8 Must Try Savoury Gins

There can be no doubt that sweet and floral gins are dominant at the moment, but with gin’s popularity showing no signs of slowing, it’s savoury gin that distillers seem to be increasingly focusing on.

This far-reaching style swaps out the sweet citrus and berries for, well, savoury botanicals instead. Think saline, vegetal, herbal, and spicy notes! They make a refreshing difference from your usual fruity gins and are often some of the most unique tasting liquids out there, perfect for adding a new dimension to cocktails, or for savoury G&Ts! Without further ado, let’s dive into the best of them…

Opihr Oriental Spiced Gin

Opihr is the place where King Solomon bought his gold, silver, and spices from, and although no one knows where it was, it is linked to the ancient spice routes between East and West - it is this route that Opihir’s gins are inspired by. Scooping the top Master award at the 2018 Travel Retail Masters, this is a London Dry style gin with spicy twists. Moroccan coriander and Indian cardamom are pungent at the fore, but layers of punchy complexity are detectable with cumin (Turkey), angelica root (Germany), bitter orange (Spain) and peppery cubeb berries (Malaysia). Intense, spicy and with a loveable warm earthiness. You might find a sweet and citrusy mixer provides the perfect balance in a serving so try lemonade.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £27.74

An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin

Seaweed is a botanical we’re seeing more and more, and particularly in savoury gins of course. Irish Maritime makes use of not just one or two varieties, but five locally harvested seaweed species! Supporting these are a line-up of more familiar botanicals fronted by vegetal juniper for a touch of heat and lemon for some subtle sweetness. A true coastal delight that’s put together seriously well, try it with an elderflower tonic for a stonking savoury G&T.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 43.2%
Find here: £30.94

Seven Hills VII Italian Gin

A Gold medal award winner at the Gin Masters in two different categories, Seven Hills is super light and delicate gin, that isn’t as juniper heavy as some but carries self-assured herbaceous freshness. Blood orange and pomegranate impart some tang, chamomile and rose hip the florality, and from the celery and artichoke botanicals, some vegetal notes. Like the best savoury gins, it’s super unique and we’d recommend trying this one in a Negroni... it only makes sense!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £34

Audemus Umami Gin

Based in Cognac, we just had to visit French producer Audemus during The Three Drinkers in Cognac because we’re such a fan of what Miko is doing (and we needed help with our own gin-making in the series!). Setting up shop in his front room, Audemus is all about experimentation and bold new flavours. Many distillations fail (e.g., trout eggs) but some turn out amazing, becoming part of flagship gins. The stunning (and actually lightly savoury in itself) Pink Pepper is their most famous creation, but their oak-finished Umami is the savoury headliner. Sicilian caper distillate, parmesan and juniper front a blend that rests in ex-Cognac casks for a fabulously rounded profile. Umami is one of our five basic tastes, so to have it stimulated by a gin with such distinct flavours really is a must-try experience.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £34.99

Portobello Road Savoury Gin

One of the most beautifully designed gins on the market, Portobello Road’s Savoury Gin is a Corsica-inspired dream. Pleasantly complex, it’s herbaceous with rosemary and basil, bergamot brings citrus tang, and green olives and sea salt bring punchy salinity. In a world of sweet and floral gins dominating, this style is actually more reminiscent of traditional juniper-led gin and as such, has an incredibly refreshing and moreish taste. It's screaming out for a Dirty Martini.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £36.24

Pollination Gin

This is a really interesting, award-winning London Dry style gin that features a diverse blend of 29 botanicals, each from the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere, the area surrounding the Dyfi Distillery. Encompassing Snowdonia’s foothills, the Dyfi Forest and the estuary marshes, Pollination Gin punches with a bold herbaceous and floral profile, particularly the latter. Vivid images of summer meadows and pine forests come to mind with botanicals like wildflowers, aromatic leaves, dried fruits, almonds, conifer tips and beyond. If any gin will transport you into nature, it’s this.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 45%
Find here: £36.94

Black Tomato Gin

Roll up, roll up Bloody Mary fans. Tomato and vodka might be a more familiar combination, but how about tomato and gin? Produced in the Netherlands, homegrown organic black tomatoes are used with a few drops of sea water to create a completely distinct gin. There is satisfying richness to the fruit, sweet, sour and salinity are balanced perfectly, and the texture has a moreish viscosity and weight to it. Serve with Mediterranean tonic and some basil and prepare to surprise yourself.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 42.3%
Find here: £37.94

Gin Mare

One of the better-known savoury gins, Gin Mare is in that position for good reason. Reminiscent of a Mediterranean summer, this heady herbaceous Spanish expression features rosemary, thyme, basil in an aromatic palate, heaps of citrus zest and tart juniper. Delicately poised salinity, citrus, herbs, and warming spice intertwine for a stunningly crisp gin that leaves you with a clean feeling aftertaste. So classy and elegant, just serve with a lightly flavoured premium tonic because each botanical is distinct and waiting to be explored with this gin. Super food-friendly too by the way!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42.7%
Find here: £39.99

Plenty of the Indian gins have a savoury feel to them, so if you like some earthy spice in your gin then check out The Best of Indian Gin & Spirits!

Emma Watson Releases Wine-Inspired Gin

Whilst this may be the latest in a long line of A-list side hustles to enter the drinks arena, Emma Watson’s new Renais is in fact more familiar ground for her than you might expect.

Launched with brother Alex who boasts ten years in the industry, the two have revisited the region where their father Chris has owned vineyards for decades, Chablis… but not to make wine, to make gin!

The base spirit going into Renais is created from distilled grape skins and lees, many of which are grown on the family’s own vineyard. The botanical run down of Chablis Grand Cru grapes, linden flowers, cubeb berries and acacia honey are certainly striking for a gin, as is the focus on terroir.

At the launch, Alex commented on this process, saying, ‘I wanted to do something that no one had ever done: to capture the essence of a specific terroir, the uniqueness of Chablis, by drawing on the traditions, techniques and ingredients from the land, and embodying those characteristics in a gin.’

Meaning ‘rebirth’, the name Renais also hints at the sustainability behind the gin. Not only are reclaimed grape skins a centre stage botanical, but the stills are solar powered, the packaging is biodegradable mushroom, and any carbon emissions left are offset – something that has been officially certified by Climate Partner.

With expert wine production running through the family, a clear sustainable terroir-led vision, beautiful packaging and crucially, a deliciously modern, floral and vibrant gin, this is a celebrity-fronted drink that’s easy to get behind.

A limited inaugural run has been launched in May, with future batches coming in June priced at £45 for a 700ml bottle, and available direct from the Renais site, where you can also find some rather tasty looking cocktail concoctions made with it.

8 Stunning Gins Worth Seeking Out This Spring

We’ve selected a sumptuous selection of gins to awaken the senses like a spring day, with some glorious botanicals to gambol over your taste buds like a playful bunch of spring lambs!

Eight Lands Organic Speyside Gin

In the world famous Speyside in the heart of the Scottish Highlands hails the Glenrinnes Distillery, home of the fabulous award winning Eight Lands Gin. Made with pure Scottish spring water and 11 botanicals including their own foraged Sorrel and Cowberry this gin is beautifully smooth, packed with juniper, wonderful sherbet citrus notes and a lasting warmth. It's the perfect gin to welcome in the longer days! Gorgeous as a classic G&T with premium tonic and a swirl of orange peel or in a spring sparkling French 75!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £36.94

Lind and Lime Gin

Packed with a punch of lime and the pizazz of pink peppercorn, this gorgeous gin is as exciting on the inside as the beautiful bottle it finds itself in (hold on to that for some fairy light sparkle in your upcoming summer gardens!) Using organic limes hand peeled in their Leith distillery in Edinburgh amongst their 7 botanicals, and perfect Juniper dryness, you get a superbly refreshing citrus burst, beautifully balanced with the warmth and fruitiness of the peppercorns. Serve your perfect G&T with light Fevertree tonic, lots of ice and a slice of lime. 
Size: 700ml
ABV: 44%
Find here: £36.85

Beefeater Crown Jewel Gin

What better way to celebrate not only the arrival of spring but the coronation of King Charles III.  This iconic gin from the masters of their craft, is the essence of the perfect London Dry gin bursting with juniper but with the gorgeous addition of the brightest grapefruit peel. Not only does this gin look sumptuously regal but it is the perfect size to celebrate with friends, but only if you want to share! Get it while you can because this edition makes appearances as rare as meeting royalty! So smooth, and perfectly balanced it holds its own in a perfect martini with a twist of lemon or as a gorgeous G&T with lots of ice, premium tonic,  juniper berries and a wedge of grapefruit.

Size: 1 L
ABV: 50%
Find here: £55.75

Ginepraio London Dry Gin

This is a wonderfully fragrant organic gin reminiscent of the eruption of floral life in the spring sunshine! All the way from Tuscany, using 7 locally sourced botanicals including dog-rose, helichrysum, orange and lemon, this gin will burst onto your palate. With those sweet florals, the warmth of light spices and such refreshing citrus, your taste buds will be begging for more so why not transport yourself to some Tuscan sunshine? If it’s a refreshing G&T you desire, serve with premium light tonic, loads of ice and a lemon wheel but it’s also absolutely perfect in a Negroni!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 45%
Find here: £38.94

Persie Herby and Aromatic Gin

With the herbs in the garden starting to make an appearance, what better way to celebrate than with this glorious award winning savoury offering from the Persie distillery in the stunning area of Perthshire in Scotland.  With wonderfully aromatic rosemary, basil and bay leaves it has an amazingly rich and smooth mouthfeel leaving it lingering on your palate like the long evenings to come! It’s so smooth it’s ideal on its own over ice with some smashed basil leaves or try it with a premium light tonic, lots of ice and some hibiscus flowers.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £26.66

Sky Wave Liberation London Dry Gin

From the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, this Sky Wave edition has locked in some fabulous botanicals including raspberry, mallow, lemon verbena, lemon, lime and vanilla. Sounding like the perfect ice-cream this gin will bring joy to all who taste it! With that essential initial juniper dryness , complemented with warm spices it brightens like a beautiful spring day into that citrus from the lemon, lime and raspberry followed by that gorgeous sweetness from the vanilla. We can see why this gin has secured so many well deserved awards! Serve with a light premium tonic, lots of ice and a slice of red grapefruit. 

Size: 500ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £34.89

Barra Atlantic Gin

Born in the stunning Scottish island of Barra, this is an outstanding gin distilled at the family run distillery with 17 botanicals including the signature hand foraged Carrageen seaweed directly from the island’s breathtaking shores. It’s a wonderfully rich, deeply sumptuous gin with a spicy, salty, sweetness that will transport you from winter into the freshness of the island’s spring sea air. This gin is simply stunning in an equally stunning bottle! Each one is different and made from 78% recycled glass with a design reminiscent of the waves crashing on Barra’s beautiful shores. To make a great G&T, serve with a light premium tonic, plenty of ice and a wedge of pink grapefruit then sit back, relax and dream of the sea!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £32

Salcombe Start Point Gin

Distilled in Devon and as it states on the label this is an ‘Exceptional London Dry Gin’. We were fortunate enough to have a first bottling of this gin and it’s remained a gin-shelf staple ever since in the ‘third drinker’ household! Inspired by the exotic fruits brought into Devon in the 19th century this gin features fresh lemon, limes, and red grapefruit peel amongst more spicy offerings as well as classic juniper from Macedonia. It has everything you need to bounce you from the cold of winter into spring. Warming spices, piney juniper and that uplift of citrus will definitely bring you into the sunshine! This gin makes a marvellous dry martini, but works equally well with light premium tonic, lots of ice and a slice of red grapefruit.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 44%
Find here: £45

If you’re looking for other spirits to explore then have a read of our best sipping tequilas of 2023 recommendations!

8 Great British Gins for Celebrations

Gin is one of the most quintessentially British drinks so it’s no surprise that there are plenty of delicious tipples to select from. These eight, however, are bottles that have that extra special something fit for a celebration, be that the upcoming Coronation or, well, anything! There’s never an inappropriate time to celebrate with great gin after all.

Boodles British Gin

Since a 2013 rejuvenation, Boodles has been flying the flag for quality London Dry that doesn’t cost the earth. The recipe here actually dates way back to the 19th century, using botanicals like rosemary, nutmeg, sage and pronounced juniper.  Where Boodles stands out, however, is the lack of citrus which is usually a given for gins these days. This creates a far more herbaceous and aromatic palate that’s sublime over ice with a little premium tonic.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £24.90

Hayman’s London Dry – Limited Edition

Hayman’s bottles always look the part, but with this limited-edition coronation wrap they’ve outdone themselves. Dressed for celebration in Rose England-designed London-inspired wrapping, the liquid inside doesn’t disappoint. The 150-year-old family recipe is distilled by hand in the most traditional process possible, gently refining into a balanced gin brimming with fresh juniper, vibrant citrus, and a warming spice throughout. It’s made for the coronation, but what a lovely gift it would make for anyone moving to, or fond of, London too!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.2%
Find here: £26 Available in Waitrose

Dodd's Gin

Understandably, this gin has been voted in the Top 5 most beautiful gin labels in the world which is exactly what’s needed for a celebration. Named after Ralph Dodd who wanted to build a British spirit distillery in 1807 but never managed to, this is The London Distillery Company’s first gin produced only in London. All botanicals are organic and most, such as honey from The London Honey Company, are locally sourced. Juniper, angelica, fresh lime, cardamom, red raspberry leaf and laurel complete a gin that feels big and bright in flavour. There is also a very pleasant viscosity to the texture that fills the mouth with what is undoubtedly one of the most flavoursome British gins around.

Size: 500m
ABV: 49.8%
Find here: £27.99

Horse Guards London Dry Gin

If you’re after a coronation gin then this might be the one for you because Britain’s Horse Guards were formed by the last Charles on the throne, King Charles II back in 1661, and this same gin is supplied to the Household Cavalry to this day (after the riding is done we’re sure!). With classic botanicals of Juniper, Coriander, Cardamom, Angelica, Orange, and Grapefruit Peel, this is a simple, refined, and elegant expression of British London Dry style gin done really well.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £32.50

Silverback Mountain Strength Gin

Hampshire-based Gorilla Spirits Co. is behind this citrus-forward expression which uses 100% British wheat spirit and a fresh selection of botanicals including acacia blossom, lemongrass, calamus root, angelica, and sweet orange. The citrus has a gorgeous, sweet tinge and clean quality that tastes great, the juniper is piney, and the layers of flavours are subtle but deep. An orange slice is a must in your glass with either premium tonic, or Cardamom flavoured tonic. Also, £1 goes to helping endangered Mountain Gorillas so it’s more than just a name!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £35

Deck Chair Gin

Distilled along the English Riviera in Devon, this punchy aromatic tipple reflects the British summer with sunny orange, crisp pink grapefruit, and a surprising herbal finish. This is a versatile expression so if you want to bring out the citrus then pair with a Mediterranean Tonic, but if you prefer the aromatic notes, stick with straight down-the-line Premium tonic. If you popped all the awards this gin has won on an actual deck chair it would probably collapse, so see for yourself why it’s celebration-worthy!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 44%
Find here: £39.95

BH1 Gin

Packaged in a charming vintage exterior, BH1 provides something a little different with a more savoury expression. As you might have guessed if you know your south coast postcodes well, this recipe was thought up in Bournemouth and includes fruity orange and pink grapefruit, warm spices like clove, cinnamon and star anise and fragrance from chamomile, nigella seed and almonds, amongst others. It is tastefully crafted for precision balance, drifting between zippy citrus, welcoming floral notes, fruity sweetness and comforting spice. Bravo!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £39.95

Adnams Coronation Gin

Adnams have produced this herbaceous number to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III, with the official emblem front and centre of a sophisticated bottle. There are only 1000 numbered bottles, each containing a gin that emulates the English herb garden (a hint at The King’s well-known green fingers). Think green herbs like rosemary, thyme, basil and parsley amongst fresh cucumber and cleansing tea. This is as herbaceous as gins get so if you’re into that, this is the jackpot.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £50

If you want more drinks to enjoy the coronation with (or for any celebration!) then check out another one of Britain’s finest – Sparkling Wines and we mustn’t forget Buckingham Palace’s very own Coronation gin!

The Ultimate Mother’s Day Drinks Guide

Mother’s Day is nearly here which you no doubt already knew (most of you anyway ;)) so if you’re wanting to gift some drinks that are a little bit different from the same options every year, look no further.

For whatever drinks Mum likes, we’ve got our briefcase full of options open and ready for your perusal. Wine, gin, whisky, rum, Irish cream... there’s even mead! A glass of these on the big day from you and you’ll earn serious brownie points.

For the wine loving mum

Pasqua - ‘Hey French You Could Have Made This But You Didn’t’

The Pasqua family have been pulling together classic white wines in the Soave area of Venito since the 1920s, but this bottle expresses them best, living up to the bolshy name. Designed by CB Hoyo, the striking label is 100% gift-worthy and as soon as you set eyes on it, you know you’re in for something distinct. Inside is a blend of vintages from 2015 to 2018 and the complexity is remarkable, with light freshness and floral notes pinned down by strong structure. Think fruit-forward peach, mandarin and subtle zest with a rounded comforting finish hinting at nuts and freshly baked bread. Unique and definitely worth gifting this Mother’s Day.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £32 Harrods

Specially Selected Fleurs D'eau Sparkling Brut Rosé

Aldi’s sparkling range is seriously underrated, and this perky blend is full of fruit with juicy melon and pear on the nose and a delicate and superbly balanced dry palate of strawberries, redcurrants and a little honey. Each sip feels harmonious, and is bound to make Mum’s Day!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £7.99 Aldi

For the gin loving mum

Mirabeau Rosé Gin

One of our favourite gins inside and out, Mirabeau kicks off with the familiar botanical base (juniper-forward, angelica, coriander, orris, citrus) but then comes the showstopper. Local Saint Tropez twists of Provence including rosemary, thyme and bay and of course, their splendid Classic Rosé distillate elevates this to the next level. So, satisfying, glamorous and brimming with fresh fruit and florality. It’s the cheapest way to transport your Mum to the French Riviera this Mother’s Day!

It's a cocktail game-changer too, as we discovered here!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £28 Waitrose

Whitley Neill Banana & Guava Gin

This is Banana & Guava gin that’s eye-catching for different reasons. Bringing summer forward, this is a smooth and refreshing gin for Mum’s with a sweet-tooth. The guava is juicy and tropical, the banana is ripe and distinct, but the overall blend carries itself with a sophistication and balance you might not initially expect.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.3%
Find here: £26 Tesco

For the whiskey loving mum

The Three Drinkers & Sliabh Liag - The Legendary Red Silkie Irish Whiskey

That’s right, we’ve worked with the wonderful Donegal distillers Sliabh Liag to produce a classic Irish whiskey that leans into our love of good wine. Velvety rich liquid carries plush red fruits from Pomerol barrels in Bordeaux, and it’s all wrapped in very subtle smoke with a little candied orange and caramel. Humble brag, but we think we’ve made something very special (Sliabh Liag did all the hard work of course!). Oh, and £1 from every purchase goes towards the amazing mental health charity My Black Dog!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £49.99

For the rum loving mum

Depth Charge Spiced Rum

This is powerful Caribbean rum with oodles of flavour. Lime and mandarin bring fresh and zippy citrus to the core, but baking spices linger on the tongue moreishly too. It’s the opposite of forgettable with great vibrance – cola notes, peppercorn, orange, caramel, vanilla and a citrus streak throughout holding it together. There’s so much to explore neat over ice, but its versatility means it’ll be a hit with your usual rum mixers. A guaranteed hit for a Mum that likes spiced rum that’s for sure.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £23.95

For the Irish Cream loving mum

Coole Swan Cream Liqueur

In a nutshell, this is white chocolate Irish Cream – I know right? Decadent Belgian white choc, single malt whiskey and fresh Irish Cream combine for the pinnacle of decadence. It’s unbelievably velvety with surprising balance given the sweetness. Serve it chilled or as a special Mother’s Day treat drizzle it over cheesecake for a truly indulgent dessert.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 16%
Find here: £26 Tesco (£22 Clubcard Price!)

For the Cocktail loving mum

Vineyards Peach Bellini

If you’re planning a Mother’s Day breakfast in bed offering, then why not start the day with some fizz for that special touch? Sweet peach fizzes in this crisp and refreshing ready to go Bellini. A smile in a glass and lovely way to start the day!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 4%
Find here: £3.15 Tesco

Raspberry Mojito

If you’re short on time, then don’t look down on these super affordable cans of Raspberry Mojito. They’re perfect for a refreshing fruity blend with raspberry and lime tang, but still have that cocktail style to add the extra touch on the big day. You could even be sneaky and pour it into a tall glass – would anyone know?

Size: 250ml
ABV: 5%
Find here: £1.95 Morrisons (Buy 4 for £6)

For the cognac loving mum

H by Hine VSOP Cognac

H is a delicious VSOP Cognac from one of the region’s oldest houses, Hine. A blend of over 10 Grande and Petite Champagne eau-de-vie, this smaller bottle will leave any Cognac loving Mum wanting more – but there’s always her birthday! Apricot, acacia, white pepper and iris can all be picked up when exploring this floral nectar that brings modern craftsmanship to a heritage brand... just as the bottle suggests.

Size: 200ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £20.95

For the mead loving mum

Gosnells Mead Tasting Box

Yes, there are mead loving mums, and they’ll be sure to appreciate the country’s top mead brand, Gosnells. This stylish set includes four different meads using bees from various urban and rural areas, and a booklet guiding you through the process and how the taste is affected. You also get four honey tasting pots as well! If you’re looking for a slightly unique gift, this is it.

Find here: £35 4 x 500ml mead bottles + 4 x 30ml honey pots

For the No-Low loving mum

Belvoir Elderflower & Rose Presse

We love Belvoir for their beautifully packaged and wonderfully crafted range of fizzes and cordials – I mean just look at this. It well and truly has the special feeling that some non-alcoholic drinks can fail on. It’s a Mother’s Day twist on their adored Elderflower Pressé with fresh lemon, freshly picked flowers and rose petal extract for delicate and 100% natural sparkling water. It tastes as delicious as it sounds – if not more and has gift written all over it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £2.25 (usually more!)

REAL Dry Dragon Sparkling Tea

Another striking bottle, this kombucha uses Dragonwell Green Tea for a fizzy delight that’s kind of similar to Prosecco, but arguably a lot lusher. It’s one of the crispest liquids out there, with no artificial sweetness and a really elegant profile. It also has some health benefits too so it looks amazing, tastes great and it’s good for you!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £8 Waitrose

LA Brewery Rose Infused, Sparkling Kombucha

People are just loving kombucha right now so here’s another lovely bottle. The best of Devon’s white rose petals are infused alongside wild elderflower for a deeply floral and delicately poised dry liquid, that refreshes as much as it tantalises. It’s got fun fizz and just the right touch of acidity to be a great Mother’s Day white wine alternative.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £10

If you’re after more of an experience for Mother’s Day, then consider booking one of the many tasting trains cruising through the glorious British countryside.

The Best of Indian Gin & Spirits

India’s history with gin goes way back. In fact, India is the home of the adored G&T! Over the last decade, their production has really stepped up, leaning into the delicious fragrance of their tropical fruits and spices to make mouth-watering blends.

And gin is only half the story! Check out the best Indian gins below, as well as other spirits using those splendid Indian flavours.

Made in India

Jaisalmer Gin

This Indian craft gin comes from Radico Khaitan, the same producer behind Rampur whisky which we’ll get to in a bit! Produced at the foothills of the Himalayas, 11 botanicals create a welcoming fragrant juniper-forward gin. 7 of those botanicals are Indian, meaning there’s very pleasant spice and uplifting citrus from coriander, orange and lemon peel, cubeb pepper berries, Darjeeling green tea leaves and cardamom. It’s ideal for a bold and aromatic G&T.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £38.95 // US $54.89

Stranger & Sons Gin

This is a Gold Medal winner at the Asian Gin Masters for consecutive years now, picked out for its unique profile. Made in Goa on the Indian west coast, Third Eye Distillery uses home-grown pepper and coriander for a persistent spicy undertone, lifted by native Indian citruses like sweet Gondhoraj limes from Calcutta and Nagpur oranges. The warmth of sweet liquorice rounds it off beautifully. And the cherry on top, all used citrus is returned to be made into cordials or pickles so nothing is wasted!

Size: UK 700ml
ABV: 42.8%
Find here: £32.94 (usually more!)

Hapusā Gin

Nao Spirits bring us this Himalayan craft gin and we can’t praise it enough. Fully deserving of the Gold medal for Contemporary Gin at the World Gin Awards, the botanicals are a celebration of kitchen cupboard Indian ingredients like ginger, cardamom, turmeric, mango, coriander seeds, almonds and Gondhoraj limes. The mango and Gondhoraj in particular make this gin stand out from the rest, making for a super vibrant and tangy gin anchored by a subtle earthiness. We’d say keep to a plain good quality tonic for this one to give the botanicals room to shine.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £38.95 // US $43.99

Rampur Double Cask Single Malt Whisky

This Indian Single Malt is mostly matured in American oak bourbon as well as European oak sherry casks imparting sweet dry sherry spice, earthy vanilla pods and baking spice. If you love sweet well-rounded whiskies then this gorgeously packaged bottle is a must-try.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 45%
Find here: UK £59.95 // US $89.99

Amrut Fusion

Sipping on this delightfully complex whisky may throw up some reminiscence of Scotland, and that’s because the ‘fusion’ here is the combination of Indian barley and peated Scottish barley. The Amrut Distillery in Bangalore blends the two to layer up the mildly smoky peat with vibrant dried stone fruits, a little rich honey and a long spiced finish. The soft, smooth woodiness would make a gorgeous Rob Roy and it was voted the best whisky for just that in New York in 2012!

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 50%
Find here: UK £53.94 // US $76.99

Paul John Bold

‘Paul John’s Bold’ almost sounds like an aftershave, but it’s actually one of the best fully peated Indian whiskies around. Like Amrut Fusion, Scotland is involved and this time it’s Islay peat that makes its way over to Goa and dries out Indian barley. Honeyed oak and fruity coffee come to the fore with a gentle spice and subtle peaty finish. Great stuff from an intriguing producer.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £39.99

Flavours of India

6 O'clock Gin - Romy's Edition

6 O’clock Gin worked closely with celebrated chef Romy Gill MBE who we actually talked to on Episode 82 of the Bring a Bottle podcast! Ginger and lime are stalwarts of Indian cooking and here they’re infused with the juice of India’s national fruit – the mango. The spice is reserved, the fruits are rich and as a G&T with mango garnish, it’s in a world of its own.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £37.50

Love Delhi Gin

Love Delhi looks at a gin from the culinary perspective because it’s made by one of the most popular Indian caterers in the UK. Mango sits at the centre of the blend, alongside prominent rich juniper and pomegranate that counterbalance the spicy undertone perfectly. It’s a wonderfully tropical gin that really sings with a dash of tonic. By the way, if you ever liked Mumbai Gin then this is the rebrand!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £27.99

Crazy Gin Lassi

We just love sipping on this during Episode 86 of the Bring a Bottle podcast. The idea is simple – create an Indian-British drink in the same way as British-Indian food has come together so successfully. Turmeric, coriander, black pepper, cumin, and pomegranate add spice and bittersweetness, joined by creamy yoghurt (Lassi is an Indian yoghurt drink). The gin is also fat washed with ghee so it’s unbelievably smooth. We’d recommend trying it for a really distinct martini.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £39.94

Sollasa

Sticking with Indian food, this is a spirit specifically designed to complement just that. The ‘Manasollasa’ is a 12th-century Indian recipe book considered to be the first of its kind so that’s where the name comes from. A lovely gin alternative, it’s incredibly refreshing with mandarin, lychee, mint, and cardamom for a citrus-forward food-loving spirit. At just 20%, you can sip on it for a lot longer than other spirits if you’re eating something particularly fiery, and it will also add oodles of flavour to a cocktail without so much alcohol. Look at the bottle too! Stunning.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £27.59

The flavours on display here complement Indian food wonderfully, but if you want some other options including beer and wine to deal with those bold and spicy flavours, check out ‘What You Should Be Drinking With Curry’.

Buckingham Palace’s Coronation Gin with Windsor Raspberries

Never has there been more pressure on a tipple to be fit for a King, because the Royal Collection Trust has launched its official pairing with King Charles III’s coronation on May 6th.

Royal Windsor is a pink gin, infused with juicy raspberries grown at Windsor Castle for an inviting vibrant hue. According to the Royal Household, these bright berries are offset by the rounded spice of pink peppercorns and cassia bark, and an added touch of sweetness from orange peel and rose petals.

The late Queen Elizabeth II was well-known for enjoying a gin cocktail, with one of her favourite concoctions being a gin and Dubonnet with lemon and ice. The King is also very fond of a crisp G&T when on his travels, but for the Royal Windsor gin, the recommended serving is a generous pour of the show stealer with fresh muddled raspberries topped up with pineapple juice, which sounds gorgeously sweet and suitable for the summer around the corner come May.

This isn’t the Royal Household’s first foray into gin either, because in 2020 its London Dry, again made using palace ground botanicals, sold out in only eight hours and the sloe gin of last summer was a roaring success too.

The 38% ABV gin is officially available now for £38 here but is currently only shipping to the UK, Germany, New Zealand and Australia.

So if you’re a passionate Royalist and want the perfect spring sipper to celebrate the Coronation, or you’re just a gin lover looking for an excuse to try a lovely-sounding blend, grab yourself a bottle of Royal Windsor.

To read more about the other products launched by the Royal Household, click here!

12 Stunning Welsh Spirits You Need to Try

The range and quality of Welsh spirits are astounding, with master producers in every field. For some reason, it’s not always the first country on people’s lips when it comes to drinks so if you want to explore the finest Welsh spirits then we’ve got some belters for you below.

Whisky, Gin, Rum, Vodka, Liqueur, Vermouth – let’s dive in. Lechyd Da!

Whisky

Aber Falls Single Malt Whisky – Autumn 2021 Release

Sat in the shadow of Snowdon is Abergwyngregyn and the Aber Falls distillery. They’re new to the game having formed in 2017 and because of the pandemic, their inaugural release had to wait until 2021 – but it was worth it because it just might be the best value you can get from a whisky in the UK. It’s matured in a combination of Oloroso, Pedro Ximémnez, bourbon and virgin oak casks so you’ll notice generous doses of rich fruit and warming spice. The cherry on the cake is that local farmers are sourced for their Welsh barely with one eye always kept on sustainability. Bravo.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £24.44

Penderyn Portwood

This is Penderyn’s best whisky that justifies the price tag with every sip. Unbelievably smooth and light, rich and creamy notes of roasted nuts and chocolate blend with a resemblance of plum wine and a gorgeous jammy undertone. The initial ageing in Bourbon casks and second maturation in Port pipes has worked wonders. Simply sit back and savour over ice.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: UK £54.90 / US $84.99

Gin

Brecon Botanicals Gin

Hinted at by the illustration, this special gin (from Penderyn again) infuses botanicals from the four corners of the world. Strictly speaking, only the final stages are completed in Wales but it’s so good that we’re still including it. Joining the pure Brecon Beacons water is a beautiful bouquet of citrus and bergamot, oriental spice, and coriander. Award-winning for good reason and incredible value to boot.

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

Aber Falls Orange Marmalade Gin

Aber Falls might have a very remote setting, but we’re circling back there for their bold Marmalade Gin. It would have been easy to go overboard with the sweetness here but it’s balanced perfectly with punchy fresh range. It smells, looks and tastes absolutely divine and is developing a loyal fanbase already. It throws up so many interesting serves too, but ice, tonic and a slice of orange isn’t a half bad place to start.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.3%
Find here: £23.90

Hensol Castle Welsh Dry Gin

Tucked away in the cellar of the 17th century Hensol Castle is their craft gin distillery, and this benchmark London dry is the cream of their crop. It’s wonderfully refreshing with a seesaw of zest and floral notes from 11 locally sourced botanicals like lavender, marigold, and jasmine. Stunning.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £30

GWYR Gower Gin

Gower is a Welsh name with the original meaning of, ‘pure’, which is fitting for this gin. Juniper, lemon, pink grapefruit and fennel are the botanicals at play for a naturally crisp gin that manages earthy savoury notes and citrus sweetness so well. Full of flavour by itself, but try it with some ice and pink grapefruit tonic and it sings.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £37.95

Rum

Anglesey Rum Co. Skerries Dark Rum

Super smooth and deep in flavour, this is a delicious 100% pure cane molasses dark rum. If that wasn’t enough molasses, it’s also added after distillation is finished and the result is a really deep flavour with notes of chocolate, salted caramel and demerara sugar. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, it’s stunning with cola, but also give it a go in a Dark Daiquiri.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £38

Devil's Bridge Spiced Rum

Now that’s a gorgeous eye-catching bottle, and not just because of the plethora of awards on the side. The legend goes that the Devil built the bridge in Wales in exchange for the soul of the first person to cross! We’re sure he would have taken a bottle of this instead, it’s that good. Initially matured in bourbon barrels in the Caribbean, the magic is sprinkled in Wales with bara brith (spiced Welsh fruit cake) added, as well as Glengettie black tea and Shirgar Carmarthenshire butter... so make no mistake, it may begin miles away but this is a Welsh rum alright. Buttery and rich, there’s so much depth to the spice with no synthetic quality at all. Distinct and delicious!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £39

Bullion Rum

If you’re going to come out with a fully gilded bottle then it better be good, and there’s no sense of being underwhelmed here. Behind the glimmering gold is a selection of secret herbs and spices as well as salted caramel for a subtly sweet and warming tipple. It’s bold enough to enjoy on the rocks, but it’d be interesting to experiment with it in cocktails too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £39.95

Vodka

Benjamin Hall Vodka

For below £20, this is a must-buy. It’s to-the-point grain vodka with smoothness beyond the price point. It tastes really clean with none of the afterburn that scorches the reputation of cheaper vodkas and would be an ideal go-to for any vodka cocktails.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £17.95

Cream Liqueur

Merlyn Welsh Cream Liqueur

Let us introduce you to this mouth-watering Penderyn liqueur using malted barley spirit and fresh cream. It’s in the same vein as Bailey’s, but thicker and with a hefty kick. The quality of the spirit under the cream shines through for a liquid that feels lush rather than sickly sweet. This won’t last long, trust us.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 17%
Find here: £16.90

Vermouth

Still Wild Extra Dry Vermouth

Wild thyme, coastal herbs and a hint of seaweed are some of the cold distilled wild botanicals that flavour this Pembrokeshire vermouth. There’s a bold brightness to every sip and inviting but complex herbaceous and floral notes that run through. The slight salty finish is crying out for a crisp Martini.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 18%
Find here: £26

If you’re after a few more whiskies and aren’t afraid to cross over the border, check out our Top 10 English/Welsh Whiskies here.