As we've mentioned before here at the Kitchn, gin’s been making quite a splash lately. Long edged out by vodka, this crystal clear, juniper-berry-flavored grain spirit is now reclaiming its rightful place in the spirit world.
While U.S. liquor store shelves were once limited to basics such as Gordon’s and Beefeater, and premiums such as Bombay Sapphire and Tanqueray, refreshing new choices have started to turn up from unexpected places (France, Scotland).
We want to hear your favorites. Here are a few of the newer gins on the block we’ve sampled recently:
DH Krahn. This small-batch American gin is a surprising standout. Clean, exceptionally smooth, and well-rounded, it’s flavored with the botanicals juniper, coriander, orange, grapefruit, and lemon, with an added touch of ginger. At a mellow 80 proof, it’s free of the harsh bite of many gins. A new American upstart.
Hendrick’s. There's been quite a bit of talk about this one in particular here at The Kitchn - for good reason. This delicate Scottish-made gin is first instilled with coriander, juniper, and citrus peel, then infused with cucumber and rose. Light and ethereal, this gin really shines in a Martini garnished with a thin cucumber slice.
Bulldog. Dark and squat with a spiked collar, the bottle’s a real attention-getter. In addition to juniper, this gin is flavored with poppy, lotus leaves, and dragon eye (a cousin to the lychee fruit that carries some fanciful health - and potency - claims). A good, solid, muscular London dry gin.
G’Vine. A small-batch French gin made with a neutral grape spirit and then flavored with the flower of the Ugni-blanc green grape. Delicate and floral, it’s a smooth, accessible gin that works nicely with fruit juices and garnishes.
Plymouth. An old classic that’s been making a timely comeback. Produced in Plymouth, England since 1793, it has a slightly sweeter and rounder taste than London dry gin. Clean and well balanced, it’s a versatile player, and has recently become our go-to brand. Makes a mighty fine Martini - or Gibson.
What’s your favorite gin?
Related: The Celluloid Pantry: Gibson Cocktails and All About Eve
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I said it last time but I'll repeat it here--I love Martin Miller's, which is pretty citrusy and is delicious in a G&T (or anything else). I'm glad gin is back in vogue because I've always much preferred it and it's fun to see interesting gin cocktails on lists.
Just tried Martin Miller's for the first time last week.
Was very smooth.
Victoria Gin. Organic, distilled in copper and yummy.
http://www.notmartha.org/archives/2008/08/05/victoria-gin/
My favorites are Plymouth, Aviation, and Junipero.
My current favorites are Gin No. 209 and Citadelle.
I wish I liked New Amsterdam more than I do, given its relatively low cost.
I'll second 209....
Hendrick's is by far the best gin I've ever tasted (and I went through a phase in college...). Crisp, different, and delicious, I can't help but lick it off the side of the bottle after pouring a G&T.
Asking “What is your favorite gin?†is like asking “What is your favorite food?†It depends. What cocktail do I crave? How was my day? Is it winter already? Do you happen to have any of that Luxardo Marachino Liqueur? What kind of paté is that?
I'll focus on at least four: 1. Martin Miller (www.millersgin.com), to bring a spicy zing to whatever I’m drinking. 2. Junipero (www.anchorbrewing.com/about_us/junipero.htm)
in a martini to rejoice after a difficult day. 3. Hendricks (http://www.hendricksgin.co.uk), because it dares to be
different 4. Surprise Me (http://wiredgin.com/gindex)
because I like to explore new gins all the time.
Many of these gins that you comment on are indeed good, however, I would have to agree with the post on this one that DH Krahn is the standout. After reading positive after positive review about this gin, I decided to seek it out as it is not yet available in my state and it lived up to all the hype. Great balance, interesting flavor profile with the citrus notes and ginger spice at the end. I am a big gin drinker so I like to have flavor in my gin and this one certainly did. Makes a perfect southside or tom collins. Better yet, put it over a couple rocks with a fruit zest or slice of cucumber.
Gin was never my go-to liquor... until I tried Hendrick's. I'm a convert. A martini, g&t, or gin lemonade is now my preferred drink. Plus, it gets me to eat more vegetables, assuming my cucumber slice garnish counts as something of nutritional value!
I had to try Hendrick's because my son's name is Hendrik. And wow, it's delicious! We generally make G&Ts with it.
No contest! From the above comments you have obviously not tried the best - Brockmans is the one! You have to try it! So smooth and great just on the rocks or even great with ... wait for it .... ginger ale!! You can find it at www.drinkshop.com - not sure of other stockists - can anyone let me know where else I can buy it. Cheers!
Martin Miller's everytime. Its perfect because it offers two types so there's one to suit every cocktail. The 80 is soooo smoooooth, and Westbourne has a real kick, though neither are overpowering on the citrus front.
It's also stood the test of time, its been around for ten years, so most of the newcomers are learning from them.