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Fords Gin
Distiller Score 91
An intensely aromatic profile greets you on the nose with classic gin botanicals, particularly juniper. Coriander and citrus peel are the highlights with the gin having an earthy backbone and piney juniper flavor. A gentle floral note is found as well. The finish has a cinnamon-y bite and a moderate bitter flavor. Very versatile gin for a variety of classic cocktails -- nice proof as well.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Gray Whale Gin
Distiller Score 93
This gin makes an impression from the moment you open it. The juniper is present, but the citrus notes make the biggest impression and the fir tree needles are a nice addition. The mint is a lovely top note. As you taste the gin, you'll find it to be full and a touch sweet. But the juniper adds a pleasant punch. This is a gin that could handle any preparation, but try it on the rocks with a snack of briny olives on the side.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Kyrö Gin
Distiller Score 92
The aroma of coriander comes through along with bright citrus tones and fresh green grass. There's a pleasant savoriness to it all. On tasting, the base spirit is lean and dry with juniper present, but not overpowering. The finish shows gentle floral notes and a peppery finish. A zippy gin and an all-around cocktail use. Start with a gin & tonic.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Plymouth Navy Strength Gin
Distiller Score 95
Much like the standard Plymouth bottling, sweet citrus and coriander notes take charge on the nose while the juniper becomes more present on the taste and finish. Good bite to the gin with some oiliness felt on the palate. Gentle sweetness on the palate and you're left with warm spices. Plymouth is known to most as the benchmark Navy Strength bottling, and for good reason. It's such a pleasure to drink on it's own it's a wonder more folks don't just order this on the rocks and be done with it.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Nikka Coffey Gin
Distiller Score 88
The aroma is full of fresh, bright citrus, sansho pepper, and coriander. The lemon and orange citrus flavors continue to dominate the profile on the palate which is soft and full. There's a peppery backnote, but because the base distillate is rich and slightly sweet, the pepper isn't sharp. A versatile gin, and one that isn't entirely reworking the gin category.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Whitley Neill Gin
Distiller Score 88
Upon first smelling the gin, you get a mix of fruity/floral aromas. The gin has an undertone of spices with some anise, cardamom coming to mind. Juniper provides a nice piney note coming through mostly at the finish. A nice dry finish. Solid gin, not an everyday London Dry style, but not too odd that would make certain cocktails offputting. Well worth seeking out.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Ransom Old Tom Gin
Distiller Score 95
Look for a light amber color in the glass, thanks to its time spent in barrel, and a soft, floral aroma underlined by juniper and orange peel. On the palate, it's like a gin and whiskey hybrid in which gin gets the top billing. You'll taste top notes of juniper and cardamom, while the barley spirit from which it's distilled provides a rounded base. This would be equally nice on the rocks as would substituted into traditional whiskey cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Hot Toddy.
Reviewed by Anna Archibald
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Martin Miller's Gin
Distiller Score 87
The aromas begin with the earthy and spiced aromas coming followed by a healthy amount of citrus. The cucumber comes in loud and proud, particularly towards the finish and makes much more of an impression at this strength that the Westbourne Strength. Not particularly bitter, there is a softness to the gin, likely due to the Icelandic water. This is a great gin to introduce folks new to the category, although you should also be a fan of cucumber. We'd recommend a gin and tonic.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Ki No Bi Kyoto Dry Gin
Distiller Score 88
Citrus is dominant through the entire experience, especially on the nose. A subtle hint of sanshō pepper joins in on the palate, as notes of earth and wood start to come through. Ginger makes a strong appearance near the end, adding to a warm, spicy, and satisfying finish.
Reviewed by George Koutsakis
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No. 3 London Dry Gin
Distiller Score 93
No. 3 Gin manages to do a lot with just six botanicals. Bursting with juniper flavor, it's bright and lively with citrus and a touch spicy with cardamom and coriander. Pleasantly bitter on the finish, this is a gin lover's gin, perfectly suited for classic gin cocktails.
Reviewed by Jacob Grier
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Hayman's Royal Dock Navy-Strength Gin
Distiller Score 92
Powerfully aromatic with citrus fruits, licorice, and coriander. Of course there is a bit of a punch from the alcohol, but there's enough sweetness and richness with the gin, that this all balances out in the end. Hayman's Royal Dock Navy-Strength Gin has depth and substance from the mix of botanicals and is great for cocktail use where you don't want the gin to get lost, like a Negroni.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Fifty Pounds Gin
Distiller Score 90
The aroma is fairly citrus-forward coupled with a piney juniper profile. Some floral activity (think lavender) is present, pleasantly so. Balanced overall profile, not too sweet or bitter. Each botanical has a role to play. Average body, with a dry peppery finish. Not rewriting any books, but it has a solid classic gin profile. A solid addition to any home bar.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno