Gin will arguably be the most sold ‘gift’ spirit in 2020 given it has and continues to take the world by storm. Often times, gins can be a little bit one dimensional, so we set ourselves the mission of finding a variety of wondrous and whimsical creations to tantalise your tastebuds and reflect the true quality of this category. We’ve gone off the beaten path in some cases to seek out some true delights, ensuring there’s a little something for everyone along the way. Your only mission now is to find the tonic and garnish to match ;)
Etsu Japanese Gin
Say hello to the first Hokkaido based gin from Japan that has made its way overseas. The Asahikawa distillery on this Nothern island has taken somewhat of a tradition route on the botanicals (green bitter orange peel, coriander, liquorice and angelica route) but they boast a very traditional Japanese flavour profile which makes this gin anything but ‘standard’.
Citrus, yuzu and light floral blossom notes hit you on the nose with peppers, green tea, meadow berries, more yuzu and sansho pepper on the palate. Super refreshing in style and perfect if you want to spice up your martini game.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £49
Tarsier Gin
There are so many gins out there on the market right now that differentiating between flavours has become a real problem. What I love about Tarsier is that they put that to bed immediately. These gins are inspired by travels across The Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam and boy can you tell.
Their first bottle of discussion, the Southeast Asian Dry Gin takes inspiration from the white sands of Boracay all the way to the bustling streets of Saigon. Citrus forward with aromatic and savoury notes that cascade into a long peppery finish. Mix this with Artisan Mixers Classic London tonic (pack of 4 for £6) for the perfect G&T.
Then there’s the Oriental Pink Gin – inspired by the tropical rainforests of Indonesia to the floating markets of Thailand and beyond. This beauty is bursting with dragon fruit, lychee, raspberry and floral notes. There is nothing else like it on the market and it makes one of the best gin sours I’ve had the fortune of tasting – throw in a little peach syrup to your gin sour recipe for a real treat.
Lastly, we can’t fail to mention that 10% of all their profits are committed to the Philippine Tarsier Foundation on the island of Bohol, Philippines to help support these tiny little primates. Excellent gin and a chance to help out those gorgeous tarsiers… we’ll have another bottle, please!
Size: 70cl
ABV: 40% - 45%
Special treat: Use the code ‘THREEDRINKERS’ to get 10% off orders over £30
Find here: £34.99 - £37.99
Persie Gin
This wonder is located in Perthshire up in Scotland. What I love about them is the approachability when it comes to their offerings AND the charitable focus they have on helping vulnerable cats and dogs. Every Christmas thousands of animals are purchased as a novelty and then just discarded. By supporting this company you are actively helping combat that, all while tasting some bloody great gin.
The range itself is split into two categories – ‘Distillery Originals’ and ‘Charity Releases’. Let’s start with the originals, Zesty Citrus, Herby & Aromatic and last but not least Sweet & Nutty Old Tom. Each one caters to a particular taste preference (or like me, just get all three and play with different tonics until you find the perfect match).
Then there are the charity bottles which go right back to helping our lovely furry friends. The pussycat vodka entices a velvety and silky smooth mouthfeel, with a kiss of herbs and black pepper, and with a variety of charity dog gins/gin liqueurs to choose from, each paired to the personality of three pups; Labradors, Spaniels and Dachshunds, you really are spoiled for choice!
Size: 50cl - 4.5L
ABV: 23% - 44%
Fine here: £25 - £299
Inspirited Gin: Create Your OWN Gin
With so many different gins out there, personalisation really is the future and Inspirited have hit the nail on the head with their ‘create your own’ discovery where you can create your very own bottle complete with unique botanicals. Yep, you choose your own spice, fruits, citrus, floral, nutty and exotic botanicals to distil up a creation that you and you alone have decided upon. There’s a growing number of experiences like this, but Inspirited is top of the game. They also offer a fantastic range of gins that are well worth checking out for some inspiration before you make your own!
Size: 70cl
ABV: 37.5% -57.1%
Find here: £31.99 - £49.99
Mistral Rosé Gin
From the beautiful lavender lands of Provence. 12 botanicals including local wonders such as thyme, basil, mint and eucalyptus create this lovely pink gin. I’d say this works wonders with more Mediterranean themed tonics. If you can’t travel to the sunny slopes of Provence given the impending global doom this year, and, probably next, you may as well drink them instead. Elegant, full of juicy flavours and perfect with a slice of pink grapefruit as a garnish.
Size: 70cl - 4.5L
ABV: 40%
Find here: £38 - £265
Oxford Artisan Distillery
These folks are pioneers of total creativity and are often seen in the news having come up with yet another whimsically delish creation. From Christmas pudding Rye and Rye Absinthe to Madeira Vodka and Ver Viola Gin, they’ve got it all. These folks are perfect for your friends or relatives who love something on the curiosity (yet bloody tasty) side – or simply for yourself if you’re looking to add a little vibrancy to your spirits collection.
Size: 20cl - 70cl
ABV: 22% - 70.5%
Find here: £20 - £70
Northern Fox Gin
YORKSHIRE! – Okay, I’m a little biased based on the location, but once you try the gin you’ll be converted yourself. With a selection of 6 perfectly crafted imbibes, there’s a little something for everyone here too. The Yorkshire Dry and Pink gin are both a treat, but if you’re looking to venture a little more niche check out the Liquorice Root, Yorkshire Honeyberry or Yorkshire Citrus styles too! Wait, there’s more… they even have a Roasted Coffee Gin. So if you’re torn between buying single origin coffee beans or gin for someone who loves both… your dilemma has just been solved.
Size: 50cl
ABV: 40% - 45%
Find here: £34 - £36
BEAUFORT SMOKED SIPPING GIN
Here’s something a little bit different and for all the right reasons. Inspired by Heston Blumenthal, Beaufort Spirit have created a ‘whisky barrel’ smoked water as part of their Smoked Sipping Gin. Szechuan pepper, pink pepper and citrus oils combine once poured to give the illusion of gunpowder smouldering in the glass. At 57% this gin certainly passes the ‘gunpowder’ test and has taken its place as the new ‘big smoke’ in town. Definitely one to discover if you like sipping gins.
ABV: 57%
Size: 500ml
Find here: £40
Salcombe Gin & Seamist liquid garnish gift set
The award-winning Salcombe Distilling Co. has launched ‘Seamist’; a unique liquid garnish inspired by the South West coast to elevate your favourite festive cocktails. Handcrafted with red grapefruit, coastal botanicals and Cornish sea salt, a small spray of Seamist over your drink is designed to transport you to the South West shoreline and the crisp aroma of its salty sea air.
Size: 10cl Seamist 70cl Salcombe gin
ABV: 60% Seamist 44% Salcombe gin
Gift idea: Find Seamist alone for £22 for 10cl or treat someone to a luxury gift set with both the ‘Start Point’ gin and the Seamist liquid garnish for £55.
Find here: £22 - £55
Mooze low alcohol and low calorie gin - ABV 12%
A great concept from founder Mel Sims, this is a much lower alcohol (and therefore calorie) gin than the usual suspects of around 40% ABV. It does a great job at keeping the mouthfeel, crispness and botanical flavour of a full proof gin too and is a perfect way to be a little more mindful about your consumption. It’s also vegan, sugar and sweetener free so all in all, that’s 36 calories for a double Mooze & Tonic compared to 154 for a regular double G&T plus less of a hangover. Win-win.
Size: 70cl Mooze alt gin
ABV: 12%
Gift idea: Can be sent to your recipient without pricing.
Find here: £24
Thinking about Christmas wine, vodka or whisky? Then don’t forget to take a look at our vodka, wine and whisky gift guides!