The general trend in gin these days is to infuse it with ever more exotic botanicals and other unusual ingredients to make as distinctive a spirit as possible. However, New Amsterdam, a new gin from the E.&J. Gallo Winery in California (their first non-grape product), is more about subtlety.

The quintessential gin component juniper is suppressed in this "straight" concoction, which with its citrusy notes produces a lighter, cleaner, less "ginny" gin than you're no doubt used to. The name refers to the 17th-century Dutch settlement that became New York City and the modernistic bottle features a slice of the Manhattan skyline.

80

Gin

USA

80

Gin

USA

No.3 is the London Dry Gin distilled to a proprietary recipe of Berry Bros. & Rudd, London’s oldest wine and spirit merchant. The name No.3 refers to the address in St James’s Street, London: our home since 1698. No.3 was created to be the last word in gin for a Dry Martini.

'A Taste of Tradition': With juniper at its heart, it unashamedly celebrates the integrity and character of traditional London Dry Gin: three fruits and three spices distilled in traditional copper pot stills.

Three fruits: Juniper, from Italy, not only gives gin its name, but also the unmistakable gin taste of pine and lavender. Sweet Spanish orange peel provides freshness in the form of clean, crisp citrus. Grapefruit peel gives an extra zingy lift.

Three spices: Angelica root delivers an earthy quality and helps to make the gin dry. Moroccan coriander seed releases a lemon flavour and a spicy, slightly peppery finish. And finally, cardamom pods which add a spicy, aromatic, yet warm bite.

92

Gin

Holland

Start with a love of gin and a reverence for tradition. Add a vintner’s passion for quality, the modern sensibility and drive of two extraordinary young women, and the skill of a brilliant master distiller. Mix in an affinity for the underdog, topped off with American ingenuity and hard work, and combine them all in the unique, cosmopolitan and slightly roguish city of San Francisco.

No. 209 Gin, a small batch hand-crafted spirit with a flavor for the 21st Century.

What’s different about gin, than say, its more popular counterpart, vodka, is that each gin has its own personality with a distinct aroma, taste profile and finish. Vastly different from the juniper-heavy gins of the past, No. 209 opens with a beautifully aromatic nose of predominately citrus and floral notes with a hint of spiciness. First across the palette are the citrus high notes, with lemon predominate followed by a hint of orange. As the spirit warms in the mouth, delicate floral notes are liberated from the bergamot and coriander. Mid palette, there is a pepper-like warmth from the emerging cardamom and juniper with a wonderful counterpoint from the mint-like components of the cardamom. As the gin passes the palette, the cassia and other warm spice notes become prominent. The cassia in particular will linger in the aftertaste, encouraging another sip.

We take great pride in making a handcrafted, unique and intriguing spirit that is truly artisinal in quality. Whether you drink No. 209 neat in a martini or in a mixed cocktail, you will be able to tell that it is No. 209 and appreciate the difference that it makes.

92

Gin

San Francisco, CA, USA

Well, if you want to avoid that unpleasantry, then make it a point to purchase Plymouth Gin. It is excellent. First made back in 1793, Plymouth Gin is a grand old institution in Britain. Churchill soaked it up, as does the Royal Navy. To this day Plymouth makes their gin on an ancient site, a 16th-century Dominican Friary where Miles Standish and the Pilgrim stayed the night before they set out for America.

Plymouth Gin, at 82.4 proof, is a very smooth gin. How the folks at Wine Enthusiast ever could have said that it was "sharp, astringent, and heavy" I do not know. Plymouth Gin is triple distilled and it has a bevy of botanicals in it- juniper, coriander seeds, angelica root, orris root and cardamom.

Now you may be scratching your head and wondering, "Botanicals, schmotanicals- so damn what?" Well, I tell you about the botanicals because Plymouth isn't just smooth and inoffensive, it also has outstandingly flavor. This is rare. Plymouth Gin doesn't whack you with the piney juniper taste. No, it gives you hints of citrus, lemon or perhaps orange, and coriander and then a mild juniper flush. As you let it slide down your throat you sense a softness and certain, well, earthiness. Such balance

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84

Gin

United Kingdom

80

Gin

United Kingdom

Originally launched in America and Canada, and due to its success, is now available in Britain! Quintessence by definition is 'of purest form' and while most gins are distilled 3 times Quintessential is distilled 5 times with 5 botanicals. The extra distillations and unique process gives Quintessential a smooth, delicate and balanced flavour.

Distilled at the renowned G & J Greenalls Distillery in Warrington, the last independent, family-operated distillery in the UK. Gilbert Greenall carefully selected 'Q's' recipe for his private reserve because of it's extra smooth taste.

Q is distilled by the traditional method in a pot still with grain neutral spirit and 5 selected botanicals. The gin is infused with the flavours and aromas of these five botanicals. The first distillation takes place with juniper, coriander and angelica and for final distillation cubebs and lime are added.

90

Gin

United Kingdom

Ridge Distillery LLC, providing small-batch artisanal beverages from the heart of Montana's Rocky Mountains. The alpine herbs are carefully grown and harvested to capture the traditional essence of a century ago.

88

Gin

USA

www.ridgeherbs.com/

Tasting Notes:
Rogue Spirits released the first ever Spruce Gin, made with 14 ingredients in October of 2006

14 Ingredients:
Spruce, cucumber, angelica root, orange peel, coriander, lemon peel, ginger, orris root, grains of paradise, tangerine, juniper berries. Champagne Yeast, Grain Neutral Spirit & Free Range Coastal Water.

90

Gin

USA

A delicate, elegant style offering a rich flavor balanced with aromatics.

70

Gin

USA

Seagram's Orange Twisted gin is perfect for gin and tonics. The extra hint of orange accents the great refreshing gin taste.

70

Gin

USA

Lighter aromas have a crisp, zesty character. On the palate this is dry and crisp with hints of sweet zest and licorice. Finishes quickly, through cleanly.

80

Gin

USA

Clear. Pungent, aggressive citrus and juniper aromas. Very flavorsome with tart cut snappy spice and alcohol heat on the finish. Very persistent.

94.6

Gin

Scotland

Described as "sublimely fresh with depth and complex flavor and a mouth-feel that can only be described as unctuous," Tanqueray No. Ten is highlighted by flavors of grapefruit, orange and lime and mellowed by juniper and chamomile.

94.6

Gin

Scotland

Tanqueray has come out with a new version of their classic gin. Tanqueray Rangpur is distilled with Rangpur limes for a more subtle gin taste with a hint of lime. The gin is very smooth and excellent in martinis.

82.6

Gin

Scotland

The classics never go out of style. Handcrafted in Schiedam, Holland since 1891, Van Gogh Gin continues to satisfy the spirit lover's refined tastes - with an elegance critically acclaimed as the finest spirit in the world. Triple-distilled in small batches for a smooth, gentle finish, this delicate blended flavor of ten distinctive herbs and botanicals from Europe and Africa continues to enchant, year after year. This is the classic spirit, for the classic gin connoisseur.

Crafted to delight, distilled to perfection. Straight or mixed with other fine Van Gogh spirits, Van Gogh Gin always makes the Luxury Martini.

80

Gin

Holland

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