In recent years, gin has developed from a niche product to an absolute trend drink. Whether enjoyed classically as a gin and tonic, in creative cocktails or on its own - the versatility of this spirit delights beginners and connoisseurs alike. But with so much to choose from, the question quickly arises: which is the best gin?
Here we present a selection of gins that are characterised by quality, special character and international recognition.
What makes a good Gin?
A good gin is characterised by more than just juniper. The quality of the base, the selection of botanicals and the care taken during distillation are crucial. Gin is therefore the result of first-class ingredients, craftsmanship and a clear flavour structure.
- Base alcohol: High-quality, pure neutral alcohol (usually from grain or grapes) forms the basis. The better the base, the clearer and finer the end product.
- Botanicals: In addition to juniper, ingredients such as coriander seeds, angelica root and citrus peel play a central role. Exotic botanicals - from cucumber and hibiscus to pink pepper - give the gin its unmistakable flavour.
- Balance: A good gin is harmoniously balanced. No one flavour should dominate, but all the botanicals together create a well-rounded taste experience.
- Craft: Many premium gins are produced in small batches on traditional copper stills. This gentle production process produces complex, subtle flavours.
- Purity: A high-quality gin does not need any additives such as artificial flavourings or colourings, as its natural botanicals speak for themselves.
How do you find the best Gin?
There is no such thing as the "best gin" for everyone - it depends heavily on personal taste and the intended use. Anyone looking for the right gin should consider a few criteria:
- Styles: The classic London Dry Gin impresses with clear juniper notes, while New Western Gins often focus more on citrus, herbs or floral flavours. Lovers of sweeter flavours go for Old Tom Gin.
- Flavour profile: Do you like it fresh and tangy (citrus, cucumber), rather spicy (pepper, ginger) or complex and herbal (rosemary, lavender)? Botanicals make the difference here.
- Use: A clear, dry gin that is easy to combine is suitable for cocktails. If you want to enjoy gin on its own, you should opt for particularly balanced, aromatically complex varieties.
- Origin: Gins from England and Scotland are classics, but Germany and Spain are now also producing top-quality products.
Our tip for you: Try out different styles and brands in a direct comparison. This will help you to quickly find out which gin best suits your personal taste.
Good Gin for cocktails
Gin is one of the most popular bases for cocktails. Classics such as gin and tonic, negroni or martini are characterised by the interplay of juniper and botanicals. A good gin for cocktails should be clear, balanced and not too dominant so that it harmonises with tonic water or other ingredients.
Bombay Sapphire: mild and versatile, ideal for refreshing drinks.
Beefeater London Dry: classic, dry, with a clear juniper flavour.
Tanqueray London Dry: clear and intense, perfect for martinis or negronis.
Our tip for you: try different tonics, because the combination makes all the difference in a gin and tonic.
Good Gin as a gift
Gin is the ideal gift for connoisseurs: stylish, modern and versatile. Brands that tell stories through their origin or special botanicals are particularly popular. However, if you don't know the recipient's taste, it shouldn't be too special. In this case, you can use the gins for beginners as a guide.
Monkey 47: it is acult gin from Germany, with over 47 botanicals, in an elegant apothecary bottle.
Hendrick's Gin: extraordinary and stylish, unmistakable thanks to cucumber and rose.
The Botanist: an elegant gin from Scotland with numerous wild herbs.
Our tip for you: A beautiful gift set or a fine tonic water makes the gin gift even more personal.
Good Gin to drink straight
Not every gin is suitable for pure enjoyment - it needs balance, finesse and depth of flavour. Gins with high-quality botanicals and a harmonious flavour structure can also be enjoyed neat.
Tanqueray No. Ten: soft and citrusy, with a pleasant finish.
The Botanist: complex, herbal and round, perfect for slow savouring.
Monkey 47: aromatically complex, an experience for connoisseurs.
Our tip for you: first try the gin neat at room temperature to capture all the flavours. Then test how the flavour changes when chilled and on ice. Gin cocktails are always served chilled!
Our recommendations - the best Gins
Bombay Sapphire: This London Dry Gin goes back to a recipe from 1761. It is a classic and versatile!
The Botanist: This dry gin with 22 herbs comes from the island of Islay. The distillery also produces a cask-aged and a strength gin.
Canaima Small Batch Gin: Fruits from the Amazon rainforest complement the classic botanicals. At the same time, a contribution is made to the protection of the rainforest for every bottle sold.
Cotswolds: both a dry gin and a New Western dry gin are produced by the Cotswolds distillery from the distillery of the same name in England. The Dry Gin impresses with its classic juniper flavour and fresh notes of grapefruit, while the New Western is reminiscent of a summer meadow.
Drumshanbo Irish Gin: The Irish shed distillery has several New Western Dry Gins in its range. The outstanding botanical is gunpowder tea, a smoky variety of peppermint tea.
Harris Gin: It comes from the island of the same name and contains Macedonian juniper berries and other botanicals as well as the edible seaweed sugar kelp, which gives it a sweet flavour. It is one of our best-selling products!
Hendrick's Gin: you can't go past this gin if you want to try an exciting New Western Dry Gin. It has a cucumber and rose petal flavour and therefore offers special gin and tonic moments!
Lind & Lime Gin: This classic London Dry Gin comes from Edinburgh and contains juniper, lime and pink pepper. All botanicals are organically grown and the gin is produced as sustainably as possible.
Monkey 47: the name says it all, as this dry gin from the Black Forest contains 47 botanicals. It is stored in traditional earthenware jugs.
Roku Gin: The Japanese craft gin comes from the Suntory distillery. Roku stands for the number 6 and for the six botanicals it contains - two of which are Japanese teas: Sencha and Gyokuro.
Tanqueray No. Ten: it is a London Dry Gin that is produced in the Scottish grain distillery Cameronbridge. It is the recipe used and the production process that matter - not the origin. It is distilled in small batches and scores with clear citrus flavours.
Tobermory Gin: The speciality here is the whisky base spirit, which gives the gin a hint of maltiness. Otherwise, the juniper takes centre stage.
Conclusion
Which Gin is right for you?
There is no such thing as "one best gin" - the world of gin is too diverse for that. Try out different styles, compare classic London dry gins with modern interpretations and find your personal favourite.
Discover our large selection of gin specialities and be inspired!
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