Compiling a list of my top 10 gins is almost impossible, as what I feel like drinking will change daily depending on my mood.
I enjoy gins that are different, but they may not be for everyone, so if you are looking to get into drinking gin or want to try something new, then this is a list of classic gins, which are excellent value for money and won't disappoint. All of these brands have a good range, including some flavoured gins, so there should be something for everyone in this list!
Are there other brands on my shelf which are worthy of inclusion in a top 10 list? Yes of course and I may be a little biased as I've visited most of these distilleries and they all have something different to offer and make excellent spirits. However, they are all good starting points for those new to drinking gin and wanting to learn a little bit more about the history and how gin is made.
Click on the links or photos to be taken to the brand websites or my reviews on Instagram.
The World's Most Awarded Gin
Beefeater London Dry Gin is made at their distillery in London, where you can also join a fantastic gin tour, which will take you through the history of gin, as well as show you around the distillery and give you the opportunity to try some of their amazing gins.
Available from Tesco from £14.00: Beefeater Gin
A fantastic gin to start your journey with juniper!
I've visited their Laverstoke Mill Distillery several times and still find it a fascinating tour, with the opportunity to try one of their cocktails in their bar and also browse their shop.
If you are driving, you can also request a takeaway G&T!
Available from Waitrose from £19.00: Bombay Sapphire Gin
A very understated brand and excellent value for money.
This gin really surprised me when I first tried it, so if you are looking for an affordable gin or one that is no fuss and what gin is really all about, then I can wholeheartedly recommend it.
I prefer their old branding, which looked a bit more upmarket and also told more of a story about their location (my opinion - you don't have to agree!) but the rebrand is certain to stand out on a supermarket shelf.
Their distillery bar can be visited if you are in East London and you can also book a distillery tour.
Available from DropStore from £22.00
Portobello Road Distillery is located in the heart of Portabello, where you can visit their bar or sign up to a gin making experience.
It's one of the first gin making experiences I went on and I can wholly recommend it for anyone who is wanting to learn more about not only the history of gin, but also the botanicals that are used in the making of gin. You make your own personal blend, which is kept on file and which you can re-order at any time or when you run out.
The make several small batch gins which you can buy direct from them as well or purchase at their distillery shop.
Available directly from The Distillery £25.00
A small sustainable distillery in the heart of London and great place to visit, be it just to check out their gin selection or also have a meal.
My favourite from their range is Mercato, but they are all excellent gins. Why not try their 5cl mini selection or a 20cl bottle which will give you more time to decide if you like it or not.
Slightly more expensive, but with the smaller bottle options, definitely one that I recommend you try!
Available directly from Jim & Tonic or Whisky Exchange from £18 for 20cl
Why not also try Jim & Tonic Roobee Gin - which is one of my favourite rhubarb gins. It's perfect for adding a splash to your Rhubarb Crumble!
My Rhubarb Crumble Recipe is on their website.
If you are passing by, then drop in for a drink at the bar at City of London Distillery, which is now the home of Whitley Neill Gin.
It is the first, and still the only, gin distillery in the City of London in 200 years.
There is an excellent range of City of London gin, all available from around £20 but my favourite is Christopher Wren Gin, which retails for £29 on The DropStore.
You can also find the full range of Whitley Neill Gin at the distillery. I can also recommend Whitley Neill Original London Dry Gin, retailing at around £26
The list would not be complete without including Warner's Gin.
They have a wonderful range of gins which will suit all gin lovers and my suggestion would be to go for the tasting pack, so that you can sample a few before investing in a full-sized bottle eg Warner's London Dry Gin £30.
Warners Starter Pack £22.50
Perfect for those looking to explore their farm grown gins, including Strawberry and Rose gin, and award winning London Dry and naturally flavoured pink gins.
Contains:
1 x 5cl Warner’s Rhubarb Gin
1 x 5cl Warner’s Raspberry Gin
1 x 5cl Warner’s London Dry Gin
1 x 5cl Warner’s Strawberry and Rose Gin
1 x 20cl Fever-Tree Ginger Ale
1 x 20cl Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic
1 x 20cl Fever-Tree Indian Tonic
Gin Mare has been my go-to gin for years when I'm out and about, and one that you find in most bars and restaurants. It's perfect with a garnish of rosemary and olives.
The Capri Edition which was a travel exclusive in duty free shops is now also available in the UK from various online outlets.
Best to shop about for this one, but it's readily available in supermarkets or online from Master of Malt.
Priced from around £34.00
Another great gin brand based in Yorkshire, who have a fantastic range of gin, including their Original Dry Yorkshire Gin.
Full sized bottles retail from £30 on their website but you can often find smaller sizes for under £20.
If you want to try a range, they currently. have a discount offer on their website for their gin tasting pack which containing 5 x 200ml bottles of their full award-winning gin range with a saving of £15 off & 48 hour FREE delivery.
Masons of Yorkshire Gin Tasting Pack
(on offer 8.2.22) £35
They also offer distillery tours and experiences, which you can book on their website.
Finally, this list has to include Haymans Gin Distillery, based in London.
They have a fabulous range and their London Dry is readily available on supermarket shelves and starts from around £26.00
Buy on their website - Haymans London Dry Gin
They offer Distillery Tours and Cocktail Experiences as well, so pop over and check out their website for further details.
