gins

8 Interesting World Gins To Try

interesting world gins to try the three drinkers

Although the British Isles is considered the home of gin, this article is a love letter to a unique collection of eight interesting gins from other world nations that are currently getting noticed. Let’s call it ‘Around the World in Eight Gins’!

Although some may be harder to find than others, once experienced, it won’t be hard to see why each is so highly regarded by judges and why they stand out in the global gin market because of local terroir, botanical herbs, fruit, flowers, or in recognition of their innovation and craftsmanship.

Our tour of these world gins begins in Spain, where gin drinking was first taken to legendary new heights back when gin and tonic was turned into an art form.

GIN MARE MEDITERRANEAN GIN (SPAIN)

GIN MARE MEDITERRANEAN GIN (SPAIN)  interesting world gins to try the three drinkers

Gin Mare is an iconic spirit brand, characterised by its savoury Mediterranean-inspired botanical profile of Spanish Arbequina olives, Greek thyme, rosemary from Turkey and Italian basil. The perfect gin to manage the emotions, this heady herbaceous gin gets you into a holiday spirit. As its aromas heighten the senses, you’re mentally transported to a place in the sun where vistas of azure blue sea brush with mother nature’s herbal bounty and coax you to taste the sunshine. As their marketing states: the Med is more than a place, it’s an attitude.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42.7%
Find here: £37.50

MONKEY 47 SCHWARZWALD DRY GIN (GERMANY)

MONKEY 47 SCHWARZWALD DRY GIN (GERMANY) interesting world gins to try the three drinkers

Monkey 47 is named after its 47 botanicals (including lingonberries) many of which are sourced from Germany’s Black Forest. What’s special about this dry gin is the obsession with variety and innovation. They’ve fine-tuned a production process involving maceration, batch distillation, percolation and oxidisation. The local water used is soft and high quality and the handcrafted final product is bottled at a healthy 47% ABV. The custom-made, decanter-style bottles are dark glass to keep the exotically aromatic liquid protected from harmful ultraviolet rays. The gin is crisp, citrus-forward, reassuringly heavy and, as you’d expect, complex enough to please a true gin enthusiast’s curiosity.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 47%
Find here: £41.95

DOROTHY PARKER NEW YORK GIN (USA)

iDOROTHY PARKER NEW YORK GIN (USA)  nteresting world gins to try the three drinkers

Deemed by some as the best American floral gin, Dorothy Parker Gin from the New York Distilling Company is made using a blend of traditional and contemporary botanical ingredients including juniper, elderberries, citrus, cinnamon and hibiscus petals. Although the floral notes are prominent, this is still very much a proper gin. The cinnamon spiciness develops wonderfully and is fantastic in gin cocktails.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 44%
Find here: £34.75

FOUR CORNERS AMERICAN GIN (USA)

FOUR CORNERS AMERICAN GIN (USA)  interesting world gins to try the three drinkers

Made ‘from America’, this all-American gin is handcrafted using ingredients crisscrossing all four corners of the United States including wild juniper from the Pacific Northwest, yerba santa from the Mojave desert to Maine cranberries and wild cherry bark from Florida. The wide variety of botanicals works in harmony to showcase the best of the nation’s regions in one glass. It’s a terroir gin that celebrates the diverse and vast, iconic landscapes of the country. This gin was created to be a true taste of America and celebrated its success when it won double gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: $43.99

AMAZZONI GIN (BRAZIL)

AMAZZONI GIN (BRAZIL)  interesting world gins to try the three drinkers

The gin boom in Brazil is in full swing. Made at the first dedicated gin distillery in Brazil, Amázzoni Gin includes five botanical ingredients unique only to Brazil that shine alongside more traditional gin botanicals. These include cocoa, Brazilian chestnut, maxixe (a local cucumber-like vegetable) water lily and cipò cravo, a native flower similar to clove. It’s naturally earthy, floral and has some spice. A must-try.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £37.25

GEELONG GIN (AUSTRALIA)

GEELONG GIN (AUSTRALIA) interesting world gins to try the three drinkers

Adelaide-based Australian Distilling Co’s Geelong Gin out-tasted 60 gins from some of the world’s greatest gin brands this year when it won the overall Best of Class Platinum Award at the 2024 International SIP Awards. Proudly parochial, this uniquely Australian dry gin champions local ingredients to taste of the community that inspired it with overtones of raspberry sweetness to balance its peppermint gum and black pepper flavours. A story of innovation waiting to be discovered, Geelong is designed to be paired with a basil garnish in a G&T served as an aperitif.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42.7%
Find here: $83.00

ROKU GIN (JAPAN)

ROKU GIN (JAPAN)  interesting world gins to try the three drinkers

In Japan Roku means ‘six’ and each bottle of Suntory Roku Gin is infused with six uniquely Japanese botanicals that ripen throughout the year. Celebrating all four seasons of Japan, harvests occur at the peak of their season or “shun”. They include floral cherry blossom (sakura flowers are handpicked in Spring), and herbal Sencha and Gyokuro teas (plucked in Summer). In autumn it's time for the spicy Sansho pepper and winter is when the zingy yuzu fruit bursts into ripeness. Celebrate the bounty of nature, and careful craftsmanship and experience a year in Japan in every sip. Garnish with thin slices of ginger in a gin and tonic.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £31 (£25 Clubcard Price)

INDLOVU PINK GIN (SOUTH AFRICA)

INDLOVU PINK GIN (SOUTH AFRICA) interesting world gins to try the three drinkers

Don’t poo poo this South African gin until you’ve tried it - it’s made using elephant-foraged botanicals, yes, ingredients eaten - then excreted - by elephants. Despite a varied diet, elephants only digest around 50% of their food which leaves a rich variety of pre-foraged plant life including roots, bark, fruit, flowers and seeds behind for reuse! To make Indlovu Pink Gin (Indlovu means elephant) the dung is collected by hand, GPS coordinates and date of collection noted, then dutifully washed, sterilised and dried for distillation with other ingredients including prickly pear. “The Bare Necessities of life will come to you” and give back as 15% of profits are donated to the Africa Foundation to support wildlife conservation. A gin that encapsulates the spirit of Africa and dares to be different is never to be forgotten. The circle of life.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: R369.00

So, the question is, how adventurous a gin lover are you? What flavours from around the world will you be adding to your home gin collection next and how much will you enjoy sipping these diverse gins that are so deserving of your attention? Happy sipping!

By Robbie Jerram

robbie jerram drinklusive the three drinkers

The Best Gin for Under £25

the best gin for under £25 the three drinkers

It seems like there are more gins than ever before, but you absolutely don’t need to break the bank to taste the best.

More so than any other drink, gin bottles draw us in with their beautiful designs and enchanting botanical breakdowns. From classy London Dry classics to exciting new flavours, it’s a daunting proposition picking out a new gin. Of course, many of the more expensive gins absolutely justify their price, but a great deal don’t, and when times are hard, this is frustrating.

For under £25, these gins deliver the quality of many, many bottles double the price. Some are household names that have stood the test of time, others are more innovators, but they all deliver botanical bliss. Let’s dive in.

Gordon's Special London Dry Gin

Gordon's Special London Dry Gin the best gin for under £25 the three drinkers

Possibly the quintessential British gin. It is used in countless numbers of G&Ts every day and for good reason. In the signature London Dy style, it brings dense triple-distilled botanical flavour with strong clean juniper notes – exactly what you want. The heavily guarded recipe has barely changed since 1769 but with so many awards and purchases, why would they? Also, their alcohol-free gin is worth checking out!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £15.99

Tanqueray London Dry Gin

Tanqueray London Dry Gin the best gin for under £25 the three drinkers

Another heritage brand, Tanqueray originally began in London in 1830 before being almost destroyed in the Blitz. Just about surviving, it moved production to Scotland where it remains today. Their flagship London Dry is distilled four times with a classic botanical base of Tuscan juniper, coriander, angelica root and liquorice. The juniper is less bitter than most, blending with soft lemon sweetness instead. Big, zesty and full of flavour.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.3%
Find here: £21.49

Marylebone London Dry Gin

Marylebone London Dry Gin the best gin for under £25 the three drinkers

Award-winning gin from The Pleasure Gardens in London, this is a wonderfully fresh and floral gin buzzing with lemon balm, lime flower and clean zinging juniper. It’s got a kick at 50% ABV, but a surprisingly pretty palate as you may have imagined from those botanicals. Citrus is never far away and neither is florality. Smooth, elegant and so flavourful.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50.2%
Find here: £21.65

Brecon Botanicals Gin

Brecon Botanicals Gin  the best gin for under £25 the three drinkers

Brecon is made in Wales at the Penderyn Distillery but, as symbolised by the label, it uses botanicals from across the world. Complex bergamot and soft citrus make way for a kiss of oriental spice before everything is swept away and cleansed by the super crisp and clean finish – you’ve got the nearby national park’s water to thank for that possibly. It’s won some big awards so pour it over ice, tonic and lemon slices and taste what all the fuss is about.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £23.65

Broker's Gin

Broker's Gin the best gin for under £25 the three drinkers

The first gin to be awarded 98 at the renowned Ultimate Spirits Challenge, and all for under £25. The 200-year-old distillery uses traditional copper pot stills to transform a band of ten botanicals including classics like angelica root, liquorice and cassia into such a beautiful liquid. The brand goes out of their way to mention that there are, ‘no frills and no peculiar ingredients’ – it’s simply harmonious balance for a touch of herbaceousness, a slight creamy texture and soft orange and lemon. Full-bodied and fresh.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £23.94

Crawshay Welsh Dry Gin

Crawshay Welsh Dry Gin the best gin for under £25 the three drinkers

This is another classically assembled gin – or at least it tastes that way! Very few people know the 15 botanicals used at Hensol Castle, but the result is a fabulously well-rounded profile led by woody juniper. Flowery hints intertwine with bright citrus and leave you with a pristine mouthfeel. Premium for the price.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £24.40

Crafter's London Dry Gin

Crafter's London Dry Gin the best gin for under £25 the three drinkers

Something a little different here with Crafter’s, made in the Estonian capital of Tallin. It’s a legendary gin with generations of secrets and expertise involved, including six different botanicals being separately and individually distilled. The end result is a characterful bouquet of Nordic plants starring veronica and fennel seed, a floral and herbaceous mix with enchanting aromatics.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £23.68 (usually more!)

East London Liquor Co. Gin

East London Liquor Co. Gin the best gin for under £25 the three drinkers

Big, creamy, spicy and perfect for asserting itself in a Martini, East London Liquor’s gin is an absolute delight. The botanical selection is a classic line up of juniper, angelica, coriander, lemon peel and grapefruit, but it’s the warmth of the cardamom and cubeb that comes through most notably. The slightly creamy oily mouthfeel is to die for too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £24.45

Mielikki Premium Dry Gin

Mielikki Premium Dry Gin the best gin for under £25 the three drinkers

This Northumbria dry gin is named after the ancient Finnish goddess of the forest, a theme that continues after you begin sipping too. Elderberries, cassia bark and bold juniper come to the fore, supported by aromatic hibiscus and rose and soft pink peppercorn spice. Floral, citrus and spice, working majestically in tandem – superb.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £24.70

Hayman's London Dry Gin

Hayman's London Dry Gin the best gin for under £25 the three drinkers

Hayman’s’ family 150-year-old family recipe was repackaged in a new beautiful bottle in 2018, along with a beefing up of the alcohol. Production also moved, now only four miles away from where everything began. Awards have been plentiful since, praised for its stunning smoothness and softly integrated alcohol. Expect a strong backbone of orange and lemon citrus, bold piney juniper, coriander spice and a hint of herbaceous fennel. It’s an all-rounder that works a treat in every gin cocktail.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.2%
Find here: £23.75 (usually more!)

 

That’s your gin covered, but how about some tonics to match? Have a look here for some of our favourites!

8 Gins to Watch Out for in 2024

the three drinkers 8 gins to watch out for in 2024

Alongside Dry January, there was also Ginuary for those of us still heartily sipping away. Gin has been massively popular for years now, with a steady stream of botanical beauties focusing on sustainability, local ingredients, unique terroir, and innovative, fresh flavours. It helps that the bottles tend to be easy on the eye too.

But, as with any drinks trend, there are some not so impressive bottles sneaking in. With another gincredible year ahead of us, these are some of the bottles we really enjoyed this Ginuary to look out for in 2024.

Sassenach Wild Scottish Gin

sassenach the three drinkers 8 gins to watch out for in 2024

We’ve featured some of the Sassenach portfolio a few times because it really is one of the finest ‘celebrity drinks’ going. If you don’t know, it’s the passion project of Outlander star Sam Heughan (aka Jamie Fraser). It’s a London Dry style that brings together 8 Dumfries and Galloway botanicals for remarkable freshness with rhubarb, bramble leaf, crabapple, toasted oats, and heather to name a few. The juniper heart is stunning. From the bottle to the last sip, everything about this gin is stunning.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £44.90

Greater Than Broken Bat Gin

greater than broken bat gin the three drinkers 8 gins to watch out for in 2024

The winner of the Gin Guide Awards for India last year, this is a really interesting London dry style gin because it’s infused with toasted Kashmir willow... sourced from broken cricket bats. The resulting notes of mellow, woody vanilla intertwine with a little sweet spice for a distinct sipper that, at 47%, won’t go unnoticed. More Asian botanical based gins are expected in 2024, and this could be one of the most popular.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 47%
Find here: £36.95

Sir Edmond Gin

sir edmond the three drinkers 8 gins to watch out for in 2024

This is an incredible smooth Dutch gin with that has picked up some of the most prestigious awards going. If you like vanilla, then you will love this because Réunion Island vanilla takes centre stage alongside prominent juniper. The fundamental botanical backdrop (angelica and cardamom) lay in the wings alongside the warmth of ginger and cinnamon for sweet and earthy gem.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £38.82

Henstone Rosè Gin

henstone the three drinkers 8 gins to watch out for in 2024

There is so much going on with this gin, which goes some way to explaining its emphatic victory in the highly competitive British category at Gin Guide Awards last year. First off, and what hits you on the nose, the oak. It’s aged in American oak giving a richness normally associated with whisky. These earthy woody notes carry a little spice with coriander and cardamom, and in terms of Rosé, expect less berries and more vanilla florality.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 44.9%
Find here: £38.50

Blackeye Gin

blackeye the three drinkers 8 gins to watch out for in 2024

Behind this gin are rugby legends Alex Payne, James Haskell, and Mike Tindall, and £1.50 from each sale goes to the Blackeye Rugby Fund to aid research and recovery. It’s citrus forward this one, with a scrum of botanicals from some of the world’s biggest rugby playing nations. It’s even got a secret ingredient don’t you know! For a citrussy G&T, there’s not much better.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £35.95

Sky Wave Signature London Dry Gin

sky wave the three drinkers 8 gins to watch out for in 2024

If you’re into gin, then there’s a good chance you’re on board with Sky Wave already, but if not then 2024 is the year for it. A craft distillery from two adventures in Oxfordshire, they celebrate the places they’ve been as well as their home country. They’ve just had a premium rebrand that looks stunning, but more importantly the liquid inside is amazing. Winning gong after gong, their signature London Dry is zinging with crisp and tangy notes and balanced sweetness with locally foraged blackberries and raspberries. It used to be 500ml, but now it’s 700ml, which you will be very grateful for after that first sip.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £41.84 (usually more!)

Ukiyo Yuzu Gin

ukiyo the three drinkers 8 gins to watch out for in 2024

Yuzu has been one of the botanicals blazing a trail for Asian gins, and we expect that to continue because it is delicious. This Japanese gin makes the most of it, delivering a citrus explosion (similar to grapefruit and mandarin). The base spirit uses distilled shochu, which is redistilled with juniper, mandarin and of course, yuzu. Expect aromatic zest and elegant tang. One for summer.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £36.90

Broken Bones Old Tom Gin

the three drinkers 8 gins to watch out for in 2024

This is one of the best Old Toms we’ve tried. Distilled in Ljublijana, Slovenia, it focuses on local juniper and a big hit of floral botanicals with rosehips and linden flowers. Slovenian honey is added for signature Old Tom sweetness, and it is just so difficult not to love the final expression. Serial award winner, bright with florality and citrus, a little juniper spice – nom. It costs a bit more than most at 500ml, but it is so worth it, honestly.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £44.49

These are the gins we think have a big year ahead of them, but of course there are many more that we loved last year. If a classic G&T is your go to, then what about these beauties?