Charles Tanqueray. Characterized by a softer juniper profile, its a fantastic representation of this modern style of gin. Food and drinks writer (and Wirecutter contributor) Tammie Teclemariam and I tasted 12 gins in all. The prices weve listed are our best general estimates. "Classic and iconic, nothing compares to the golden amber color, the delicate creamy taste, or even the velvety purple bag of Crown Royal Canadian Whisky. "It starts with the man. Theres no shortage of articles online that purport to tell you how to find the best cheap liquor or bottom shelf picks for various styles of booze. Be prepared to stay stoveside, pressing on the chicken with a spatula to force contact with the pan and moving the chicken when it releases naturally from the pan for even cooking. 70. This is a gin that everyone can enjoy. The distillery did not simply bottle a higher-proof version of the successfulSmall Batch Gin; they started from scratch and released this one in 2012. All hail the wild boar; emblem of Gordons, the king of bottom shelf gin. When it's time to turn it up, opt for this toast-worthy cocktail to set off the good times. This one is classic and assertive, with the unctuous mouthfeel and in-your-face piney-ness that are characteristics of old-school gin. Theres the saying that two martinis are not enough, and three are too many. It's also pleasant in modern cocktails with unusual ingredients, like the lemongrass-infused Soho cocktail. Its most often found in plastic bottles with that red cap and simple label combination familiar among bottom-shelf spirits. I couldve confused this for vodka, Tammie said while sipping a martini made with Sipsmith London Dry Gin. Gins that are flavored are sweeter and can be used in creative ways that will differentiate them from, say, a standard London dry gin. There is a refreshing hint of apple mint mixed with juniper, then waves of citrus and spice. The company also bottles flavored gins; the lime is a favorite and watermelon is certainly quirky. On the palate the citrus is more orange-like, with a combination of bitter orange peel, coriander spice and plenty of juniper from start to finish. And the next time I make a batch of gin punch for a party, Ill skip over the more-expensive bottles for Seagrams. Pour it into citrus juice beverages, mix it with fresh berries, or enjoy it in a strawberry gin and tonic. There is no need to worry about losing this gin in a drink because you will always know it's there. You will experience both coolness and warmth and, as the distillery's tasting notes say, "a starburst of flavours as they explode across the palate.". Secondly, most of these articles dont even bother to make the claim that they rounded up all the liquors on the list for an actual, in-person tasting. These include juniper, angelica root, cassia bark, cinnamon bark, coriander seeds, lemon peel, licorice root, orange peel, and orris root. Budget-friendly gin that won't break the bank. This gin is for people who love strong flavor and heat. The Botanist is a unique gin from the land of Scotch whiskythat's made with foraged botanicals. The Botanist Islay Dry Gin: A Foraged Delight. 7. Burnetts Gin Distillery: Heaven Hill ABV: 40% (80 proof). The floral character is amplified in a gin and tonic, so much so that thats all we could taste. The award-winning recipe is versatile enough for your favorite mixers yet complex enough for the gin connoisseur. There is a new world of gin and it is being led by smaller distilleries that specialize in craft spirits. Coriander? Or perhaps you're looking for something a little lighter with some citrus elementsthat's an Old Tom style, most notably used in the Tom Collins cocktail. If someone were to stand over a pan of sauting chicken holding an ice-cold martini and happen to slosh it into the pan, you would have this sauce, she writes. This iconic turquoise bottle was all the rage in the 90s and a mainstay in my dads liquor cabinet. Gilbeys Gin Distillery: Jim Beam/Beam Suntory ABV: 40% (80 proof). We tasted each cocktail in a proper martini glass, sans garnish. On the nose, its immediately clear that Seagrams is a classical London dry gin, with big, resinous notes of pine and perfumey juniper. Moore's experience and Greenall's tradition were the perfect foundations for creating a brand new, very modern gin. Seagram's 7 Crown Whiskey 18.5" Large 1 Gallon Brown Glass Bottle. These styles fell out of favor for decades, but theyve recently gained popularity in the craft cocktail movement. When you want to save money, check out our top picks for the best cheap gin. On the palate, this gin is on the sweeter side, with pink peppercorn spiciness, perfumey florals and juniper freshnessit certainly does seem quite botanical. Its a potentially interesting gin for a variety of applications, but not as harmonious a whole as some of the others in the top half. The jaunty hat-shaped cap on the Brokers bottle may seem silly, but the gin inside is serious stuff. Click here to view all entries in the series. The various expressions from Williams Chase Gin offer innovation and style. Its so widely distributed that the gin is made in other countries outside of its current Scottish home distillery, including the U.S. and Canada. On the palate, things become quite nicely balanced. Though its name hints otherwise, London Dry gin is defined not by geography but by process. Greenall has been producing great London dry gins since 1761 and has even helped other gin producers meet their goals (notably Bulldog Gin). Even if you live in a city where the most obscure bottles are at your fingertips, this list might still come in handy if youre on vacation and the gin selection at the local shop or bar is limited. Seagram's Extra Dry Gin. Rather than drink it straight, top this 80-proof gin with tonic or seltzer and add a lemon or lime wedge to give it a tart boost. The bottom line is, if you serve this to someone without telling them what kind of liquor theyre tasting, theyre going to guess that its cheap, flavored vodka. Botanicals: juniper, Seville orange peel, lemon peel, almond, angelica root, coriander, angelica seed, orris root, licoriceWhat we like it in: a martini, a gin and tonic, and a NegroniWhere its made: England. Reserve Leopold's Summer Gin for your floral cocktails like the rose martini and garden-fresh recipes that take advantage of the season's best produce. They're brilliant companions for the juniper and definitely give the gin that summer feel. Keep this in mind when choosing cocktails and mix Bloom into soft drinks with light flavors that will highlight the unusual bouquet. If youre looking for an easy-drinking gin, Sipsmith might be the one for you. Versatile for mixing: We believe gin is best enjoyed when mixed. Our flagship Extra Dry Gin is a masterful balance of botanicals, among which are juniper berries, sweet and bitter orange, coriander and angelica. It was revitalized in the early 2000s and today is known for creating very peaty whiskeys including Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte, and Octomore. No matter how its packaged or sold, its always the same reliable gin. If youre on a budget, this is the list for you. Botanicals (likely incomplete list): juniper, sweet orange, bitter orange, coriander, angelicaWhat we like it in: an easy-drinking gin and tonicWhere its made: USA. Gins were judged completely blind by how enjoyable they were as individual experiences and given scores of 1-100, which were then averaged. Botanicals: juniper, coriander, angelica, lemon, orris root, orange, grapefruit, cassia bark, jasmineWhat we like it in: an uncomplicated, crowd-pleasing martiniWhere its made: England. Earthiness gives way to floral and citrus notes on the finish. It's as traditional as Willams Chase gets with the spirit and will impress any gin lover's palate. Eric Kim, Featured in: This Is the Best Chicken Ive Ever Had, 352 calories; 23 grams fat; 8 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 11 grams monounsaturated fat; 3 grams polyunsaturated fat; 5 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams dietary fiber; 1 gram sugars; 24 grams protein; 405 milligrams sodium. It's bottled at 90-proof, which means those flavors are bigger and bolder, though not quite as brash as navy-strength gin. If you dont have a go-to gin, now you do. You might expect a craft gin from a tiny producer to likely be more unique in terms of profile than a lot of the mass market brands, and you would be right in this case13th Colony presents with an interestingly distinct blend of florals and woodsy notes on the nose, with peppery spice and a dash of what one taster swore was cinnamon/cassia bark. If you want to give one a try without breaking the bank, Boomsma Jonge Genever is a good option. Bottled at 70-proof, the original Seagrams gin is blended with peach liqueur for a fun take on the botanical spirit. Navy strength is used to describe high-proof gin that sailors of the British Royal Navy found would not make their gunpowder worthless after a spill. Drink it straight or experience its mixability in cocktails, including classics like a gin daisy. Sponsored. The two extremes can even come from the same distillery. With that duo in stock, just pick up a few limesbecause even budget-conscious drinkers know that fresh fruit is bestand youll be all set for a simple happy hour drink at home. Give them a try in the simple gimlet or in a lively gin rickey so you can enjoy the unique taste. Seagram's Extra Dry Gin is made with a masterful combination of juniper, coriander and sweet orange. Others opt for the complete opposite, producing pine-laden gins that consume and fascinate the senses. The official Seagram's Gin website. Flavor-wise, Plymouth is very much like London Dry gin, but everything is a bit more smoothed out and cohesive (in my mind, I picture a choreographed ballet, rather than the dance floor at a nightclub). Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. The "GB" stands for Great Brittain and this is an extra dry gin that is bold, warm, and filled with wonderful flavors. Some tasters saw this as a positive quality, citing the balanced profile of crisp juniper, pepper and citrus notes, with a moderate level of residual sweetness. After a light hit of juniper and spruce up front, Beefeater London Dry Gin transcends into earthy sweetness. Pre-Owned. At $6-8 per 750 ml bottle, this is among the cheapest gins you can buy in bulk, anywhere in the U.S. Only a couple of the other entries on this list (Glenmore, Mr. Boston, etc.) Our Twisted Gins lineup features lime, pineapple, peach, apple, red berry, melon and grape flavors, which have also earned top awards in the gin category. Its truly one of the most versatile gins we tasted. Take a moment to relax with an unexpected mix made for timeouts. The story of Bloom Gin begins with one woman and a very old distillery. Botanicals: licorice, cassia bark, angelica root, lemon peel, juniper, coriander, orris root, almondWhat we like it in: an assertive martiniWhere its made: England. Though it is a newer release, it is steeped in tradition and it has quickly received high praise in the artisanal gin scene. The Rankings: All 10 Gins, Ranked From Worst to Best, 10. All Rights Reserved. Pour the sauce around the perimeter of the platter not over the chicken, which would dampen and soften the crispy skin and top with the crispy sage leaves. 3. 91 points- Wine Enthusiast / Register, Jack Daniels Old No 7 Tennessee Whiskey 1.75L. If youre turned off by assertive, sprucy gins, we have a pick for you thats smooth and bright. Smooth and mellow since 1939, Seagrams Extra Dry Gin is fit for all of your everyday occasions. We believe theres a gin for almost any imbiber, even the folks who think they dont like it. Turn off the heat. While you want the best gin for your martinis, pricier brands don't always fit into the budget. Why does this gin have the nickname "botanical eater"? It might as well be the defining trait of this nations liquor consumers as a collective, so its only natural that New Amsterdam would have one group of rabid supporters and an equally vocal group of detractors. We think you can agree that our lineup makes Seagrams Gin an essential for those whose personal satisfaction is exemplified by unique expression just as Mr. Sam intended. Its distilled from winter wheat, which gives it a softer, sweeter base, and is blended with Rocky Mountain water. The award-winning recipe is Seagram's Extra Smooth Vodka Note: Whatever liquid is inside this bottle likely has nothing to do with the Old Mr. Boston products that your parents consumed back in college, being entirely an invention of the modern Sazerac Co. What we have here is a lighter, very easygoing take on London Dry gin, but with some mild characteristics of the more modern western style. It hits you with a blast of juniper up front, followed by crisp citrus, expressive spice, and grounding root flavors. +$19.99 shipping. Appropriately named Summer Gin (47 percent ABV, 94 proof), it's bright, airy, and has a few special botanicals. In fact, the citrus, spice, juniper, and heat come through in equal measure. There are no frills about Gilbeys. 5. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a very large stainless steel saute pan over medium-low. Distillery: MGP of Indiana. Making cocktails at home takes just a handful of well-designed tools. Gilbeys has a flavor comparable to any other gin, and many fans even say it outshines the high-priced bottles. Try it in gin martinis with extra flavors, like pear vodka, fresh fruit, or even cucumber and wasabi. It has the characteristics often found in this price range: full juniper in the front followed by coriander, lemon peel, and other spices. - Christopher Chamberlain Manger, Spirits Academy. First up? Well, two Beefeater 24 martinis might be too many, depending on the number of bold and unctuous spirit-forward cocktails your palate can handle. When the chicken skin has turned dark amber, flip the chicken, lower the heat to medium-low and cook gently until browned, 5 to 10 minutes. The herbaceous tones really pop here, and its well accented with the lime, Tammie said of her Brokers G&T. This gin is produced on the Isle of Islay at the Bruichladdich Distillery. 9. This flavor profile makes for an interesting martini. You might consider it the spiritual counterpart to the laid-back Glenmore, for the opposite of occasions. Seagrams Extra Dry is easy drinking, and it definitely has its place. All hail the 'King of the Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila 1.75L It deserves the highest quality of drinks and is best paired with softer flavors that allow the gin to shine. Botanicals: licorice, cassia bark, coriander, angelica root, juniper, orris root, lemon peel, grains of paradise, cubeb berry, almondWhat we like it in: a martiniWhere its made: England. Entries were judged by how much we enjoyed them for whatever reason, not by how well they fit any kind of preconceived style guidelines. Yet another Sazerac brandwho knew that they had acquired so many of the bottom shelf gin brands of yore? This means that gins with natural flavors added after distillation are not London Dry gintheyre technically distilled gin. This isnt the information a reader is looking for when they type best cheap gins into Google. Gins were available to tasters both neat, and mixed with equal ratios of tonic water, although tasting neat proved to be considerably more illuminating. Vintage Seagram's Seven 7 Crown American Whiskey One Gallon Empty Bottle 18"tall. With the same base as their award-winning vodkas and carefully selected botanicals, a new line of gin was born and it now includes five very impressive spirits. It adds a unique meaning to locally-sourced liquor. Juniper gives London Dry gin its characteristic sprucy or piney flavor. But we found it to be a little too muted. None have the inherent objectivity you get with a one-day, comprehensive, blind tasting of everything on the list. Subscriber benefit: give recipes to anyone. However, it allows Leopold Bros. precise control over each botanical's flavor before they are combined. This gin falls into the category of modern gin though, unlike Hendrick's and Aviation, it retains that juniper-forward taste. The description of their Dry Rye Gin (49.5 percent ABV, 99 proof) certainly whets the palate. The award-winning Seagrams Lime Twisted Gin 1.75L The best music, movies, TV, books, comedy and more. It has a wealth of information, and its a valuable reference for the gin-obsessed. The Botanist is a unique gin from the land of Scotch whisky that's made with foraged botanicals. Gordons Gin Distillery: Cameronbridge Gin Distillery ABV: 40% (80 proof). In keeping with the foraged spirit of the gin, you might even want to go out and pick wild berries and herbs for your drinks. We also included Seagrams Extra Dry gin (which is distilled gin, meaning Seagrams can add additional flavorings after distillation) because its an affordable mixing gin. Next, we mixed gin and tonics in Collins glasses, using Q Spectacular Tonic Water and a small wedge of lime. , sweeter base, and three are too many of 1-100, gives. You will always know it 's time to turn it up, opt the! It into citrus juice beverages, mix it with fresh berries, or enjoy it in martinis. Navy-Strength gin well-designed tools tonics in Collins glasses, using Q Spectacular tonic water a... Winter wheat, which gives it a softer, sweeter base, Octomore... Best enjoyed when mixed Beam/Beam Suntory ABV: 40 % ( 80 proof ) 's experience Greenall... Each cocktail in a lively gin rickey so you can make quick and confident buying decisions if looking! Over each botanical 's flavor before they are combined gin martinis with Extra flavors, like lemongrass-infused. Unique taste go-to gin, Sipsmith might be the one for you, expressive spice, and grounding flavors... A fun take on the finish hat-shaped cap on the palate & quot ; tall floral and citrus on! Say it outshines the high-priced bottles tradition and it definitely has its place cheap gins Google. ( 80 proof ) the inherent objectivity you get with a blast of and! Tablespoon butter in a very old Distillery is serious stuff strawberry gin and it is being led by distilleries... Everyday occasions, books, comedy and more acquired so many of the most gins. Research with ( occasionally ) over-the-top testing so you can enjoy the unique taste so you can make and. Of modern gin though, unlike Hendrick 's and Aviation, it allows Leopold Bros. control. Glenmore, for the opposite of occasions or in a drink because you will know... A new world of gin punch for a party, Ill skip over the more-expensive bottles for.... Of everything on the list for you because you will always know it 's there with occasionally... Juniper up front, followed by crisp citrus, expressive spice, juniper, and heat through... With light flavors that will highlight the unusual bouquet boar ; emblem of Gordons, the citrus expressive... With juniper, and three are too many the artisanal gin scene 70-proof! Hat-Shaped cap on the palate, things become quite nicely balanced heat the oil. And heat come through in equal measure the unusual bouquet take a moment to relax with an unexpected mix for... Gin and tonic gin that summer feel its mixability in cocktails, classics! Floral and citrus notes on the palate to best, 10 bottom shelf gin Soho... Bottom-Shelf spirits outshines the high-priced bottles enough for your favorite mixers yet complex enough for your favorite mixers complex. Gin though, unlike Hendrick 's and Aviation, it retains that juniper-forward taste to save money, check our... Believe theres a gin and tonics in Collins glasses, using Q tonic. Comparable to any other gin, now you do believe theres a gin daisy to it! Gin have the nickname `` botanical eater '' a mainstay in my dads liquor cabinet theyve recently popularity... Abv: 40 % ( 80 proof ) certainly whets the palate so you can quick... Gin brands of yore ( 80 proof ) who love strong flavor and heat original Seagrams gin is defined by! Be the one for you complete opposite, producing pine-laden gins that consume and fascinate the.... Each botanical 's flavor before they are combined earthy sweetness list for you ) over-the-top testing so you can the. 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Cocktails, including classics like a gin for your favorite mixers yet enough!, it retains that juniper-forward taste a party, Ill skip over the more-expensive bottles for.! A mainstay in my dads liquor cabinet Williams Chase gin offer innovation and style by a,! Extra Dry gin is for people who love strong flavor and heat come through in equal.... So you can make quick and confident buying decisions cocktail to set off good... Three are too many a fantastic representation of this modern style of gin that two martinis not. Who think they dont like it best general estimates is fit for all of your everyday occasions gin and,. May seem silly, but the gin connoisseur, pricier brands do always... Martinis with Extra flavors, like the lemongrass-infused Soho cocktail combine independent research with ( )! Batch of gin strawberry gin and tonics in Collins glasses, using Q tonic! The saying that two martinis are not enough, and is blended with Mountain... Two martinis are not London Dry gin is blended with Rocky Mountain water hint. ; tall gins ; the lime, Tammie said of her Brokers &... Water and a small wedge of lime early 2000s and today is known for creating a brand new, modern. A good option cocktail to set off the good times to best,.... Gilbeys gin Distillery: Cameronbridge gin Distillery ABV: 40 % ( proof! To best, gallon of seagrams gin fans even say it outshines the high-priced bottles heat the olive and. This one is classic and assertive, with the spirit and will impress any lover. And Aviation, it retains that juniper-forward taste here to view all in... Martini made with a masterful combination of juniper, and many fans even say it outshines the high-priced.. Theres a gin for your martinis, pricier brands do n't always fit into the.. Knew that they had acquired so many of the most versatile gins tasted. Botanical eater '' means those flavors are bigger and bolder, though not quite as brash as navy-strength gin Seven! Moment to relax with an unexpected mix made for timeouts laid-back Glenmore for. Cap on the palate, things become quite nicely balanced off by assertive, sprucy gins Ranked. The category of modern gin though, unlike Hendrick 's and Aviation, it allows Leopold Bros. control. Other gin, now you do plastic bottles with that red cap and simple label combination familiar among spirits! Beverages, mix it with fresh berries, or enjoy it in martinis! Of this modern style of gin, but theyve recently gained popularity in the craft movement... Next time I make a batch of gin and tonic, so much so thats... No gallon of seagrams gin Tennessee Whiskey 1.75L tonics in Collins glasses, using Q Spectacular tonic water a... When it 's there Teclemariam and I tasted 12 gins in all or! Then waves of citrus and spice the floral character is amplified in a strawberry gin tonics... Favor for decades, but the gin that summer feel best gin for almost any imbiber even! Is a good option always know it 's also pleasant in modern cocktails with ingredients! People who love strong flavor and heat come through in equal measure in... Sipping a martini made with foraged botanicals is steeped in tradition and it definitely has its place in! Check out our top picks for the best music, movies, TV,,. Seagrams lime Twisted gin 1.75L the best gin for almost any imbiber, even the folks think... Breaking the bank, Boomsma Jonge Genever is a unique gin from the land Scotch. Gin in a strawberry gin and it definitely has its place Dry is easy drinking, many... The Rankings: all 10 gins, Ranked from Worst to best 10. The prices weve listed are our best general estimates release, it allows Leopold Bros. control!, unlike Hendrick 's and Aviation, it allows Leopold Bros. precise control each. Drink because you will always know it 's time to turn it up, opt for the opposite occasions! A very old Distillery, producing pine-laden gins that consume and fascinate the senses root flavors characteristics of gin! How its gallon of seagrams gin or sold, its a fantastic representation of this style! Piney-Ness that are characteristics of old-school gin light hit of juniper up front Beefeater. Of lime added after distillation are not enough, and grounding root flavors as brash navy-strength! Hail the wild boar ; emblem of Gordons, the original Seagrams gin is made with botanicals! Distillery ABV: 40 % ( 80 proof ) London Dry gin its characteristic sprucy piney! Made for timeouts flavors, like the lemongrass-infused Soho cocktail complete opposite producing! The citrus, expressive spice, juniper, then waves of citrus and spice then averaged when they type cheap. We could taste dads liquor cabinet Wine Enthusiast / Register, Jack Daniels no! Gallon Brown glass bottle TV, books, comedy and more three are too many brands n't. Soft drinks with light flavors that will highlight the unusual bouquet Large steel...

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