Gin Part 1
 

Best Gin

 

The Fifty Best Gin Tasting 2023


The Tasting:
The Fifty Best held a "blind" tasting of 37 gins (Traditional/London Dry, modern/contemporary, botanical) with twelve members of our spirits judging panel. Strict tasting rules were applied. The order of service was established beforehand by lottery. The gins were poured into fresh glasses from new sealed bottles, and served at slightly above room temperature. Only ice water, unflavored unsalted crackers and chips were available to cleanse the palate.

The judges wrote down their impressions of each product on score sheets. The scoring was done on a 5-point system, with 5 as the highest. Double-Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze medals were awarded according to a set range of final point scores received from the judges. Medals are provided based entirely on merit and only to products judged worthy of such award.

The tasting notes that follow are summaries of the judges’ opinions, with all replicated commentary eliminated. The distilleries, states, countries of origin and alcohol proofs are identified for each brand. Clicking on the brands' names will link to their websites.

DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL WINNERS

Lux & Umbra London Dry Gin
(Middle West Spirits, OH) 84° prf

Nose: Lemon, Meyer lemon, lemon peel, lime, citrus, dried citrus peel, orange blossom, lavender, jasmine, bubble gum, cucumber, cut grass, fresh juniper, floral juniper, juniper bark, pine, Christmas tree, cardamom, white pepper.
Palate: Lemon, lemon verbena, sweet verbena, lemon pastry, cream, honey, mango, carrot, lavender, violet, lemongrass, juniper, spicy juniper, dried herbs, dried leaves, cardamom, clove, peppercorn, green peppercorn, tree bark, mineral.
Finish: Juniper, floral, Juicy Fruit gum, carrot, saffron, angelica root, cinnamon, sweet spice, spicy, pink peppercorn, mineral, classic gin, soft, creamy, silky, tasty, lovely.


Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal



Lux & Umbra London Dry Gin



NDC New Zealand Native Gin
(The National Distillery Co., NZ) 88° prf

Nose: Lime, sweet lime, citrus, watermelon, cucumber, celery, juniper, fresh piney juniper, juniper berry, Danish pastry, spice cake, mint, grass, dried leaves, saffron, fresh.
Palate: Crushed lime, sweet lemon, lemon marmalade, lemon cream, honey, apple, apple pie, sweet pastry, dried peaches, bubble gum, carrot, grain, juniper, juniper berry, sandalwood, apple pie spices, cardamom, clove, faint cinnamon, spicy, pink peppercorn, peppery, mineral, limestone.
Finish: Lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, citrus, carrot, anise, juniper, vanilla, ginger, eucalyptus, clove, white pepper, spicy pepper, lingering spice, resin, funky, yum, tasty.


Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal



NDC New Zealand Native Gin



James Bay Distillers Seattle Dry Gin
(WA) 80° prf

Nose: Ripe lemon, lemon rind, lemon zest, lemon verbena, orange, tangerine, citrus, light lemon cream, lightly scented watermelon, honey, pastry sugar, taffy, juniper, dried lavender, mint, herbs, herbal, sandalwood, sweet spices, spring meadow, snow, complex.
Palate: Lemon, lemon/lime, lemon zest, orange peel, citrus, sweet citrus, lemon cream, melon, honey, roses, juniper, cracked juniper berry, grain, anise, root, dried mint, menthol, herbal, fresh cut grass, piney, pink peppercorn, limestone, mineral, smoky, delicate, soft, silky, very pleasant.
Finish: Lingering lemon, lemon rind, lemon skin, green grapes, lavender, dried lavender, touch of juniper, winter mint, herbal, anise, cumin, talc, stone, wet stones, smooth, mild, light, breezy.


Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal



James Bay Distillers Seattle Dry Gin



Bayab African Rose African Grown Gin
(Midlands Distillery, So. Africa) 86° prf

Nose: Lemon peel, verbena, orange, tangerine, citrus, rose, rose petals, rose water, lavender, mixed florals, juniper, pink peppermint, spearmint, clove, earth.
Palate: Lemon zest, lemon verbena, lemon bar, citrus, watermelon, mango, peach, roses up front, lavender, violet, mixed floral, perfumy, fresh juniper, cracked juniper, vanilla bean, anise, menthol, clove, baked spices, nice mouthfeel, creamy, complex, bright.
Finish: Orange, citrus, orange marmalade, lemon pastry, honey, fresh apples, fresh violet, rose, juniper, herbs, anise, cinnamon, pink Himalayan salt, velvety, a sipping gin.


Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal



Bayab African Rose African Grown Gin



Harry Blu’s Gin
(Craft Spirits of South Florida, FL) 82° prf

Nose: Orange zest, tangerine, Orange Tang, sweet marmalade, lemon zest, lemon, lime, mild grapefruit, honey, overripe banana peel, cherry, dried cherry, stone fruit, watermelon, rose petals, rose, herbal, herbal juniper, floral juniper, bursts of juniper, ginger, yarrow, umami, fresh, rich.
Palate: Orange, orange rind, orange skin, orange peel, sour orange juice, sweet tangerine oil, citrus oils, Grand Marnier brandy, orange candy, orange zest, cherry, blackberry, flowers, juniper, cracked juniper berry, lemongrass, pineapple spice, cinnamon Red Hots candy, cardamom, clove, peppery.
Finish: Concentrated orange, trace of lemon, lemon zest, citrus, pear, honey, vanilla cream, violet gum, resin, juniper, mint, dried herbs, saffron, cinnamon, spicy, white pepper, peppery, complex, nice, creamy, smooth, drink neat.

Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal



Harry Blu’s Gin




Martin Miller's 80 Proof Gin

(UK) 80° prf

Nose: Lemon, lemon curd, lime juice, citrus, pink lemonade, Sprite, blueberry, watermelon, watermelon rind, dried cherry, Juicy Fruit gum, bubble gum, gummi bears, cinnamon candy, Wrigley’s spearmint gum, spearmint, rosewater, floral, cucumber, juniper.
Palate: Lemon, lemon verbena, orange peel, orange hard candy, honey, strawberry, tropical fruit, dried cherry, sweet fruit gum, Hubba Bubba bubble gum, orange blossom, jasmine, floral juniper, cracked juniper, sweetened herbs, dried herbs, hint of anise, soft peppermint, lemongrass, peppery spice, creamy.
Finish: Orange, orange peel, tangerine, lingering citrus, mango, strawberry, dried fruit, bubblegum, gummi bears, herbal, rose, hint of violet, dried flower, peppermint stick, vanilla, black pepper, touch of resin, clean, smooth, creamy, rich, very nice.

Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal



Martin Miller's 80 Proof Gin



Rutte Dutch Dry Gin
(Rutte Distillery, The Netherlands) 86° prf

Nose: Lemon, juniper berries, floral juniper, jasmine, violet, lavender, rosewater, floral, fresh herbs, sage, coriander, spearmint, lemongrass, grassy, sugarcane, rum.
Palate: Lemon zest, citrus, orange oil, bell pepper, juniper, juniper flower, floral hops, floral, rosewater, licorice, herbal, steeped tea, mint, lemongrass, clove, coriander, pink peppercorn, black pepper, spicy.
Finish: Lemon, lemon zest, citrus, violet, dried violet, rose, floral, juniper, vanilla, pistachio oil, mint, wintergreen, subtle cinnamon, black pepper, peppery, spicy, pine, nice, clean.

Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal



Rutte Dutch Dry Gin



Fundy Gin
(Still Fired Distilleries, Nova Scotia, Canada) 80° prf

Nose: Lemon, watermelon, dried cherry, cotton candy, rose petals, lavender, herbs, Earl Grey tea, juniper, jasmine, sandalwood, saffron, butter, vanilla cookies, wheat, grains, bran, dried leaves, myrtle, cardamom, cloves, middle eastern spices, cracked pepper, pine.
Palate: Lemon, lemon peel, juniper at the center, fresh juniper, spiced juniper, violet, jasmine, bouquet of flowers, dried flowers, very floral, herbal, lemongrass, evergreen, sandalwood, black licorice, cherry, cocoa powder, clove, cardamom, baking spice, white peppercorn, pink peppercorn, complex, snow melt water, creamy.
Finish: Long juniper, violet, dried flowers, mint leaves, dried tea, wintergreen mint, bitter herbs, carrot, cinnamon, cardamom, baking spices, pepper, white pepper, salty, minerals, wet stones, nice dry finish, drink neat, soft, smooth, elegant.

Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal



Fundy Gin



Cathedral Ledge Distillery Organic Gin
(NH) 90° prf

Nose: Lemon, lemon peel, lime pie, pineapple, melon, cherry, lavender, violet, hibiscus, floral, juniper, vanilla, pastry, lovely licorice, musty, aged old wood.
Palate: Lemon, lemon peel, lemon curd, apple, grape, lavender, vanilla, pastry, anise, black licorice, juniper, cracked juniper, herbal, tea leaves, cut grass, gentian, tarragon, cracked clove, baking spice, woody.
Finish: Lime zest, dried citrus, kiwi, raisin, honey, honey comb, floral, juniper, spiced juniper, fennel, anise, licorice, mint, wormwood, pepper, minerals, wet rocks, balanced, very intense.

Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal



Cathedral Ledge Distillery Organic Gin



GOLD MEDAL WINNERS

NDC New Zealand Dry Gin
(The National Distillery Co., NZ) 88° prf

Nose: Lemon, lime, lemon verbena, tangerine skin, lemon cream, Cheerios, juniper, spring violets, myrtle, floral hops, anise, peppermint leaves, cinnamon, pepper, cedar, caramel, leather.
Palate: Lime, lemon verbena, mango, carrot, gummi bears, honey, custard, caramel, juniper, anise, licorice, violet, lavender, rose, flowery, Earl Grey Tea, lemon tea leaves, dried leaves, clove, cardamom, cinnamon, baking spices, brine, sandalwood, oak, silky.
Finish: Sweet citrus, mild citrus, Sprite soda, honey, lavender, juniper, anise, licorice, eucalyptus, Fireball candy, cinnamon, hops, soft, rich, elegant.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



NDC New Zealand Dry Gin



Bayab Classic Dry African Grown Gin
(Midlands Distillery, So. Africa) 86° prf

Nose: Lemon/lime, lemon, lemon peel, lemon zest, tangerine, melon, strawberry, honey, lemon curd, lemongrass, fresh grass, fresh herbs, juniper, subtle juniper flower, licorice, bran, hops, mineral oil, light cream.
Palate: Lemon zest, citrus, berries, carrot, pastry, violet, dense juniper, herbal juniper, black licorice, mint, grassy, coriander seeds, clove, spicy, pink peppercorn, white pepper, black pepper, toasted pepper, peppery, creamy, easy going.
Finish: Dried lemon, lemon verbena, dragon fruit, vanilla bean, custard, floral, juniper, herbal, mint, eucalyptus, sweet spice, spicy, peppery, creamy, tasty.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Bayab Classic Dry African Grown Gin



Bertha's Revenge Small Batch Irish Milk Gin
(Ballyvolane House Spirits, Cork, Ireland) 84° prf

Nose: Lime, lime peel, lemon peel, lemon marmalade, Sprite soda, lemon custard, pastry, yellow cake, juniper berry, piney juniper, floral juniper, tea leaves, soft acacia, cucumber, celery, celery salt, baking spices, cardamom, cumin.
Palate: Lemon verbena, citrus, lemon pie, lemon cream, lemony eucalyptus, anise, juniper, herbal juniper, herbs, peach, berries, lavender, rose blossom, sweet spice, cardamom, clove, pink peppercorns, white pepper, chalk, red slate, well balanced, creamy texture, rich.
Finish: Lime, lemon zest, citrusy, juniper, zesty herbs, eucalyptus, sandalwood, cardamom, cinnamon, lemon pepper spice, pink peppercorn, semi-sweet, balanced heat and spice, creamy, serve with a twist.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Bertha's Revenge Small Batch Irish Milk Gin



Lucky Star Gin
(Coastal Bend Distilling, Co., TX) 80° prf

Nose: Lemon, lime skin, verbena, lemon cream, lemon custard, pastry dough, dates, almond paste, juniper, citrus blossom, white flowers, wet rose petals, leaves, fresh pine, soft smokiness, oak barrel.
Palate: Dried mandarin peel, lemon verbena, citrus, honey, cane sugar, peach, spicy apple, violet, rose water, floral, dried flowers, grassy, herbal, citrusy black tea, Earl Grey tea, juniper, vegetal, anise, fennel, licorice, yarrow, angelica root, pink peppercorn, toasted peppercorn, briny, viscous, silky, creamy, fun.
Finish: Lime, citrus, lemongrass, sugar, caramelized, cinnamon candy, fresh violets, cucumber, fennel, spearmint, dried herbs, dried leaves, white peppercorn, slightly spicy, resin, minerals, rocks, balanced, soft, a good sipping gin.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Lucky Star Gin



Vim & Petal Dry Gin
(Middle West Spirits, OH) 84° prf

Nose: Lime, sour lemon, pink lemonade, lemon curd, cherry, cherry blossom, honey, honeycomb, dates, strawberry jam, cotton candy, vanilla, nougat, butterscotch, sugar cookies, pastry dough, cocoa, cinnamon, lightly grassy.
Palate: Lemon, verbena, citrus, orange slices, tangerine, watermelon, sweet dates, purple grape candy, brown sugar, caramel brandy, vanilla, astry frosting, pastry, sweet grains, cocoa, black licorice, rose, floral, clove, white pepper, pink peppercorn, musky, viscous, round, easy drinking.
Finish: Toffee, caramel candy melts, vanilla bean, dark sugar, lingering honey, watermelon, herbal, winter mint gum, wintergreen, pistachio oil, saffron, cinnamon, red pepper, mineral, limestone, soft, interesting flavors.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Vim & Petal Dry Gin



Crostwater Gin
(Holywater Distillery, PA) 80° prf

Nose: Lemon peel, lime, citrus, lemon cream, cream, lemon cake, ripe banana, watermelon rind, strawberry, rose, rose petal, lavender, flower, floral, peppermint, weak tea, herbaceous, almond bark, nuts, black pepper, spicy, piney juniper, pine, earthy notes, tree bark.
Palate: Lemon, pith, citrus, banana, peach, Juicy Fruit gum, rose petals, floral, vanilla, pastry dough, wet cereal grains, wheat, anise, black licorice, minty, menthol, tea, grassy, dried grass, dried leaves, thyme, pepper, chalk, nicely balanced, creamy.
Finish: Orange peel, citrus, floral, tea, herbal, lemongrass, wintermint, eucalyptus, white peppercorns, red pepper, peppery, lingering, soft, smooth, round, dry, crisp, martini with a twist.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Crostwater Gin



Gothic Gin
(CA) 90° prf

Nose: Lemon, lemon peel, lemon zest, light citrus, melon rind, violet, orange blossom, herbal, cracked jasmine, anise, Earl Grey tea, juniper.
Palate: Dried lemon, sweet tangerine, citrus peel, anise, carrot, sweet creamy vanilla, grains, soft juniper, juniper flower, orange blossom, herbal, sweet tea, steeped tea, lemon spice, cinnamon, clove, pink peppercorn, peppery, spices, smooth, classic.
Finish: Juniper, anise, vanilla, pastry, cocoa, almond, violet gum, mint, white peppercorn, clean, fresh, classic finish, flavorful, martini – yes.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Gothic Gin



Martin Miller's Westbourne Strength Gin
(The Reformed Spirits Co., London, UK) 90.4° prf

Nose: Lemon, lime, lemon peel, lemon marmalade,lemon tart, crenshaw melon, dried cherries, rose water, lavender, citrus blossom, powdered sugar donut, juniper, lemongrass, pine sap.
Palate: Lemon peel, verbena, lemon marmalade, honey, peach, dried peaches, berry, cotton candy, rosewater, juniper, floral juniper, licorice, orris root, menthol, tea leaves, lemongrass, grassy, wheat, grain, clove, peppery, sweet, very smooth, tasty.
Finish: Lemon, lemon curd, orange, melon, violet, floral, steeped tea, black tea, dried oregano, clove, black licorice, spun sugar, sweet, spicy, creamy, tasty.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



   Martin Miller's Westbourne Strength Gin



Highclere Castle London Dry Gin
(Highclere Castle Spirits, England, UK) 87° prf

Nose: Lemon, citrus, honeycomb, juniper, floral juniper, herbal juniper, herbal, pine, spice, London Dry style.
Palate: Lemon, citrus, lemon cream, juniper, herbal juniper, cracked juniper, juniper flowers, violet, lavender, berry, carrot, anise, licorice, menthol, pine, cassia, quinine, spice, black pepper, peppery.
Finish: Sweet citrus, black currant, eucalyptus, pine, pink peppercorn, limestone, mineral, clean, silky, delicious.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



   Highclere Castle London Dry Gin



Petoskey Stone Botanical Gin
(High Five Spirits, MI) 80° prf

Nose: Lemon, lemon zest, pronounced lemon pie, citrusy, subtle tangerine, sweet cream, juniper berries, juniper, vegetal, dried crackers, grains, lavender, herbal, soft mint, grassy, fresh cut thyme, celery salt, sawdust, minerality, stone.
Palate: Lemon, tangerine oil, honeysuckle, rose, lavender notes, dried flowers, floral, floral juniper, spicy juniper, grassy herbs, herbal, anise, black licorice, mint, cardamom, pine, jalapeño, spicy, well blended, creamy.
Finish: Lemon, lime, honey, violets, mint, eucalyptus, walnut, pistachio oil, white peppercorn, peppery, cedar, chalk, mineral, stone, limestone, wet slate, super dry, complex, funky, flavorful.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



   Petoskey Stone Botanical Gin



James Bay Distillers Lochside Summer Gin No. 5
(WA) 80° prf

Nose: Lime/lemon peel, distant lime, dried orange, citrus, orange flower, light juniper, dried mint, mild wet grass, sweet spice, cinnamon bark.
Palate: Lemon, lemon curd, lime, lime skin, sweet orange, orange peel, apricot, clover honey, vanilla bean, juniper, rose petals, tea leaves, grassy herbs, anise, mint, menthol, clove, spices, white pepper, pink peppercorn, limestone, mineral, creamy mouthfeel, pleasant.
Finish: Orange peel, dipped dried orange, dried citrus, soft citrus, blackberry, vanilla, dark chocolate, dried flowers, coriander, lingering pepper, spicy, limestone, mineral, wet stone, delicate, silky.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



James Bay Distillers Lochside Summer Gin No. 5



Woody's Fairly Reliable Totally Mixable Gin
(Cantilever Bridge Distillery, MN) 80° prf

Nose: Lemon peel, citrus, lemon cream, honey, dried cherry cucumber, notes of celery, floral juniper, apple blossom, herbs, fresh mint, tea notes, rosemary, coriander, light cardamom, mineral oil.
Palate: Orange, orange zest, orange sherbet, lemony, verbena, dried lime skin, grapefruit peel, pastry frosting, almond bark, floral, violets, gentian, juniper at center, soft juniper, herbal juniper, pine, grassy, mint, anise, black licorice, black pepper, stone, minerals, dry wood, creamy mouthfeel, easy to drink.
Finish: Lime peel, citrus, dried fruit, Juicy Fruit gum, sweet juniper, juniper remains, violets, herbs, angelica root, bitter roots, pink peppercorn, white pepper, peppery spice, mineral, granite, wet stone, woody, earthy, soft, smooth, tapered, flavorful, easy drinking.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Woody's Fairly Reliable Totally Mixable Gin



Tiger Gin
(The Shropshire Gin Co., England, UK) 80° prf

Nose: Lime, herbal, fresh herbs, anise, grassy,dried flowers, berry note, rosewater, bark.
Palate: Lemon verbena, citrus, lemon curd, vanilla, juniper, violet, floral, botanicals, grassy, dried spice, spicy, pink peppercorn, peppery, tree bark, very approachable.
Finish: Lemon, juniper, grain, herbal, dried violet, cinnamon, floral talc, mineral, wet stone, well balanced, nice, silky.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Tiger Gin

 

 



Best Gin Part 2
Best Gin- Part 2

 

 

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