21 of the best gins to drink in 2021
Gin is the spirit of the moment — and the tipple of the summer. Here, we've rounded up our favourite gins to try in 2021...
Words: Izzie Price
Gin. It’s a word to savour, isn’t it? After all, there are few other softly-spoken syllables that can conjure up associations of lovingly handcrafted botanical infusions, endlessly experimental flavours and those delectable new tonics that have forever transformed the gin-mixing landscape.
But it’s not only the word you should be savouring. Gin, for close to a decade now, has remained the ‘spirit of the moment’, and we don’t see that changing any time soon. So, as all the new infusions and variations being released can make it tricky to keep track, we’ve rounded up our selection of the best gins you can sample this year. Raise a glass to the 21 best gins for 2021!
Portofino Dry Gin
In short, this is the perfect summer tipple. From the heart of the Italian riviera, this delectable spirit features 21 locally sourced ingredients from the glamorous hills of Portofino: we’re talking marjoram, delicate lavender and a touch of floral iris and rose. If you can’t get to Italy this year, this is the perfect alternative way to experience that sublime Italian air: and we can safely say that the gin is pretty delicious, too.
Barra Atlantic Gin
Named for its location on Scotland’s most westerly, wild and wonderful isle, Barra Atlantic Gin sings with the influences of its surroundings. Its main botanical is red ‘Carrageen’ seaweed, collected wild from the shores surrounding the island — which gives the spirit a slightly salty tang to temper its windswept herbal notes.
Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin
With over a third of the 47 botanicals hailing from the Black Forest, this is a gin with purity, earthiness and sheer natural excellence at its heart. The ingredients are handpicked, and prepared in the softest of spring waters (again, originating from the Black Forest): and it wouldn’t be Monkey 47 without the piece de resistance Black Forest-sourced cranberries infusing every particle of this rejuvenating spirit. Enjoy with a tonic, or in a more involved cocktail: either way, we guarantee you’ll enjoy.
OPIHR Black Lemon Arabian Edition
A later addition to the 2021 gin slate, OPIHR’s exotically-bottled new release has arrived just in time for autumn. The sultry citrus tang of black lemon may sit front-and-centre on the palate, but the real appeal of this spiced spirit is to be found in the background; a symphony of warming ‘Timut’ pepper, savoury paprika and tingling earthiness. A welcome wintry alternative to summer’s lighter, more sprightly gins.
Roku Gin
It’s got to be one of the most striking bottles on this list — and that’s saying something. But the six-sided Roku Gin (‘Roku’ means ‘six’ in Japanese), the first and only gin distilled by Japan’s legendary Suntory distillery, delivers on its bold branding. Using six unique botanicals — including sakura leaf for spring, sencha tea for summer, sansho pepper for autumn and yuzu peel for winter — it’s an intoxicating embodiment of Japan’s vibrant seasons.
Chase Seville Marmalade Gin
Were you wondering when we’d introduce a marmalade-flavoured gin into the mix? The preserve seems to have become inseparable from the spirit of late — but for good reason. As the ever-brilliant Chase knows, the crisp and zingy flavours burst delightfully into the spirit. And, with a generous helping of ice, some quality tonic and an orange slice, this makes the ideal serve for those long, balmy summer evenings.
AMASS Los Angeles Dry Gin
We really are taking a tour around the world; but such is the all-encompassing, versatile power of gin. In the case of AMASS, lucky imbibers will be transported to the bountiful Californian landscape. The 29 botanicals that make up this divine brew stem from the rich terroirs of the City of Angels itself, and include indigenous Californian ingredients like California bay and Cascara Sagrada.
London No. 1 Original Blue Gin
And we’re back to the UK faster than you can say “Cheers!”. We’ve got Charles Maxwell to thank for this delectable offering; quadruple-distilled in London, the delicate flavours include cinnamon, bergamot and gardenia — and that discernible blue tint adds an irresistible aesthetic appeal to this tantalisingly tempting bottle.
Berry Bros. & Rudd Pink Grapefruit & Rosemary Gin
Gin’s full-boded flavour pairs with practically anything; and Berry Bros. & Rudd have capitalised on its talent for versatility with this bottling. They’ve stayed true to their innovative form by pairing a bittersweet citrus with a fragrant herb — and the result will transport any drinker to dizzying new heights of gin-based delight. Throw in a sprig of rosemary, and it’s summer in a glass.
Malfy Rosa Italian Gin
Grapefruit makes a triumphant appearance here; but this time, it’s paired with the often woefully under-appreciated rhubarb. The grapefruit’s Sicilian origins give an undeniable Mediterranean air to this delightfully bottled offering — so, when you feel as though you’ve been suddenly transported to the Italian hills after just one swift sip, you’ll have Malfy to thank.
Tarquin’s Blackberry and Honey Gin
Who doesn’t love Tarquin’s? This bombastic bottling begins as a treat for your eyes before your tastebuds — with that deep crimson colour enough to tempt even the most scathing of gin sceptics. And the flavours don’t disappoint, either; with a delightful candied quality courtesy of wildflower honey, and a satisfyingly dry finish to offset any saccharine sweetness.
Beefeater 24 London Dry Gin
Boasting 12 natural ingredients, including orange peel, Chinese green tea and liquorice, this Beefeater gin is distilled under the omniscient eye of Desmond Payne: one of the most experienced gin master distillers in the world. The result is chirpily upbeat, long on taste and guaranteed to blow any remaining lockdown cobwebs away. Also, that bottle? Phwoar.
Abelforth's Bathtub Gin
The brown paper, string and wax may look a little Dickensian, but make no mistake: this is a gin at the very top of the modern drinks-mixing game. Bringing the traditional ‘cold compounding’ infusion method back from the dead, it carries flavours of juniper, orange blossom and cinnamon, among others — and the result is part-triumphant concoction and part-window onto the past.
Hepple Gin
English hedgerows spring to mind here; and with them, all the fragrances, aromas and natural beauty for which they are so well beloved. Hepple hails from Northumbria, and this gin carries associations of the most beautiful of British summers. With aromas of fresh green apple and spicy juniper, as well as pine and raspberry, this is a fresh, fruity delight from start to finish.
FEW Barrel Gin
We’re off to Chicago with this one. A scintillatingly innovative offering, FEW Barrel gin is a bottling that spends four months ageing in flavoursome oak barrels. The renowned artisanal producer then decants the smoky, evocatively amber coloured gin into bottles — where it is distributed around the world to satisfy even the most demanding gin aficionados.
Death's Door Gin
Let’s stay in the US for one gin-soaked minute. With a base spirit of wheat from Washington Island and malted barley from Wisconsin, Death’s Door is a truly American gin. Compared to many others spirits, it goes fairly easy on the botanicals, with juniper, coriander and fennel taking centre stage. But less is more — and these few flavours pack more than enough punch.
Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin
Produced in the beautiful Surrey Hills, this delectable offering takes its name from the spring-fed pool on the Albury Estate. It’s sharp, it’s sweet, and it’s zesty. And, if that sounds like a flavour contradiction, prepare to be proved wrong. Rare, exotic citrus has been beautifully counterbalanced with subtle spices to create this gin: and the result is a lively, refreshing spirit perfect for the British summer time.
Cotswolds Baharat Exotic Gin
Don’t be fooled by the Cotswolds brand name; this small batch gin is about as exotic as they come. ‘Baharat’ can be translated to ‘blend of spices’: and this gin sits on a foundation of juniper and coriander, before a subtly spicy blend that includes cinnamon, cardamom and clove throws fuel on the fiery flavour. Try sipping on its own, or as a longer drink with tonic or soda.
Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin
From The Shed distillery in Ireland, this explosive offering is as bold as clear spirits come. But it’s not all fire and brimstone. The signature botanical, Gunpowder Green Tea, is gently complemented by delicate overtones of star anise, meadowsweet and Kaffir limes. Bold it may be: but this is a complex spirit with layer upon layer upon tasty, tasty layer.
Land of Saints Organic Gin
If gin is the talk of the spirit town, then organic gin is the loudest topic of conversation. This natural spirit has seen a phenomenal boom in the past few years; and Land of Saints is leading the charge. Certified as 100% organic by The Soil Association, this dazzling brand has produced a smooth, refreshing gin with floral notes and fruity overtones. Do the planet a favour, and pour yourself a glass.
Mermaid Gin
We’ve got the Isle of Wight to thank for this delightfully natural tipple. Continuing with the ‘eco’ theme, The Isle of Wight distillery have committed to working towards a no plastic, zero carbon future. These natural priorities are evident in the flavours of this gin: distilled from ten botanicals including locally sourced elderflower, Boadicea hops and even locally foraged rock samphire.
Kyrö Gin
We’re off to Finland with this delightful dram: voted ‘World’s Best For Gin & Tonic’ in the past at the International Wine & Spirit Competition. And we can see why. This gin has a sweet, herbal aroma that gives way to a full-bodied, herbaceous taste — peppered with strong, discernible notes of spice and rye. It’s at once subtle and powerful; a gin to savour.
Distilled Old Tom Gin
Last does not mean least. Originally discovered in an 1840s distiller’s handbook, this exemplary gin stays true to its roots by using only classic Victorian musks and spices for botanicals. Commercial sweeteners? Not a trace. Instead, enjoy a sublimely earthy, complex gin with long-lasting herbal notes and a sweetness that lingers without overstaying its welcome. Add some high-quality tonic and a sprig of rosemary, and this is as genuine as gin comes.
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