Gin brands: list, names, photos and reviews

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Many people know gin as juniper vodka. This noble drink is a descendant of rustic and sweet jenever. In the alcohol market you can find quite a lot of its types and brands. Gin enjoys good popularity in European countries, in the USA, as well as among our compatriots. This drink has a long history that began in England back in the 18th century.

Since that time, many companies have appeared that produce it, and at the same time a large selection of brands. The gin drink is sold not only by well-known brands, but also by little-known ones, so it is sometimes difficult for beginners to navigate when standing in front of the counter. We will try to alleviate the difficulties of choosing and sort everything out on the shelves.

From our article you will learn what popular brands of gin are and why they are remarkable. For a more visual picture, the list of drinks will be presented in a rating format, compiled taking into account the opinions of specialized magazines and consumer reviews.

Gin brand list:

1. Gordon's.
2. Beefeater.
3. Bombay Sapphire.
4. Tanqueray.
5. Booth's.
6. Gilbey's.
7. Plymouth.
8. Greenall's.

Let's consider each drink separately.

Gordon's

According to the British, Gordon's is the best brand of gin. The brand firmly holds the first positions in the thematic ratings and has been a favorite drink not only for the inhabitants of Foggy Albion, but for the whole of Europe for almost a hundred years.

The godfather of this brand of gin (photo above) is considered to be Alexander Gordon. After years of searching for the perfect alcoholic drink, the previously little-known Scot finally got his legendary recipe, which is still kept in the strictest confidence.

Only 12 people are aware of all the chemical details of the production of this brand of gin. But some ingredients of the recipe still surfaced. Lemon, orange peel, coriander, juniper, licorice and angelica are known to be added to the drink.

The distillation of this brand of gin lasts about 10 days. The drink does not contain sugar and any modern synthetic impurities. Judging by consumer feedback, Gordon's taste is so good that it does not need to be masked to hide flaws, as less successful producers of this type of alcohol do.

Beefeater

This is another English gin brand with a long history. Back in 1862, the entrepreneur James Barrow, already well-known in his circles, introduced his first Beefeater. Until 1994, the gin brand, along with the company, belonged to the descendants of a businessman, but later, the large alcohol concern Pernod Ricard bought a controlling stake and made publicthe secret recipe, or rather the ingredients used.

On the official resource of the company, the composition is described in some detail. It includes juniper, licorice, lemon flakes, angelica, violet, orange and other ingredients. The only thing that is not specified is the proportions, which, in fact, is the main component in cooking.

All additives are properly soaked before the distillation procedure, and again according to the proprietary recipe, which allows you to get the original flavor. Consumers in their reviews note that the taste is as deep and rich as possible. The gin is bottled in Scotland and from there it is already shipping all over the world.

Another distinguishing feature of "Beefeater" is a different fortress. Virtually all of Europe drinks 40% gin, while the United States prefers the stronger 47% gin.

Bombay Sapphire

The brand of gin, although it refers us to the times of the East India Company, has been produced for only 30+ years - since 1987. The brand is wholly owned by Bacardi Corporation. She also developed the recipe for this drink.

In addition to 100% grain alcohol, gin includes almonds, juniper, cassia, angelica, violet, licorice and other ingredients. The procedure for distilling the drink is performed not in the usual copper containers, but in branded Caterhead cubes. Spices and herbs are placed in special mesh baskets so that the alcohol is saturated with additional flavors.

Consumers leave alcohol forumsonly positive reviews about this brand of gin. The drink has an original and light set of floral bouquets, and the specific aroma is very difficult to confuse with any other brand.

Tanqueray

"Tanqueray" is a prominent representative of the alcoholic beverages of Foggy Albion, but, oddly enough, the brand has been successful and has been recognized not in the Old, but in the New World - in the United States. Judging by the reviews, the British do not buy this gin as often, unlike the Americans, who go crazy for it and consider it divine and extremely refined.

The drink, like Gordon's, was named after its creator, Charles Tanqueray. The entrepreneur started with a small production in London's Bloombury back in 1830. After receiving the recipe and public approval, the brand began its journey to the High Society.

The drink is obtained by double distillation, where branded spices and herbs are added. What ingredients are included in the composition is still not known, but sommeliers identify angelica, juniper, coriander and licorice in it.

Gin brand "Tanqueray", depending on the markets, may vary in strength, but does not fall below 40% and does not rise above 47.3%.

Booth's

This is one of the oldest brands of gin, the recipe of which has survived to this day. Judging by the ship documents of that era, the export of "Boots" began to be established in 1740. The father of this brand, Philip Booth, was not only engaged in the production of alcohol, but was also a traveler.

Moreover, he financed expeditions with the proceeds from the venture. Buta Bay, Felix Harbor and other toponyms were named after him. One of the main features of this brand is the aging of the drink in specially treated oak barrels, in which sherry was previously stored.

Thanks to this mixed technology, the drink is not discolored, but golden yellow. Consumers in their reviews note the refined and rich taste of gin, which is very difficult to confuse with another brand.

Gilbey's

Another signature brand of gin that owes its name to Sir W alter Gilbey. The young aristocrat, returning from the Crimean War in 1857, together with his brother Alfred, organized a small production of wines, and subsequently marketing. Some time later, in 1872, the brothers already had a large distillery at their disposal, where, among other drinks, gin was also produced.

Gilbis recipe is still kept secret, even the ingredients are not disclosed. Reviews about the drink are only positive. It has a rich aroma, the bouquet of which cannot be confused with other brands. Gin "Gilbis" gained particular popularity in North America and the Philippines.

Plymouth

The history of gin began at the end of the 18th century in a Dominican monastery. At first, "Plymouth" was called every gin that came down from the winery in the English city of Plymouth. The brand was not a brand, so it was protected not by name, but by origin.

But beforeToday, only one plant has survived - Black Friars. He also duly formalized the rights to the brand, which he sold in 1996 to the Pernod Ricard concern. This gin is easily recognizable by its branding, where each bottle features a monk in an 18th century cassock.

Plymouth brand is slightly sweeter than other "London dry" drinks and has an "earthy" flavor. Such an original taste is achieved due to the high content of the roots of various herbs. Judging by the reviews, this brand is preferred mainly by women, considering it the most pleasant and not as tart as other similar drinks.

Greenall's

By the middle of the 18th century, Thomas Greenall had his own brewery and began to try and develop recipes for stronger drinks. Together with Thomas Dakin, who also had his own production, they began to comprehend the winemaking craft. The result of this was the unification of enterprises, and in 1870 the Greenalls brand saw the light of day.

Neither the recipe itself nor the production technology of the drink have changed since those times and have come down to us in their original form. Naturally, the company keeps all the details of making gin in the strictest confidence. It is only known that selected herbs are soaked in grain alcohol for a more subtle transfer of taste and aroma of the drink. Judging by consumer reviews, it turns out to be rich, pleasant and unique.