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Sipsmith VJOP London Dry Gin
Distiller Score 94
The juniper is definitely the star here with anise and coriander following right behind. The citrus notes, particularly the orange, are bright and bring out the almond flavors. The gin is clean and has a crisp, spice-driven finish with the juniper/piney notes just jumping out of the glass. Martinis await to be made.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Hernö Gin
Distiller Score 92
Berries along with the fresh lemon scent are first to appear. This is quickly followed by piney juniper and a gentle meadowsweet floral scent. The palate tames the berries, but ups the ante on the juniper and black pepper. There's a softness on the body of the gin and the botanicals work together to present a spring-like fragrance with a bite of juniper. Really well done with the only "complaint" being that the proof could be just a tad higher. Serve in a sour cocktail presentation like a gin fizz.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Old Raj Dry Gin (55%)
Distiller Score 93
The similarities on the nose and palate are much the same as the Red Label. Coriander, citrus peel and juniper stand out. The saffron and orris lend a very light floral touch. Classic all-around. As the red and blue label just differ with their proofs, we'd advise to use the Blue Label when making boozy stirred drinks, particularly a Martini or a Negroni.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Hernö Navy Strength Gin
Distiller Score 91
The coriander shines a bit brighter at navy-strength proof and the juniper and black pepper are present and accounted for straight away. The berries are a little harder to suss out, but the vanilla seems to add a touch of sweetness to make a well-balanced gin. Cocktail suggestion? Try it in a Martinez.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Oxley Classic English Dry Gin
Distiller Score 90
A combination of floral and bright citrus notes greets you on the nose with juniper and other spices lurking in the background. Further trips on the nose bring out a bit of rooty and licorice notes. The use of vanilla and licorice give the gin just enough sweetness to balance the other ingredients. Juniper is solidly present throughout and citrus is there to close out the evening. Thoughts on a cocktail are plentiful but starting out with a Martini isn't a bad idea.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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G'Vine Nouaison Gin
Distiller Score 91
The profile is fairly fruity on the profile with a fruit salad aroma. Juniper comes in a bit stronger as you taste, but other ingredients shine such as the ginger and peppery cubeb berries along with the herbal vine-flowers. The gin finishes warm, spicy and slightly bittersweet with a lot of complex flavors to discover. The Pegu Club comes to mind for a drink recommendation, but this gin could work in other cocktails where you'd like the spices to pop.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Perry's Tot Navy Strength Gin
Distiller Score 92
Quite aromatic from the start with juniper and cardamom. Star anise adds a little sweetness along with the honey, and the botanicals as a whole come across like lovely garam masala curry. The proof of course lends it to stand out in your cocktails so think beyond the gin and tonic here.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Nolet's Silver Gin
Distiller Score 95
The juniper pine notes provide the backnote, but Nolet's Silver Gin is full of freshly sliced peach, ripe raspberry, and roses. Those notes are each found individually but the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Perhaps not everyone's cup of tea, but definitely worth a try at least. Cocktail suggestions: Think bubbles (French 75, Champagne Cocktail, Gin Fizz) or punch preparations..not really suited for classic martinis.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Four Pillars Olive Leaf Gin
Distiller Score 91
Lemon zest and violets open a bright nose, with potpourri, lavender, ruby red grapefruit, and a touch of savory salinity. The palate is savory and viscous, with juniper well integrated with notes of sage, expressed lemon peels, quinine, white pepper, and coriander. The presence of olives is felt most strongly on the finish, where vegetal and herbal notes reign alongside a final flash of vibrant citrus.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Xoriguer Gin de Mahón
Distiller Score 89
Spain is famous for its GinTonia, and Xoriguer gin seems perfectly suited to that drink. Bold with earthy, pleasantly bitter juniper up front, the rest of the botanicals lend harmonious support without standing out individually. It's a strong, assertive gin, made to stand up in cocktails.
Reviewed by Jacob Grier
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Ki No Bi "Sei" Kyoto Navy Strength Gin
Distiller Score 89
While much thicker and more full-bodied than the original Ki No Bi, the classic yuzu citrus-forward character is ever-present. Pepper and ginger come through on the palate, leading to a long, powerful finish.
Reviewed by George Koutsakis
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Old Raj Dry Gin (46%)
Distiller Score 88
Moderately intense, the aroma focuses on the juniper and cinnamon. A very gentle floral note hovers throughout the gin. The finish is warming and focuses on the cinnamon and citrus peel, particularly orange. A gin for traditionalists -- advise on usage is any cocktail really, but gin and tonics and other long drinks would be a great start. We'd use its Blue Label brethren for a Martini.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno