is an old-guard brand. London Dry-style gin is mostly distilled in the United Kingdom. However, it does not practically have a geographical border. The main rule of this gin designation is that juniper must be the dominant flavor.
Moreover, the botanicals must flavor the gin during the distillation process. And no color or flavor should be added after that. For this very reason, brands like Beefeater and Tanqueray are classics.
However, the world of gin has enormously expanded over the past 20 years. There are several new distilleries now that tinker with the formula.
Plymouth Gin
This gin type comes from just one distillery called Black Friar’s. Moreover, this gin type is produced in the city with the same name. Plymouth Gin is a bit more citrus-forward when compared to the London Dry style. Nevertheless, it is a wonderful alternative to use in classic cocktail drinks.
Old Tom Gin
There are no fixed specifications for this style of gin. However, Old Tom Gin is sometimes sweetened with a bit of sugar and/or other botanicals. Quite often licorice is added and this spirit can be barrel-aged.
However, this is another style of gin altogether. Recent good examples of this gin style come from Barr Hill in Vermont, Hibrimi in Iceland, and Ransom in Oregon.
New Western Gin
This, basically is a catch-all term for newer gins. Especially the spirits that do not fit into the categories mentioned earlier. But the key element is that although these spirits still use juniper as the main ingredient they are flavored with a wide range of botanicals. Most often New Western Gins use locally grown botanicals to showcase the flavors.
However, gin now is a global spirit with admirable examples being made almost everywhere. Right from Mexico to Southeast Asia and the United States. Even the United Kingdom has seen an infusion of new gin distilleries spring up.
The best thing about this spirit is that each gin brand attempts to capture some essence of its soil. They often use locally sourced botanicals to flavor what otherwise would have been simply vodka.
Madyasara has broken down some of the best gin brands out there for you to try now. With so many bottles to choose from, we have highlighted stellar examples of both, the new and old-school spirits. From conventional London Dry to brand-new innovations, here are some of the best gin brands available in the market.
Old School Gin Brands
Beefeater:
This is a classic London Dry Gin brand. Beefeater comes with a citrus-forward juniper recipe that dates back to the 1860s. This is when James Burrough first began to distill gin in London. The botanicals in this gin are steeped in neutral grain spirit for 24 hours prior to application of the distillation process.
Then there is the Beefeater 24 in addition to the classic Beefeater. Beefeater 24 is made with additional botanicals like Chinese green tea and Japanese sencha. The Burrough’s Reserve Edition 2 and the strawberry-flavored Beefeater Pink are revitalized in red and white Bordeaux casks to gather color and flavor.
Bombay Sapphire:
This is an easy-drinking ubiquitous spirit. The Bombay Sapphire distillery infuses botanicals like almonds, juniper, and licorice into the alcohol. The Bombay Dry Gin made with just eight botanicals and the Bombay Sapphire East made with Asian botanicals are two other expressions that have been around for a while.
The latest to join the clan is Premier Cru Murcian Lemon. With the addition of Fino lemon peels from Spain into the botanical mix along with mandarin and naval oranges, this Bombay brand highlights the lemon-forward profile of regular gin.We recommend that you opt for this one in the next French 75 cocktail.
Gordon’s:
This gin brand was reputed to be the favorite spirit of Hemingway. Gordon’s was the fundamental ingredient in the Vesper cocktail prepared for James Bond in Casino Royale. Despite the martini purists espouse it tastes good when shaken and not stirred.
This gin is a cheap, satisfying, and simple gin. It doesn’t matter whether you are having it from a plastic handle or a genteel 750 ml glass bottle pack. With a bit of black pepper and garden herbs alongside big notes of juniper to round things out, you will find that this spirit is the perfect martini gin for all occasions.
Hendrick’s:
Launched in 1999, this gin brand has been one of the most successful stories in the new gin movement. Hendrick’s is a unique Scottish gin. It uses cucumber and rose as the main botanicals. Moreover, master distiller Lesley Gracie keeps coming up with newer added expressions to the portfolio.
Flora Adora, the new Cabinet of Curiosities release, is the latest in the series. It is inspired by ‘garden florals that attract pollinators’ like bees and birds. The specific botanicals making up this gin are not revealed.
But the master distiller has garnished this classic brand formula with a robust dose of floral and sweet notes. However, Hendrick’s may not be your best pick for a martini, but it works very well if you like to charge up your Negroni or even settle with a decent Gin & Tonic.
- Monkey 47:
Made at a distillery in Germany’s Black Forest, this interesting gin is a blend of 47 botanicals. This distillery also releases Distiller’s Cut every year which is a riff on the core expression.
The latest from 2022 Monkey 47 is worth trying. Woodruff is added as the 48th ingredient in this release. Moreover, this additive is sourced from the forest areas encompassing the distillery. This spirit is a fragrant but light gin along with a bit of sweetness.
It is delicately balanced out by baking spice notes including cinnamon and nutmeg. Monkey 47 is an expensive gin, but it is definitely a winner and well worth trying out.
- Plymouth Gin:
Produced at the historic Black Friar’s Distillery since the late 18th Century, the botanical mix in this gin includes angelica root, lemon peel, and juniper. Plymouth results in a simple yet flavorful spirit.
It works very well in all types of cocktails. Try the Navy Strength expression of this brand if you are looking for some extra punch. This spirit is bottled at 57 percent ABV. It permits the gin to shine when mixed with other ingredients in the drink.
The limited-edition of Mr. King’s 1842 Recipe is made with juniper picked from one mountain in Italy. It will never be repeated.
- Tanqueray:
This gin brand is one of the best-selling spirits across the globe. Tanqueray is a superb and affordable example of the London Dry Gin style. The flagship expression of this brand combines bright flavors of citrus and juniper in equal proportions.
It makes for a go-to bottle when you are thinking of cocktails. The Rangpur expression of this brand highlights the flavors of the Indian lime and No. TEN is designed as a modern gin with pronounced notes of lime, orange, and white grapefruit.
Tanqueray is a favorite Negroni mix. Stanley Tucci also partnered with this brand last year on a campaign trail to showcase how it goes with various cocktails.
Top 8 Gin Brands To Go For In 2024
- Bayab Gin:
Part of the Spearhead spirits group, this African gin brand is based in South Africa. The botanical mix base of this gin is the fruit from the baobab tree. As per the notes, it provides a tangy sherbet taste.
The Bayab Gin is a ‘classic dry gin’ style with juniper leading the palate along with coriander, lemon, orange, and rosemary. However, there are two other flavored spirits to check out from this distillery that will be released in the days to come.
These include the African Rose Water and the Burnt Orange & Marula. Nevertheless, give this new spirit a try for now to see how it livens up your cocktails.
- Citadelle Gin:
Owned by Maison Ferrand and created by master blender Alexandre Gabriel, this French gin is worth trying out. The core expression lineup from this company is Citadelle Gin.
It is a lively spirit with a citrus-forward flavor profile expanded by notes of cubeb pepper, juniper, and violet that are among the 19 botanicals used to round out this gin. Each of these botanicals is individually infused.
Moreover, there are the limited editions as well. The most interesting among them is the Vive Le Cornichon. This gin is infused with tart French pickles. It gives the spirit a nice hit of salt and vinegar. However, there is no place for any gunk in a martini made with this gin.
- Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin:
Drumshanbo is leading the way with its Gunpowder Irish Gin. Gunpowder is a green tea from China and is the main show for this spirit. This gin infused with caraway seeds, cardamom, coriander, juniper, and lemon is excellent and inundated.
Most of the botanicals in this spirit are directly distilled into the gin. However, the citrus and tea are vapor-infused. California Orange Citrus is the latest expression from this distillery.
It is obviously a citrus-forward version of the original that is infused with oranges from the Bay Area. This additive efficiently complements the grapefruit, lemon, and lime that are already included in this gin recipe.
- Gray Whale Gin:
Inspired by the long nautical journey of the gray whale off the coast of the Golden State, this Californian spirit uses local botanicals from Northern California to flavor. All botanicals in this gin are sustainably foraged or sourced.
These include the fir tree, juniper, lime, mint, and sea kelp. The base corn in this spirit is distilled six times. Moreover, the botanicals in this gin are distilled and vapor infused. Eventually, it results in a bright, crisp, and fragrant spirit.
And to top it all, one percent of all sales from this brand go to environmental organizations dedicated to improving ocean conservation.
- Purity Navy Strength Gin:
This spirit hails from Sweden. This EU country is better known for aquavit rather than for gin. The Navy Strength Gin expression is bottled at a very robust 57.1 percent ABV. The vodka from this distillery is the base and heart of this spirit. It is distilled 34 times.
The Purity Navy Strength Gin is flavored with cardamom, juniper, lavender, and Nordic berries like blueberry and lingonberry. Give the London Dry 34 a try instead, if you are not inclined for something this strong in your martini. It is bottled at a moderate 43 percent ABV.
- SIGIL Gin:
Made by Altar Spirits distillery in Santa Fe, this gin hails from New Mexico. The label portrays the spirit as ‘high desert American gin.’ It is an accurate way of describing this interesting new addition to the group.
Juniper, pinon, and sage are the base botanicals that form the flavor profile of this spirit. All these ingredients along with 11 others are found locally on the land surrounding the distillery.
The palate of SIGIL Gin is on the dryer side. It comes with some floral notes and a bit of spice. However, this new gin is a perfect example of how local flavors can be captured in a bottle.
- Sông Cái Việt Nam Dry Gin:
This spirit comes from Vietnam. The botanicals used in this gin are sourced from the northern highland jungles by farming and foraging families. This spirit includes black cardamom, green turmeric, pepper, and pomelo.
Juniper is the only imported botanical that grounds this dry gin. However, the palate expands from here and Sông Cái works pretty well in a variety of cocktails. You can always choose to try a citrus-forward gimlet or a dry martini.
The new Spiced Roselle Gin from this brand is also worth trying. It is flavored with hibiscus and rose myrtle berries. This can effectively be subbed for sloe gin in your cherished cocktail.
Moreover, this distillery is also working to reinvest in the local community. They have taken up initiatives like heirloom botanical preservation and reforestation programs to ensure that the farmers are paid decently.
- Tulchan Gin:
Coming from the Speyside region of Scotland, Tulchan is a London Dry Gin style. This area is best known for single malt whiskies. This gin however is an attempt to capture the local herbs and flowers in the right spirit.
It is infused with 14 botanicals and quite a few of them are locally sourced. These include blackberry leaves, elderflower, and sloe berries along with the unique addition of white asparagus.
Traditional components like juniper are also found here. The Tulchan bottle is proudly Scottish. The label comes with an image of a bagpiper on the front and tartan on the side.
Top 10 Botanical Gin Brands In India
Gin is the ultimate spirit of pleasure and sophistication. This is why it has found a zealous following in India. Gin brands in India contain rich botanical notes and diverse profiles. Gin lovers across the continents are usually keen on exploring the depths of this captivating spirit.
We will therefore take a delightful journey through the top 10 gin brands in India. The idea is to explore the distillation techniques, perfect tonic pairings, and unique flavors that elevate the gin experience altogether.
- Bombay Sapphire Gin:
This gin brand is famed for its vapor-infused botanicals. It has a light floral character that is smooth; which makes it a perfect spirit for sipping neat or having it in cocktails including the Tom Collins.
Bombay Sapphire gin is priced between INR 2,500 to 3,500 for a 750 ml bottle in India. With 40 percent ABV, this spirit is vapor-infused and renowned for its light and floral character. It is an ideal gin for both classic and contemporary cocktail drinks.
- The Botanist Gin:
This popular gin in India comes from the Isle of Islay. Incorporating 22 foraged botanicals, this is an ideal spirit for nature lovers. It results in a complex and herbaceous gin that is perfect for bold palates.
The Botanist gin is priced between INR 4,000 to 5,000 for a 750 ml bottle in India. With 46 percent ABV, this spirit is an artisanal gin from Scotland. Made with 22 pastured botanicals, this gin is perfect for gin enthusiasts seeking uncommon flavors.
- Empress Gin:
This spirit comes with its distinctive indigo hue from butterfly pea flowers. It delivers a flavorful and visual treat. Empress Gin with its unique botanical blend results in a spirit that is absolutely delicious and ravishing.
Priced at around INR 4,500 to 5,500 for a 750 ml bottle in India, Empress gin features 42.5 percent ABV. It is well known for its visually striking indigo color. This hue is derived from butterfly pea flowers. Overall, this spirit offers an exclusive and vibrant botanical experience.
- Fever-Tree Tonic:
Although not qualified as gin, Fever-Tree Tonic deserves special mention for its premium quality. It is specially crafted to complement the finest gins. The range of tonics from this brand is meant to enhance the overall gin-drinking experience.
Priced around INR 300 to 500 for a pack of four 200 ml bottles in India, Fever-Tree tonic water is absolutely alcohol-free. It is a premium tonic water brand that is well known for its high-quality ingredients and diverse range of tonic flavors. However, Fever-Tree is designed to perfectly complement various gin cocktails.
- Gordon’s Gin:
This spirit is a well-known name in the gin world. It offers a traditional London Dry Gin experience. Gordon’s Gin with citrus notes and juniper is straightforward. It makes a versatile choice for numerous cocktails.
Priced at around INR 1,500 to 2,000 for a 750 ml bottle in India, this spirit typically features 37.5 percent ABV. Gordon’s Gin is a classic London Dry Gin style. It is well known for its straightforward citrus and juniper notes. This spirit is a popular choice for numerous cocktails.
- Hendrick’s Gin:
This spirit is infused with cucumber and rose. It offers a floral tribute alongside a refreshing taste. Hendrick’s Gin stands out. It makes a perfect choice for gin-based punches and creative cocktails.
Priced between INR 3,500 to 4,500 for a 750 ml bottle in India, this spirit features 41.4 percent ABV. Hendrick’s Gin is an unusual spirit. It is well known for its infusion of cucumber and rose which creates a distinctive and refreshing flavor profile.
- Monkey 47 Gin:
This spirit is a German gin brand. It combines 47 botanicals to create an aromatic complex gin. The depth of flavor in Monkey 47 makes it a favorite among gin connoisseurs. Especially the ones looking for a unique experience.
Priced between INR 5,000 to 6,000 for a 750 ml bottle in India, Monkey 47 Gin features 47 percent ABV. Composing 47 botanicals, this German spirit is famous for its complexity. It offers an amicable blend of flavors from the Black Forest region.
- Roku Gin:
This spirit is a Japanese craft gin. It features cherry blossoms and green tea along with many other botanicals. Roku Gin is well known for its complexity and adds a unique twist to classic gin cocktails.
This gin brand is a favorite among gin enthusiasts. Priced around INR 4,000 to 5,000 for a 750 ml bottle in India, Roku Gin features 43 percent ABV. This Japanese craft gin with sakura flower, sencha tea, and yuzu peel is celebrated for its unique blend of botanicals.
- Sipsmith Gin:
This spirit is a tribute to the traditional London Dry Gin style. The juniper-forward profile of this gin brand alongside delicate citrus notes make it an imperative choice for classic gin cocktails.
Priced around INR 3,000 to 4,000 for a 750 ml bottle in India, Sipsmith Gin typically features 41.6 percent ABV. This London Dry style gin adheres to traditional methods of production and is characterized by its delicate citrus notes and juniper-led taste.
- Tanqueray Gin:
This is a timeless classic spirit. It boasts of a perfect balance of citrus, juniper, and spice. The smoothness of Tanqueray Gin makes it an ideal pick for classic cocktails. Including the Martini and the Gin & Tonic.
Priced between INR 2,500 to 4,000 for a 750 ml bottle, depending on the variant, in India, Tanqueray Gin has an ABV of 43.1 percent. This spirit is a classic London Dry Gin style that is well known for its balanced botanicals along with a juniper-forward profile.
Conclusion
These are the top 10 gin brands showcasing the vast landscape of this spirit in India. Right from Hendrick’s, Roku, Tanqueray, and others they represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship and taste within the subcontinent.
There is a gin on this list for every palate irrespective of whether you prefer adventurous botanical blends or the classic juniper-forward spirits. These gins paired with the meticulous Fever-Tree tonic offer an exceptional journey through aromas, creativity, and flavors.
Let your taste buds commence a delightful adventure in the world of spirits by elevating your gin experience through these noteworthy choices.
FAQS:
Name some of the most popular gin brands in India.
Some of the most popular gin brands in India include the likes of Greater Than, Hapusa, Stranger & Sons, and Terai.
Is the production of gin growing in India?
Yes, the production of gin is growing in India. With a rise in artisanal and craft gin distilleries, this industry is experiencing significant growth.
Are Indian gin brands globally available?
Yes, several Indian gin brands are globally available. They have gained international recognition and are available in various countries across the continents.
What differentiates Indian gin brands?
Indian gin brands are unique. They often feature local botanicals like cardamom, coriander, and juniper. These ingredients give them a distinctive and flavorful profile.
Are Indian gin brands suitable for cocktails?
Yes, they are absolutely suitable for cocktails. Moreover, there are plenty of gin brands in India offering diverse flavors; that are specifically crafted for cocktails.
