Gin is one of the most versatile spirits in existence. It can be distilled from a wide range of agricultural products, from common grains like wheat and barley to potatoes, grapes, sugarcane and more. Each imparts subtle differences in texture and flavor to the final product.
Then there are the botanicals that add even more dimension. Juniper—the only one that’s required—gives gin its signature pine-like aroma. But the berries also pair well with other flavors and ingredients, from coriander and cardamom to all kinds of citrus, including fragrant bergamot. The dizzying array of potential aromas translates to incredible diversity in the gin category, meaning the spirit is well-suited for a huge range of cocktail recipes. Of course, that variety can make it difficult to pick and choose one to buy.
Don’t fret: We’ve got you covered. The gins that made this year’s Enthusiast 100: The Best Spirits of 2023 reflect that variation. There are classic London Dry and Old Tom gins, multiple citrus-infused options as well as terroir-focused versions that draw on ingredients that hail from California’s Mojave desert to the African continent. The mix mirrors not this year’s top-scoring and prestigious bottles, but those that inspired our taster’s imagination and sense of adventure.
Here are the top gins of 2023.
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Best Citrus Gin
Gin de Las Californias Citrico
This refreshing gin delivers on the citrus promised in its name, unfolding nuanced layers of bright lemon, tangerine and kumquat on nose and palate. Grapefruit peel and coriander perfume the exhale. Made with a sugar cane base. Best Buy. 95 Points — Kara Newman
$26 Total Wine & MoreBest London Dry Gin
Chemist American Gin
Expect a classic London Dry profile, plus a bit of savory edge. A whiff of dried coriander leads into a palate showing pine and savory spice, finishing brisk and mouthwatering with a lemon-peel hint. 94 Points — K.N.
Best Organic Gin
Linden Leaf Botanicals 88 Organic Molecular Gin
A clean, classic juniper profile, plus a whiff of savory spice leads the nose. The palate opens citrusy and brisk – botanicals in the blend include yuzu, calamansi, and lemon thyme – and finishes tingly, with rosemary and mint. Ideal for Martinis. Best Buy. 94 Points — K.N.
$37 Total Wine & MoreBest Terroir-Driven Gin
Mojave High Desert Dry Gin
The aroma is mild and lightly sweet, leading into a citrusy palate that hints at lemon peel and white pepper, plus a fleeting floral note. Juicy lime frames the mouthwatering finish. Mix into gin and tonics. Best Buy. 94 Points — K.N.
$28 Total Wine & MoreBest Irish Gin
Garnish Island Gin
Named for County Cork’s Garnish Island, this gin opens with bold mint and licorice aromas. The palate offers anise, ginger and rosemary, drying to a pleasantly spiced and mouthwatering finish drifting gently away. 93 Points — K.N.
$26 Total Wine & MoreBest Bergamot Gin
Kapriol Lemon & Bergamot Gin
The vegetal aroma hints at celery and star anise. Meanwhile, the palate is relatively mild. Touches of grapefruit peel and white pepper lead into the clean finish. Overall, this gin provides a neutral backdrop for whatever drink comes its way. 89 Points — K.N.
$ Varies Wine-SearcherBest Budget Gin
Constant Reader Gin
Sweet and savory spices frame this versatile London Dry Style. Look for coriander on nose and palate, mingled with cardamom and cubeb pepper piquancy. Best Buy. 93 Points — K.N.
$ Varies Wine-SearcherBest Old Tom Gin
Ransom Old Tom Gin The Geezer
An extra-aged version of Ransom’s original Old Tom gin means an amber hue and complex allspice and vanilla aromas. The palate melds maple, orange peel and oak, plus a hint of cayenne into the finish. Sip with ice or mix into a very special Martinez. 93 Points — K.N.
$42 Total Wine & MoreBest African Gin
Bayab Gin
Pleasant dried spice aromas include nutmeg, cardamom and coriander. The palate echoes the spice notes, leading into a mild fruity note, suggesting kumquat and a citrusy finish. (Africa’s subtly tangy baobab fruit is a key botanical.) Enjoy topped up with tonic water. 92 Points — K.N.
$32 Total Wine & MorePublished: December 14, 2023
