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Spring44 Gin
Distiller Score 88
This gin shows a wonderful medley of scents of wild mountain flowers and crisp citrus peel with a back current of evergreen juniper. The agave nectar adds a bit of mouthfeel and texture to the gin’s mid palate for a rich, dense spirit with a long, easy-drinking finish. This is an interesting midway point between European tradition and American ingenuity. An easy choice for a gin and tonic or other refreshing long drinks.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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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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Conniption American Dry Gin
Distiller Score 88
This is a very citrus-forward gin with prevailing notes of grapefruit, lime and orange held up by coriander, cardamom and grassy cucumber, which seems like it's in a fight to the teeth with the juniper, but the does end in a clean finish. Fans of Hendrick's would enjoy this one as an alternative.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Eden Mill Oak Gin
Distiller Score 91
Barrel-aging gin is certainly a style that has gained a following and it seems that distilleries are in no rush to stop bringing them to market. Unfortunately there are a dearth of barreled gins that lose their juniper complexity in the name of oaky vanillin and residual whiskey flavors. Eden Mill’s take on the style features a deft touch of oak from it’s relatively brief sojourn in barrel of only a couple of weeks. The light golden spirit features juniper prominently with a touch of creamy malt and dried citrus. Perhaps not oaky enough for some, but a very balanced gin that pleases on its own and shows a subtle complexity.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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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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Citadelle Jardin d'été Gin
Distiller Score 88
Though melon is one of the ingredients that's meant to set this gin apart, it's only delicately pushed to the palate as a backdrop to more citrusy, floral, junipery and herbal flavors. Zesty spices, particularly a sharp, spicy pepper note tickle the back of the throat. With a bit of sparkling water, more of the fruity notes work their way into the palate, but interestingly, tonic brings out more of the spice.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Broker's Gin (40%)
Distiller Score 87
The aroma is much more aromatic with the sweeter notes of coriander and licorice coming in stronger on this lower proof version compared to the 47% ABV. Naturally, it is softer and rounder with the additional water, but the juniper is still the king overall. The higher proof version is also more bitter than this version and shows more cinnamon. Still a solid value, this. Would serve in a Negroni.
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
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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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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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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