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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 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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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 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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The Botanist Islay Cask Rested Gin
Distiller Score 93
The botanical bouquet still rings true on the nose with bright coriander and citrus notes as well as delicate floral aromas and gentle warm spices. Those notes carry-thru on the palate with the barrel aging adding a bit more of a prickly and a lightly tannic/grippy mouthfeel. Would say this is still more on the gin spectrum than a whisky one allowing for lots of gin cocktail opportunities. The light aging adds another flavoring aspect to the gin rather than muting them.
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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Stonecutter Single Barrel Gin
Distiller Score 85
For a barrel-aged spirit, the color of this gin is surprisingly light and translucent. In a similar fashion, the nose first kicks up a heady combination of medicinal juniper and crisp citrus peel before notes of burnt sugar and vanilla bean from the barrel become more apparent. The botanicals are not revealed by the distillery, but the flavor profile seems fairly traditional with notes of spring flowers, black tea, and a bit of spicy, cracked pepper. The spirit has a nice balance of fresh gin flavors and a warming, round oak character. It is quite drinkable on its own, but it could certainly be a tasty addition to a punch.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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6 O'clock Gin Brunel Edition
Distiller Score 93
Subtle florals hang in the background of warm spices (the cumin and nutmeg are particularly forward) and citrus flavors. Though it is indeed spicy and dry, there is a softness to it that cushions what could have been any harsh tones. A gin and tonic gin to be sure, but the flavors would play well in sours and even sparkling wine drinks too.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Sacred London Dry Gin
Distiller Score 91
The frankincense comes in quite clear, but it also accentuates the juniper. There's a warmth to the gin and not just because it is an alcohol, but because the spice-driven gin seems to give that vibe. Holiday cookies come to mind with the pinch of nutmeg and cardamom. Definitely a gin to try and experiment with; somehow the need to have in a cocktail which calls for eggs or cream (or both like the Ramos Gin Fizz) seems to be in order.
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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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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Stump Coastal Forest Gin
Distiller Score 84
The forest notes really shine through on the aroma with the Grand Fir coming in the strongest. The bay laurel provides for a menthol note which continues on the finish and though the lavender is present, it is used judiciously. You won't find any citrus, of course, as there isn't any. This would best be served in a Last Word cocktail as it's got the stuff to stand toe-to-toe with Chartreuse, but a gin & tonic will do nicely.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno