Taster’s Club Top 10 Best Gin Brands & Key Trends to Know
Written by Allison K | Updated January 2025
When it comes to the best gin brands, everyone has their own tastes and preferences, but there's something special about Taster’s Club's handpicked selection of premium gin brands. To help you navigate the crowded shelves and discover the best of the best, we've curated a list of Taster’s Club’s top 10 best gin brands celebrated for their exceptional quality, innovative flavors, and the artistry behind the bottle.
Whether you're enjoying your favorites or discovering new additions to your home bar, our bottle shop has something for everyone. Join us as we unveil the best gin brands, which promise to tantalize your taste buds and enrich your gin journey!
Our Selection Criteria for the Best Gin Brands
At Taster’s Club, we carefully select each gin to ensure it’s not just another bottle on a shelf. We’ve developed a comprehensive selection criteria that ensure your next sip of gin is enjoyable and a true representation of craftsmanship and tradition. Here's how we curate the best gin brands to ensure it’s worthy of a spot in your collection:
Innovative and Diverse Base Spirits
While traditional gin is typically distilled from grains like wheat or barley, we love exploring gins made from a variety of base spirits. Some of the best gin brands we feature are made from potatoes, apples, grapes, and even olives. These base spirits can dramatically alter the gin's mouthfeel, flavor, and aroma, offering a fresh take on the category. This variety allows us to showcase high-quality gin brands that challenge expectations and expand the definition of what gin can be.
Unique Botanical Profiles
By law, gin must have a predominant juniper flavor, but the best gin brands go far beyond this standard. Each gin we select is characterized by an innovative combination of herbs, spices, florals, and fruits, giving it an extraordinary flavor profile. Whether it’s citrus-forward, herbaceous, or floral, each gin we feature is selected for its creative botanical blends, exciting barrel finishes, and flavor profiles that tell a story.
Exceptional Craftsmanship and Legacy
We carefully select the best gin brands based on their distillation techniques. To preserve delicate aromas and enhance flavor, we favor traditional methods like copper stills or innovative methods such as vacuum distillation. The distillation process is crucial in achieving the clarity and complexity of premium gin brands. Beyond distillation, we also pay attention to aging methods like barrel aging, which adds complexity to vanilla, oak, or spice notes.
Additionally, we focus on distilleries that produce small batches or multiple distillation runs to ensure consistency and high-quality standards. Our curator selects the best gin brands that reflect true craftsmanship, considering the distillery's reputation and the passion behind each bottle. Each gin we choose tells a unique story, offering you a taste of the artistry and dedication involved in its creation.
Exclusivity and Rarity
One of the hallmarks of Taster’s Club is our access to exclusive and limited-edition bottles. Our curator scours the market to bring you unique, hard-to-find gin bottles from award-winning and artisan distilleries, often securing small batches or special-release gins that aren’t available on the mass market. These gins might feature experimental botanicals, special barrel finishes, or rare production methods, allowing you to get a mix of the best gin brands and hidden gems.
Flavor Versatility
Whether you’re a seasoned gin connoisseur or a newcomer to the spirit, we ensure that every bottle we select has something to offer for every palate. We curate premium gin brands ranging from traditional, juniper-heavy London Dry gins to experimental offerings with bold, unexpected flavors. We also consider that the best gin brands we feature can elevate cocktails or shine on their own
The Top 10 Best Gin Brands You Need In Your Collection
We've rounded up the top 10 best gin brands that offer exceptional quality, unique flavors, and unmatched craftsmanship, showcasing what gin has to offer. Here are Taster’s Club's top ten best gin brands:
1. No. 3 London Dry Gin
Introducing No.3 London Dry Gin, a standout among the best gin brands crafted through a collaborative journey with talented artisans and experts. Over two years of meticulous refinement, we curated a recipe using premium ingredients sourced globally, including Italian juniper berries, citrus peel, and exquisite spices. Distilled in a century-old copper pot in Holland, the birthplace of gin, this high-quality gin brand has earned the prestigious title of 'World's Best' four times at the International Spirits Challenge. Crisp, refreshing, and impeccably balanced, No.3 London Dry Gin is a testament to our dedication to crafting one of the most popular gin brands on the market.
2. Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin
Monkey 47 Gin, a timeless creation and one of the best gin brands, was born six decades ago and now graces over 50 countries across four continents. This popular gin brand reflects its essence in its name: meticulously crafted with 47 handpicked botanicals and infused in the pure, soft spring water of the Black Forest. Each sip embodies a harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, and the pristine nature of its origin. Monkey 47 Gin is embraced by enthusiasts worldwide, standing as a testament to the artistry and dedication behind crafting a truly premium gin brand.
3. The Botanist Islay Dry Gin
The Botanist Gin, one of the best gin brands from Islay's rugged shores renowned for peaty Scotches, is a testament to the island's botanical bounty. Crafted with 22 hand-foraged local treasures, from berries to sea plants, each sip unveils a symphony of flavors: menthol freshness, apple mint, and the embrace of spring woodlands. This gin's journey begins with a master forager, balancing sustainability and seasonality to capture Islay's essence in every bottle. Delicate yet rich, The Botanist Gin dances on the palate with juniper, coriander, citrus, and floral whispers, culminating in a warm, luxurious finish—a true celebration of nature's artistry and Islay's legacy of making high-quality gin brands.
4. Hendrick's Gin Flora Adora
Step into the enchanting realm of Hendrick's Gin, where whimsy and botanical splendor converge in a limited release of one of the best Scottish gin brands. With this spirit, you’re invited by master distiller Lesley Gracie into a world of botanical delights. Each sip of this premium spirit reveals a symphony of flavors, showcasing the vibrancy and elegance that define high-quality gin brands destined for moments of pure enchantment.
5. KI NO BI Kyoto Dry Gin
Venture into a journey of sensory delight with KI NO BI Kyoto Dry Gin, a standout among premium gin brands and a testament to Japanese craftsmanship and botanical ingenuity. This exquisite gin captures the essence of Kyoto's terroir, blending rare ingredients like yellow yuzu, Akamatsu wood chips, bamboo, gyokuro tea, and green sanshō berries. Crafted with precision and care, KI NO BI is distilled with a rice spirit base and pure Fushimi water, renowned for its clarity and purity. Bottled at 45.7% ABV, each sip unveils a harmonious fusion of flavors, allowing you to savor the essence of Japan in every exquisite drop of the best gin brands.
6. Barr Hill Tom Cat Gin
Embark on a bold adventure with Tom Cat Gin, a daring exploration into uncharted realms of flavor. After distillation, we guide this exceptional gin on a journey through new American oak barrels, where it develops a robust character intertwined with the essence of juniper. The result is an alluring aroma that beckons exploration. Infused with a touch of raw honey, it achieves a perfect balance of boldness and subtle sweetness. Tom Cat Gin offers a captivating aroma and a rich, revolutionary spirit, perfect for sipping neat or elevating your favorite cocktail, delivering a uniquely daring experience for those seeking the best gin brands.
7. Sipsmith V.J.O.P. Gin
Immerse yourself in the harmonious symphony of Sipsmith V.J.O.P. Gin, where the botanicals are like skilled musicians in an orchestra. Juniper, the lead instrument, takes center stage with amplified intensity, creating a symphony in 'J' major. We've elevated the proof to enhance every note, crafting a bold and expressive gin experience. With each sip, you'll discover a rich melody of botanicals dancing on your palate, leaving a lasting impression that resonates with the soul of true gin aficionados. Sipsmith V.J.O.P. Gin is not just a drink; it's a masterpiece, meticulously composed for those who appreciate high-quality gin brands and the art of exceptional spirits, making it a must-try among popular gin brands.
8. Condesa Clasica Gin
Indulge in Condesa Clasica Gin, a micro-batch marvel from Mexico City's Condesa Gin, one of the best gin brands that is crafted in collaboration with the women-owned Flor de Luna micro-distillery. Distilled from Mexico-sourced corn, rye, wheat, and barley, this gin is a symphony of juniper, palo santo, sage, jasmine, coriander, elderflower, lavender, rosemary, cedron, myrrh, lime, and orange peels, all locally sourced. Distilled on 400-liter copper pot stills from Mexico, it undergoes a meticulous two-day maceration and a tincture of palo santo, myrrh, and jasmine. At 43% ABV, it harmonizes juniper with Palo Santo's citrusy wood notes, embodying Mexican curandera traditions in a versatile, cultural gin experience.
9. ARC Barrel Reserve Gin
Discover the craftsmanship of Full Circle Distillers with ARC Barrel Reserve Gin. This flagship gin is a testament to our dedication to crafting the best gin brands aged in new American oak barrels with a medium-long toast, Burgundy Style. The toasting process infuses rich aromas into the oak, creating a symphony of complexity within our spirit. Each sip unveils layers of depth and character, making it one of the most premium gin brands on the market for its harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.
10 Bayab African Dry Gin
Indulge in Bayab African Dry Gin, a classic dry gin with a vibrant African twist. Infused with Zambian Baobab, juniper berries, coriander, rosemary, cinnamon, and coarse salt, this gin delivers a bold burst of fresh African citrus that delights the taste buds. As one of the best gin brands, Bayab captures the essence of Africa’s botanical diversity in each sip. Whether enjoyed neat or in a cocktail, it promises an unforgettable experience, blending tradition with innovation in every drop.
7 Emerging Trends for the Best Gin Brands
The world of gin continues to evolve, with the best gin brands constantly pushing boundaries, adopting new technologies, and embracing shifts in consumer preferences. Here's a look at the latest emerging trends that are shaping the future of premium gin brands:
1. The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Gins
As the demand for health-conscious alternatives grows, non-alcoholic gins have gained popularity. Many popular gin brands now offer non-alcoholic options that maintain the depth and complex botanical flavors without alcohol content, appealing to both cocktail lovers and those seeking an alcohol-free experience.
2. Sustainability and Eco-Conscious Practices
As consumers increasingly seek products that align with their eco-friendly practices and values, sustainability is becoming an important focus for popular gin brands. As a result, distilleries are reducing their environmental impact by using locally sourced ingredients, minimizing water and energy usage, and adopting green packaging.
3. Botanical Innovation and Flavored Gins
While juniper remains the hallmark of gin, distillers are pushing boundaries by experimenting with unconventional botanicals and infusions, redefining the art of sipping spirits. From wildflowers to tropical fruits and savory ingredients like chili peppers or rosemary, premium gin brands are creating bold new flavor profiles. The use of locally sourced, native botanicals is driving regional variations, allowing distillers to craft distinctive gins that reflect their unique terroir.
4. Barrel-Aged Gins
Barrel-aging, once reserved for whiskey, is becoming more prevalent in gin production. By aging gin in barrels used for other spirits like whiskey or rum, distillers are creating richer, smoother gins with new flavor profiles and textures, appealing to both gin and whiskey enthusiasts alike.
5. Ready-to-Drink Gin Cocktails
Ready-to-drink (RTD) gin cocktails have exploded in popularity in recent years. Whether it's a pre-mixed gin and tonic, a refreshing Gin Fizz, or a bold Negroni, these convenient, high-quality options are catering to consumers who want premium cocktails without the hassle. As more premium gin brands enter the RTD space, expect to see a greater variety of high-end gin options, including exclusive cocktails from some of the best gin brands.
6. Global Influence on Gin Styles
Gin’s global appeal continues to grow, with distillers from around the world bringing their own cultural influences into the production process. Countries such as India, France, and Peru, along with emerging markets like Iceland and Argentina, are introducing innovative production techniques and regional flavor profiles. These international distillers blend local ingredients with traditional gin-making methods, infusing their products with distinct regional characteristics that are expanding the diversity of gin styles worldwide, giving consumers an exciting new array of options.
7. Gin as a Versatile Ingredient
Gin has long been a cocktail staple, but recently, there’s been a growing interest in its versatility beyond the classic Gin & Tonic. Bartenders and mixologists are using the best gin brands in innovative ways, experimenting with gin’s herbal, citrus, and spice-forward profiles to create new and exciting cocktails. This trend has led to increased demand for high-end gin that can be enjoyed in traditional and modern cocktails. The possibilities are endless, whether it’s a refreshing Gin Martini, a zesty Negroni, or a more experimental gin-based concoction.
Explore the Best Gin Brands from Taster’s Club Gin of the Month Club Today!
Explore the world of gin with Taster's Club Gin Club, a distinctive journey that provides a tasting experience, featuring selections from London dry style, New World, barrel-aged, and more, meticulously chosen from gin producers worldwide.
If you are still uncertain about which of the best gin brands is right for you and looking for more options, we have many more options available in the Taster's Club Bottle Shop! And, if you want to deepen your gin journey and explore a curated list of premium gin brands each month, join our Gin of the Month Club!
Joining the Gin of the Month Club not only enables you to sample some of the high-quality gin brands available but also connects you to the stories, ingredients, and skilled artisans and distilleries behind each bottle!
FAQs About the Best Gin Brands
As you discover the best gin brands, you may have some questions about these exceptional spirits. To help guide your exploration and enhance your gin experience, we've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about these best gin brand selections:
