My top 5 … boutique gins

This article first appeared in the Mar/Apr 2016 issue of WGM.

Gin lovers rejoice! The past few years has seen an emergence of artisanal gins being produced all over the world.

From Sydney to Scotland, new gin stills are being established and like celebrity chefs and their signature dishes, master distillers are creating stellar gins with characters as unique as fingerprints.

Thanks to the emergence of specialist gin bars across Asia such as Ori-Gin and Ping Pong 129 Gintoneria in Hong Kong, The Gin Garden at White Rabbit in Singapore and The Stillery at the Inter-Continental Double Bay Sydney, the small batch boutique productions of this traditionally British spirit have spread across the globe like wildfire.

The fundamental foundation of gin is the juniper berry and each craftsman uses their own variation in technique and ingredients to create modern, artistic expressions of this magical elixir which dates back to the Middle Ages.

But if the ever expanding list of options seems a little overwhelming, let us steer you to some of this Eagle’s personal favorites.

5. Whitley Neill.
Whitley Neill is said to be, “Inspired by Africa, crafted in England.” Its unique African touch comes from two distinctly African botanicals, the Baobab fruit and Cape gooseberries. It is an interesting twist on a traditional gin. The subtlety of the juniper allows the other flavors from the botanicals and the tonic (locally crafted or commercial) to be truly enjoyed.

 

4. Death’s Door.
The USA is better known for its beer, bourbon and whiskey but Death’s Door gin is about to add another leaf to the country’s reputation for producing very popular and high quality alcoholic beverages. The striking name is derived from the body of water from which it is made. Crafted from simple locally produced botanicals, the coriander and fennel are standouts in this lively spirit. Smooth and elegant – just like a premium gin should be.

3. Cotswolds.
The English have never given up on improving their traditional drop and Cotswolds Dry Gin is proof that they are the masters of reinvention. Cotswolds, with only nine botanicals, achieves a deliciously balanced gin which is robust enough to stand alone or be enjoyed in all manner of cocktails. As well as the local ingredients, it is the Cotswolds water that is said to give this unique juniper-led gin – which finishes with spice and crisp citrus – such a silky zing.

2. The Botanist.
Being an alcohol product from the Scottish island of Islay, The Botanist has a lot to live up to. But Islay’s first gin does the island proud by maintaining its reputation for producing premium products of uncompromising quality. With an incredible 31 botanicals, every sip reveals more of this big and wild gin. Citrus, floral and spice notes permeate this amazing drop which starts off cool and ends with a warm finish.

1. Archie Rose.
Australian-made Archie Rose Signature Dry Gin just about makes up for the late night lock-out laws that have altered Sydney’s nightlife. With 14 botanicals including the local Dorrigo Pepper leaf, this gin is both perfectly balanced and wonderfully complex. “Inspired” is the best description of this gin, made from extremely pure local water and distilled to perfection by craftsmen who take their art very seriously.