Drinks writer Will Coldwell recently produced a list of his top ten gins. Here is the list of his favoured tipples:
- Tanqueray No.10
The flagship gin of the 183-year-old distillery, Tanqueray No.10 is made with handpicked fruit and botanicals, with a delicious hint of juniper and coriander. Distilled under the watchful eye of Tom Nichol, the refined tasting Tanqueray counts numerous celebrity fans, from Snoop Dogg to Rita Ora.
- BLOOM London Dry Gin
A pretty jewel-cut bottle containing a delicate, summery gin. Bloom uses a demineralised spring water and a range of unusual botanicals, including chamomile, pomelo and honeysuckle – the effect is sunshine in a glass. It’s worth noting that it goes unusually well with strawberries.
- Bols Genever
Produced by one of the oldest spirit companies in the world, Lucas Bols, this is a malty tasting gin that pre-dates the London Dry and American gins. The Dutch drink is a relaunch of an old recipe and should be enjoyed straight or on the rocks, so go easy on the tonic.
- Monkey 47
The number 47 says it all for this award-winning German gin; it refers not only to the alcohol volume but also to the number of botanicals it contains. The unique, woody tasting gin would make the ideal gift for a gin aficionado – this is definitely one for cocktails.
- Williams Chase London Dry
Great with tonic, this flowery, fragrant gin is full of cinnamon notes and a spicy liquorice aftertaste. The well-balanced drink is distilled from vodka that was distilled from organic cider, hence the hint of apple within the citrus flavours.
- Berkeley Square
A very fine gin with a light lavender aroma and a taste that takes in black pepper and lime. Perfect in a martini with a twist and equally good with a slosh of tonic. It’s pleasingly dry and comes in a bottle that makes it look like a retro aftershave.
- Sacred Gin
The product of an acclaimed micro-distillery based in north London, Sacred Gin may have been in the running for only four years but it’s already notching up plenty of praise from connoisseurs. The delicious gin, made from 12 botanicals is the labour of love of its founder and former city worker Ian Hart.
- Portobello Road Gin No.171
A traditional London Dry Gin, No.171 hits you with the juniper before settling in with bitter citrus flavours and the delicate, sweet touch of liquorice. The handmade, beautifully labelled bottle is made in small batches by the eighth-generation distiller Charles Maxwell.
- Sipsmith London Dry
Another player in the new wave of award winning micro-distilleries, Sipsmith managed to hit the nail on the head with this classic yet perfectly balanced gin. The light, fruity and dry spirit is perfect for a summer G & T.
- Greenall’s Gin
Greenall has been making gin for 252 years, so it knows a bit about its trade – and it shows. It may be inexpensive but it has some interesting botanicals: cassia bark, ground almond, coriander and lemon peel. The flavour is rich, creamy and mild.
Source: The Independent (http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/the-10-best-gins-8732585.html)
