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Beefeater London Dry Gin (47%)
Distiller Score 97
The botanicals shine through from afar with juniper and citrus peel coming in first. The nose leads to an herbal, cooked celery aroma with lots of black pepper. As you taste, the spices take over with a warming feeling. The touch of licorice lends just the right amount of sweetness to balance the gin. The coriander works really well in this botanical recipe by not taking over as it can often do. This belongs in the Hall of Fame for the Martini, but the proof allows it to stand out and stand up to bold flavors so bring on the Negroni.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Bombay Original London Dry Gin (40%)
Distiller Score 88
The aroma is distinctly earthy and herbal, almost to the degree a freshly-potted plant. Return trips to the glass continue to highlight these aromas. The flavors of the botanicals make their appearances all taking their turns forming a solid base. The gin isn't too oily and shows a dry finish. A classic all-around gin and on the savory side of things. Perhaps using in a Gibson Martini or a Negroni could put it to good use.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Tanqueray London Dry Gin (47.3%)
Distiller Score 90
There's a big pop coriander along with the juniper and licorice which gives it a sweet note about it. The gin is fairly oily and continues on the palate what was discovered on the nose; the coriander comes in a bit stronger in the palate and the finish. There's enough acidity in the gin to balance the sweetness; thoughts on a a drink would be a standard Gin & Tonic garnished with a lemon peel.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Hayman's London Dry Gin
Distiller Score 90
The aroma is pretty intense with classic aromas with a bit of sweet spices particularly coriander. The licorice comes through just a touch as you taste. Citrus and cinnamon are the last notes you taste at the finish. This is an all-around use gin, but the sweet spices come through just a bit stronger which play nicely into a berry-based cocktail like a Clover Club.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Broker's Gin (47%)
Distiller Score 89
As one might guess from the dapper British stockbroker on the label, Broker's is very much a traditional London Dry. Juniper is strong and aromatic on the nose, taking on a woodier, earthier tone on the palate. The other herbs play a supporting role, with nothing atypical to stand out. At 47% abv, this is a great gin for traditional cocktails at a very affordable price.
Reviewed by Jacob Grier
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3 Howls Good Old Fashioned Gin
Distiller Score 85
Lemon peel takes the lead on the aroma of 3 Howls Old Fashioned Gin, but on the palate juniper has the strongest botanical presence. Supporting notes are earthy and woody. It's not as floral or citrusy as many New Western gins and will appeal to those seeking a stronger juniper note.
Reviewed by Jacob Grier
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Gordon's London Dry Gin (40%)
Distiller Score 89
The sweet orange peel and juniper are first to stand out on the nose with coriander following soon after. The body of the gin is neither too rich or too thin with just a touch of oil. The finish is clean and crisp and the botanicals really work in harmony with the sweet notes matching up to the earthy, savory notes. While perhaps the finish could be a bit longer, this is nonetheless a classic gin, and would be perfectly fine in a martini.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Zuidam Dutch Courage Dry Gin
Distiller Score 87
Citrus (particularly orange), coriander, and juniper stand out as you smell the gin with a touch of vanilla coming in later. The gin is just a touch sweet with flavors of licorice but the original trio of citrus, coriander, and juniper are the dominant players here. Cardamom offers a warming sensation as does the alcohol content. Finish is dry and totally would work in a Martini, but won't get totally lost in a Negroni.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Hayman's Old Tom Gin
Distiller Score 90
Sweet spices and floral aromas are found as you smell Hayman's Old Tom Gin. It is soft on your palate as the sugar has rounded out the edges and tamed the juniper. The floral note comes back, but it is not intrusive. With a slightly sweet finish, there isn't much bitter to be had. Drink recommendations? Martinez or a Tom Collins.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Pink 47 London Dry Gin
Distiller Score 86
Fairly straightforward as you bring the glass to your nose; juniper standing out the strongest with the other botanicals fairly even. Coriander and citrus peel comes out when you taste and feels a little oily. There's an earthy quality that ties everything together. The finish is spicy and dry and slightly bitter. This is a rather versatile gin for use in most cocktails.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Tanqueray Rangpur Gin
Distiller Score 85
The juicy mandarin really comes through on the aroma, covering up the juniper actually. As you taste, the ginger and juniper make appearances, the Rangpur lime is still holding strong. So as not to cover the gin's unique botanical, best to serve as a Spanish style gin and tonic or in a Gin Rickey to have the gin be the star.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Citadelle Gin
Distiller Score 85
Citadelle Gin has great aromas of spruce-scented juniper and a surprising amount of green coriander leaf that combine for a somewhat complex and herbaceous character. That palate has a nice richness (perhaps the result of those flame-powered pot stills) that finishes with a very intense spicy/sweet character fueled from the use of fresh cinnamon. A gin that has several classic components with a well-executed but somewhat simple focus on coriander and cinnamon. A sure-fire gin and tonic winner.
Reviewed by John Rankin