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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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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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Tanqueray No. TEN Gin
Distiller Score 93
There are dark spices in the background, but unlike the standard bottling, bright citrus is all around and is most strong on the aroma. Some fresh herb, earthy roots, and juniper are found as well and all work well in concert on the palate. The finish is clean and crisp with some spice (cinnamon, perhaps) and bitterness on the finish. Tanqueray's standard gin is no slouch, but this is the rare occasion, like with The Godfather, where the sequel is even better than the original. Gin Martini. High recommendation.
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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St. George Terroir Gin
Distiller Score 90
The bold aroma of the Douglas Fir really comes into play along with sage which makes itself more present as the drink goes on. Juniper is on the low scale of things and citrus isn't to be found. Full, not too slick this gin has a peppery back note. A Gibson martini seems fitting or a Bramble cocktail as the blackberry in the Bramble would be wondrous with the sage.
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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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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Sipsmith London Dry Gin
Distiller Score 89
Classic London Dry aromas here. The rooty/bark notes come to the forefront followed by the Seville orange peel with the juniper present. These flavors harken a hot drink preparation (like say, a toddy) which is something we recommend you try.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Opihr Spices of the Orient London Dry Gin
Distiller Score 94
The ginger comes through the boldest, but more in a ginger ale sort of way. Black pepper, cardamom and a touch of cumin come in a right behind ginger. The spices lead the way on your palate with a nice mix of spicy heat and spicy warmth. The cardamom lingers seductively. This is a gin that varies from the typical Western style which often use lots of floral and fruits. Cocktails utilizing teas, like hibiscus or even a Bramble cocktail with the spices in the gin playing off the blackberries would be a lovely drink.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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St. George Botanivore Gin
Distiller Score 97
The aroma is at once bright and complex with floral, spice, citrus, and anise shining through. There's a citrus flavor quickly followed by the piney juniper, cinnamon, and cardamom throughout. Fresh green herbs are present as well, but delicately so. There is so much going on, that there isn't enough room here to discuss them all. Honestly, this is a gin you could enjoy on the rocks with or without a splash of soda or tonic because of it being a cocktail in and of itself, but it certainly could and should be experimented with in modern cocktail applications. Bravo!
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Tanqueray Bloomsbury Gin
Distiller Score 91
Warm coriander is the predominant aromatic after juniper with light citrus notes following. The gin is moderately oily and the aromatics discovered at nosing are also found in the tasting with the coriander continuing to upstage the other botanicals. Sweet licorice is also present in a small dose. The finish is long and slightly bitter with the gin showing a fine balance of earthy, fruity, and spicy flavors. Thoughts for a cocktail are a gin and tonic done in the Spanish style, served in a large bowl wine glass with cracked ice and a garnish of fresh coriander (also known as cilantro).
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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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