What are the best gin brands worth buying? From world-famous classics like Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire and Hendrick's to premium expressions from Monkey 47, The Botanist and Roku, gin has become one of the most exciting and diverse categories in the spirits world.
Whether you're preparing the perfect Gin & Tonic, mixing a classic Martini or discovering a new favorite for your home bar, the right bottle can make an extraordinary difference.
But not all gin tastes the same. Traditional London Dry gin emphasizes juniper, citrus and spice. Contemporary botanical expressions introduce flowers, herbs, tea and regional ingredients, while craft distilleries are exploring everything from Japanese yuzu to Mediterranean olives and California coastal botanicals.
At Blackwell's Wines & Spirits, we've selected 15 distinctive gin bottles representing respected producers, recognizable favorites and exciting regional styles.
From approachable cocktail essentials to sophisticated premium gins for gifting, these recommendations will help you discover which bottles deserve a place in your collection.
About this guide: These are editorial recommendations featuring 15 different gin brands, not a verified ranking of the 15 highest-selling individual gins in America. Sales rankings vary by market, retailer and reporting period.
What Makes a Great Gin?
Gin is a distilled spirit flavored with juniper berries and other botanicals. While juniper remains its defining ingredient, the combination of herbs, spices, citrus peels, roots and flowers determines each gin's individual character.
Traditional London Dry gin generally emphasizes a clean, dry, juniper-forward profile. Contemporary gin may introduce more pronounced floral, citrus, herbal or savory flavors.
Production methods also matter. Some producers distill botanicals together with neutral spirit, while others use vapor infusion or carefully combine different distillates.
The best gin is not necessarily the one with the most botanicals or the highest price. It's the one that offers the balance, texture and flavor profile you're looking for.
15 Popular Gin Bottles Worth Buying
1. Tanqueray London Dry Gin
BEST FOR: CLASSIC GIN & TONICS, MARTINIS AND NEGRONIS
Tanqueray is one of the world's most recognizable gin brands, with a history dating to 1830.
Its London Dry Gin uses four traditional botanicals: juniper, coriander, angelica root and licorice.
The result is a bold, unmistakably juniper-forward gin with notes of pine, citrus zest, white pepper and earthy spice.
Tanqueray received an impressive 97 points at the 2017 Ultimate Spirits Challenge and 96 points at the 2015 competition, reflecting its longstanding reputation for quality and consistency.
Its assertive botanical profile stands up particularly well to tonic water, vermouth and the bitter ingredients used in a Negroni.
Why buy it: A benchmark London Dry gin with historic provenance, exceptional cocktail versatility and strong professional recognition.
2. Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin
BEST FOR: APPROACHABLE GIN COCKTAILS AND ENTERTAINING
Bombay Sapphire is instantly recognizable for its distinctive blue bottle and elegant botanical style.
Its recipe incorporates ten botanicals sourced from different regions, including juniper, coriander, lemon peel, angelica, orris root and cubeb berries.
Unlike some more aggressively juniper-forward gins, Bombay Sapphire emphasizes balance between citrus, floral notes and gentle spice.
Its vapor-infusion production method helps create a delicate aromatic profile.
Expect fresh citrus, juniper, subtle herbs and a clean finish.
Bombay Sapphire is particularly useful for customers who want one versatile gin capable of producing excellent Gin & Tonics, Martinis and contemporary cocktails.
Why buy it: A globally recognized gin with a balanced ten-botanical recipe and excellent cocktail versatility.
3. Hendrick's Gin
BEST FOR: CUCUMBER GIN & TONICS AND FLORAL COCKTAILS
Hendrick's helped transform the modern gin category by introducing a distinctive combination of traditional botanicals, cucumber and rose.
Produced in Scotland, Hendrick's combines spirits from two different stills before incorporating its signature cucumber and rose essences.
The result is a refreshing, aromatic gin with notes of juniper, citrus, cucumber, delicate flowers and gentle spice.
Its unmistakable flavor profile makes it particularly appealing to customers who find traditional London Dry gin too intensely juniper-driven.
Serve Hendrick's with premium tonic water, plenty of ice and fresh cucumber.
Why buy it: One of the most influential contemporary gins, offering distinctive cucumber and rose character.
4. The Botanist Islay Dry Gin
BEST FOR: HERBAL GIN AND SCOTTISH CRAFT SPIRITS
The Botanist is produced at Bruichladdich Distillery on the Scottish island of Islay, a location better known for its single malt whisky.
Its recipe combines nine traditional gin botanicals with 22 locally foraged Islay botanicals.
These ingredients contribute a complex profile of juniper, citrus, wild herbs, flowers and gentle spice.
Unlike the smoky whiskies associated with Islay, The Botanist is an unpeated gin that emphasizes freshness and botanical complexity.
Its balanced character makes it particularly versatile in Gin & Tonics, Martinis and cocktails that highlight fresh herbs.
Why buy it: Distinctive Islay provenance, 22 locally foraged botanicals and an elegant herbal profile.
5. Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin
BEST FOR: PREMIUM GIN GIFTS AND BOTANICAL COMPLEXITY
Monkey 47 is produced in Germany's Black Forest and has become one of the most recognizable names in premium craft gin.
Its extraordinary recipe incorporates 47 botanicals, including local Black Forest ingredients and cranberries.
Bottled at 47% ABV, Monkey 47 delivers an intricate combination of juniper, citrus zest, berries, herbs, flowers and warm spice.
The expression received 94 points at the 2015 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, recognizing its distinctive balance and aromatic complexity.
Monkey 47 is particularly appealing to experienced gin drinkers who enjoy exploring unusual botanical combinations.
Serve it in a carefully prepared Gin & Tonic or Martini, allowing the gin's complexity to remain prominent.
Why buy it: Forty-seven botanicals, distinctive German provenance and impressive professional recognition.
6. Suntory Roku Japanese Craft Gin
BEST FOR: JAPANESE BOTANICALS AND ELEGANT GIN & TONICS
Roku is produced by the House of Suntory and showcases the precision and botanical traditions associated with Japanese spirits.
Its name means six in Japanese, referring to six distinctive Japanese botanicals incorporated alongside traditional gin ingredients.
These include sakura flower, sakura leaf, yuzu peel, sencha tea, gyokuro tea and sansho pepper.
The result is a refined gin offering citrus, floral aromas, green tea and delicate peppery spice.
Roku's distinctive hexagonal bottle also makes it an attractive gift.
For a refreshing serve, combine Roku with premium tonic water and garnish with thinly sliced ginger.
Why buy it: Six Japanese botanicals, elegant flavor balance and distinctive Suntory craftsmanship.
7. No.3 London Dry Gin by Berry Bros. & Rudd
BEST FOR: PREMIUM MARTINIS AND TRADITIONAL LONDON DRY GIN
No.3 London Dry Gin was created by Berry Bros. & Rudd, the historic London wine and spirits merchant.
Its recipe uses six carefully selected botanicals: juniper, orange peel, grapefruit peel, angelica root, coriander and cardamom.
The resulting gin emphasizes precision and balance, with prominent juniper supported by bright citrus and subtle spice.
No.3 has received extensive recognition at international gin competitions, including multiple World's Best Gin titles at the International Spirits Challenge.
Its crisp, dry character makes it particularly attractive for a classic Martini, where there are few ingredients to conceal imperfections.
Why buy it: A highly regarded London Dry gin with exceptional Martini credentials and an award-winning reputation.
8. Sipsmith London Dry Gin
BEST FOR: TRADITIONAL GIN COCKTAILS AND BRITISH CRAFT HERITAGE
Sipsmith played an important role in the revival of small-scale gin distilling in London.
Founded in 2009, the distillery helped introduce a new generation of drinkers to traditional copper pot-distilled gin.
Its London Dry expression combines juniper, citrus, coriander and other classic botanicals to create a balanced, aromatic spirit.
Expect piney juniper, lemon zest, orange peel, gentle spice and a dry finish.
Sipsmith is especially well suited to traditional cocktails, including the Martini, Gin & Tonic and Tom Collins.
For customers who appreciate classic British gin with modern craft credentials, Sipsmith is an excellent choice.
Why buy it: A pioneer of London's craft gin revival with a beautifully balanced traditional style.
9. Plymouth Gin
BEST FOR: CLASSIC MARTINIS AND HISTORIC ENGLISH GIN
Plymouth Gin is one of England's most historic gin expressions, produced at the Black Friars Distillery in Plymouth.
The distillery's history dates to 1793, and its distinctive gin style has long been associated with classic cocktails.
Compared with many London Dry gins, Plymouth offers a somewhat softer, earthier profile while maintaining a recognizable juniper foundation.
Expect citrus, juniper, coriander, earthy roots and gentle spice, supported by a rounded texture.
Its balanced character makes it particularly attractive in Martinis and classic gin cocktails.
Plymouth is also an excellent choice for customers interested in the history of British distilling.
Why buy it: Historic English provenance and a distinctive, balanced style that excels in classic cocktails.
10. Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin
BEST FOR: SAVORY GIN & TONICS AND MEDITERRANEAN COCKTAILS
Gin Mare offers a distinctly Mediterranean interpretation of gin, emphasizing botanicals associated with coastal cuisine and regional landscapes.
Its recipe includes ingredients such as Arbequina olives, rosemary, thyme and basil alongside traditional gin botanicals.
The result is an aromatic spirit with notes of juniper, herbs, citrus, olive and gentle spice.
Unlike sweeter floral gins, Gin Mare emphasizes savory complexity, making it particularly interesting for food-inspired cocktails.
Serve it with premium tonic water, rosemary and citrus, or experiment with a savory Martini.
Its unusual botanical profile makes it especially appealing to customers who enjoy Mediterranean flavors.
Why buy it: Distinctive Mediterranean botanicals and an elegant savory profile that stands apart from traditional London Dry gin.
11. Empress 1908 Original Indigo Gin
BEST FOR: COLORFUL COCKTAILS AND DISTINCTIVE GIFTS
Empress 1908 is produced in Canada and is famous for its striking indigo color.
The color comes from butterfly pea blossoms, a botanical ingredient that can change appearance when mixed with acidic ingredients such as lemon juice.
Alongside its visual appeal, Empress offers a balanced gin profile with juniper, citrus, floral notes and gentle spice.
Its distinctive appearance makes it particularly attractive for entertaining, cocktail parties and gifting.
Try it in a Gin & Tonic with lemon or a citrus-forward cocktail to explore its color-changing properties.
Why buy it: A visually distinctive Canadian gin combining traditional botanical flavor with striking natural color.
12. St. George Spirits Terroir Gin
BEST FOR: CALIFORNIA CRAFT GIN AND BOLD HERBAL CHARACTER
St. George Spirits is one of America's pioneering craft distilleries, based in Alameda, California.
Its Terroir Gin was created to capture the aromatic character of Northern California's coastal forests.
The recipe includes Douglas fir, California bay laurel and coastal sage, creating a remarkably distinctive botanical profile.
Expect pine, eucalyptus-like herbal notes, citrus, juniper and earthy spice.
Terroir is particularly appealing to adventurous gin enthusiasts who appreciate intense herbal character.
Its powerful aromatics work beautifully in a Gin & Tonic, while also offering an unusual interpretation of a Martini.
Why buy it: Authentic California craft provenance and a distinctive botanical profile inspired by Northern California landscapes.
13. Barr Hill Gin
BEST FOR: FLORAL GIN AND VERMONT CRAFT DISTILLING
Barr Hill is produced by Caledonia Spirits in Vermont, a distillery closely associated with beekeeping and honey-based spirits.
Its flagship gin takes an unusually simple approach, combining juniper with raw honey.
The honey is added after distillation, contributing delicate floral character and a distinctive rounded texture.
The result is a gin that balances traditional juniper with soft floral aromas and subtle sweetness.
Barr Hill is particularly appealing to customers who prefer a gentler botanical style without losing gin's essential character.
Serve it in a Gin & Tonic with lemon, or explore it in cocktails that complement floral ingredients.
Why buy it: Distinctive Vermont craft production and an unusual juniper-and-honey botanical approach.
14. KI NO BI Kyoto Dry Gin
BEST FOR: PREMIUM JAPANESE GIN AND SOPHISTICATED GIFTING
KI NO BI, meaning The Beauty of the Seasons, is produced by Kyoto Distillery in Japan.
Its recipe combines traditional gin botanicals with distinctive Japanese ingredients, including yuzu, hinoki wood, bamboo, gyokuro tea and green sansho pepper.
The botanicals are organized into different flavor groups and distilled separately before blending.
This approach allows the producer to develop a layered profile emphasizing citrus, herbs, tea, spice and delicate wood notes.
KI NO BI is particularly attractive for customers interested in Japanese craftsmanship and premium botanical spirits.
Serve it in a refined Gin & Tonic or Martini, allowing its subtle aromatic complexity to remain prominent.
Why buy it: Kyoto provenance, distinctive Japanese botanicals and a sophisticated production approach.
15. Beefeater London Dry Gin
BEST FOR: EVERYDAY COCKTAILS AND CLASSIC LONDON DRY STYLE
Beefeater is one of the most recognizable names in traditional London Dry gin, with a history dating to the nineteenth century.
Its classic expression emphasizes juniper, citrus peel, coriander, angelica and other traditional botanicals.
The result is crisp, aromatic and balanced, with a dry finish that makes it especially useful in cocktails.
Beefeater is an excellent choice for customers who want a dependable gin for Gin & Tonics, Negronis, Tom Collins cocktails and Martinis.
Its straightforward botanical character makes it particularly useful when mixing drinks with strongly flavored ingredients.
Why buy it: Historic London gin heritage, classic botanical balance and exceptional cocktail versatility.
Which Gin Should You Buy?
The best gin depends on whether you're making cocktails, exploring botanical styles or choosing a premium gift.
- Best classic London Dry gin: Tanqueray
- Best versatile cocktail gin: Bombay Sapphire
- Best cucumber and floral gin: Hendrick's
- Best herbal Scottish gin: The Botanist
- Best premium botanical gin: Monkey 47
- Best Japanese gin for Gin & Tonics: Roku
- Best premium Martini gin: No.3 London Dry
- Best traditional British craft gin: Sipsmith
- Best historic English gin: Plymouth
- Best savory Mediterranean gin: Gin Mare
- Best colorful cocktail gin: Empress 1908
- Best California craft gin: St. George Terroir
- Best floral honey gin: Barr Hill
- Best luxury Japanese gin: KI NO BI
- Best everyday London Dry gin: Beefeater
What Are the Different Types of Gin?
London Dry Gin
London Dry is a regulated production style rather than a requirement that the gin be produced in London.
It emphasizes distilled botanical character, with strict limits on additional flavorings and sweetening after distillation.
Tanqueray, Beefeater, Sipsmith and No.3 are excellent examples of the style.
Contemporary Botanical Gin
Contemporary gin often emphasizes ingredients beyond traditional juniper and citrus.
Hendrick's uses cucumber and rose, while Gin Mare incorporates Mediterranean herbs and olives.
These expressions can be particularly appealing to customers seeking new flavors for Gin & Tonics.
Japanese Gin
Japanese gin frequently incorporates regional botanicals such as yuzu, tea, sakura and sansho pepper.
Roku and KI NO BI demonstrate how these ingredients can create elegant, distinctive spirits.
Craft Gin
Craft gin often reflects the producer's local ingredients, distilling philosophy and regional identity.
St. George Terroir and Barr Hill provide contrasting examples of American craft gin, one emphasizing coastal forest botanicals and the other honey-derived floral character.
What Is the Best Gin for a Gin & Tonic?
A great Gin & Tonic begins with a gin whose botanical profile complements the tonic water.
For a traditional interpretation, Tanqueray and Beefeater offer bold juniper and citrus character.
For a refreshing contemporary style, Hendrick's pairs beautifully with cucumber.
Roku introduces Japanese citrus and subtle spice, while Gin Mare creates a savory Mediterranean variation.
A useful starting ratio is one part gin to two or three parts tonic water, depending on your preference.
Use plenty of ice and choose a garnish that complements the gin's botanicals.
What Is the Best Gin for a Martini?
A classic Gin Martini is one of the best ways to appreciate a gin's character because the recipe contains relatively few ingredients.
No.3 London Dry is particularly attractive for its precise balance of juniper, citrus and spice.
Tanqueray provides a more assertive traditional profile, while Plymouth offers a softer, rounded interpretation.
For a contemporary variation, KI NO BI introduces delicate Japanese botanical complexity.
A classic starting recipe combines 2½ ounces of gin with ½ ounce of dry vermouth. Stir with ice, strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a lemon twist or olive.
Adjust the vermouth ratio according to your preference.
What Is the Best Gin for a Negroni?
A classic Negroni combines equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth.
Because Campari and vermouth contribute strong flavors, the gin needs sufficient botanical character to remain recognizable.
Tanqueray is an excellent choice because its bold juniper and spice stand up to the other ingredients.
Beefeater and Sipsmith also work particularly well.
For an interesting variation, experiment with a more herbal gin, although traditional London Dry remains a dependable starting point.
What Is the Best Gin for Gifting?
Gin makes an excellent gift because different expressions offer distinctive ingredients, production stories and presentations.
Monkey 47 is particularly attractive for experienced gin enthusiasts who enjoy botanical complexity.
KI NO BI and Roku appeal to customers interested in Japanese craftsmanship.
Hendrick's is a recognizable choice for someone who enjoys contemporary floral gin, while Empress 1908 offers a visually distinctive presentation.
No.3 London Dry is an excellent option for serious Martini enthusiasts.
Choose according to the recipient's preferred cocktails and flavor profile rather than price alone.
Is Expensive Gin Better Than Affordable Gin?
Not necessarily.
Premium gin pricing may reflect botanical sourcing, small-batch production, specialized distillation methods, packaging and brand positioning.
However, a traditional London Dry gin may perform better in a classic Negroni than a more expensive expression with delicate floral notes.
Similarly, an elaborate botanical gin may be especially rewarding in a simple Gin & Tonic but lose some of its subtlety in a heavily flavored cocktail.
The best approach is to match the gin to its intended use.
How Should Gin Be Served?
Gin can be enjoyed in cocktails, over ice or occasionally neat, particularly when exploring premium botanical expressions.
For Gin & Tonics, use a well-chilled glass, plenty of ice and fresh tonic water.
For Martinis, chill the ingredients and glassware before mixing.
When tasting gin neat, allow a small measure to rest briefly and pay attention to the balance between juniper, citrus, herbs, flowers and spice.
A few drops of water can help reveal additional botanical aromas in some higher-strength expressions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best-Selling Gin
What is the best-selling gin brand?
Gordon's is among the world's largest gin brands by sales volume, while Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire and Beefeater are also internationally recognized. Exact rankings depend on the reporting year and market.
What are the most popular gin brands?
Popular names include Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, Hendrick's, Beefeater, Gordon's, The Botanist, Monkey 47 and Roku.
What is the best gin to buy?
The best choice depends on your preferences. Tanqueray is excellent for classic cocktails, Hendrick's offers distinctive cucumber and rose notes, Monkey 47 provides botanical complexity and No.3 is particularly appealing for Martinis.
What is the best gin for beginners?
Bombay Sapphire, Hendrick's and Roku are approachable options for customers exploring gin, particularly when served with tonic water.
What is the best gin for a Martini?
No.3 London Dry, Tanqueray, Plymouth and Sipsmith are excellent choices for traditional Martinis.
What is the best gin for a Gin & Tonic?
Tanqueray offers a classic style, Hendrick's pairs well with cucumber, Roku emphasizes Japanese citrus and Gin Mare creates a savory Mediterranean variation.
What is the difference between gin and vodka?
Gin is defined by its juniper-led botanical flavor, while vodka generally emphasizes a cleaner, more neutral spirit profile. Both can be made from different fermentable ingredients.
Is London Dry gin made only in London?
No. London Dry is a production designation, not a geographic restriction. Gin meeting the relevant production requirements can be made outside London.
What gin makes a good gift?
Monkey 47, KI NO BI, No.3 London Dry and Empress 1908 offer distinctive presentations and interesting production stories.
Where can I buy premium gin online?
Blackwell's Wines & Spirits offers a curated selection of London Dry, Japanese, Scottish, Mediterranean and American craft gins. Availability and shipping eligibility depend on applicable laws.
Final Pour: Discover the Gin That Fits Your Taste
Gin's greatest strength is its remarkable botanical diversity.
From traditional juniper-forward London Dry to elegant Japanese expressions, Mediterranean herb-driven spirits and distinctive American craft gins, the category offers something for every preference.
Start with the cocktails you enjoy, then explore how different botanicals and production methods influence aroma, texture and flavor.
At Blackwell's Wines & Spirits, we've been curating distinctive wines and spirits since 2004, helping customers discover established classics, exceptional producers and bottles worth exploring.
Whether you're stocking your home bar, selecting a thoughtful gift or discovering a new favorite, explore our gin collection and find the perfect bottle for your next occasion.
Shop Gin at Blackwell's Wines & Spirits
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