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Gin Flavors Decoded What Makes Each Brand Unique Hush And Whisper

Leo Migdal
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gin flavors decoded what makes each brand unique hush and whisper

Vodka doesn’t demand attention. It earns it. At Hush and Whisper Distilling Co., we love how this spirit slips quietly Gin doesn’t whisper its secrets to just anyone. Every bottle holds a conversation between botanicals, time, and the hands that Ready to explore whiskey cocktails without the intimidation?

Whether you’re drawn to bourbon, rye, scotch, or Japanese whisky, the world Although many gin brands are based in the U.K., it can be made anywhere in the world. There are no rules governing the specific grains used to produce it. And as long as a gin contains a strong presence of juniper berries in its profile, distillers are free to infuse just about any flowers, herbs, botanicals, and fruits into their products. As such, customers can expect some juniper notes in any given gin, but the salad of other aromatics at play is going to differ from brand to brand and bottle to bottle. Some producers take a “less-is-more” approach to craft more classic flavor profiles.

Others infuse upwards of 45 different ingredients into their gins. And then there are brands that aim to showcase their homeland’s flora by using locally foraged herbs and botanicals. Aside from the seemingly endless array of raw ingredients gin distillers have at their disposal, the alcohol content of a given gin is going to have a massive impact on its mouthfeel and concentration... For instance, Old Raj clocks in at 55 percent ABV and packs a serious punch of juniper, saffron, and citrus, making it a sturdy, complex anchor for a Dry Martini. On the other hand, an expression like Roku is only 43 percent ABV and lands more floral, delicate, and highball-ready. The following infographic serves as a general guide for those looking to restock their back bars and to help them know what to expect when they buy a new bottle.

It’s also important to note that many gins vary in strength depending where they’re sold. One brand’s flagship expression could be 37.5 percent ABV in the U.K., 40 percent ABV in the U.S., and 43 percent in South Africa. For every brand included below, we gauged their respective flavor profiles and strengths based on their baseline bottlings available in the U.S. *Image retrieved from chas53 via stock.adobe.com in 2012 I began researching how consumers talked about gin. How they talked about it with bartenders, folks at the liquor store and themselves.

This was the beginning of the Gin Flavor Diagram. The first version of the GIN FLAVOR DIAGRAM was released in 2012 on THE GIN IS IN to help describe the flavor of gins that were being reviewed in the terms that consumers themselves... In the time since it’s released I’ve continued researching and talking to consumers. In 2016 we added a new category, “herbal” to describe the emerging category of herb-forward gins that were being released. The big finding was that consumers weren’t as motivated by simple ratings or scores— but instead were looking for gins with similar flavors to other gins that they liked. Before the diagram, a consumer going to the store looking for a gin that tasted like Hendrick’s or Gordon’s would have been baffled.

Today, they have the tools to make smarter decisions. And distillers have better tools to release products to meet those needs. Gin has surged in popularity in recent years—no longer just a mixer for martinis, it’s a centerpiece spirit that invites exploration and flavor discovery. At your local liquor store, you’ll often find rows of gins claiming everything from juniper dominance to bold citrus twists. But what exactly makes each bottle unique? In this guide, we’ll dive into gin’s botanical makeup, flavor styles, and tips for selecting the perfect bottle—whether you frequent an ABC Store, a craft-focused liquor retailer, or boutique shop like Sauce Monkey Spirits...

At its core, gin is a distilled spirit flavored predominantly with juniper berries. Legally, in many regions, it must be at least 37.5% ABV and feature juniper as the standout botanical. But the real magic comes in the mix—each distillery blends an array of botanicals to create signature flavor profiles. When visiting a liquor store—be it a state ABC Store or an independent shop—focus on: Tip: Always check the back label for tasting notes. Many craft distilleries clearly list dominant botanicals—handy intel when browsing.

Style: London Dry Recommended Botanical: Juniper strong Cocktail Suggestion: Classic Gin & Tonic, Gimlet We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. One of the more versatile spirits, gin is easily mixed into cocktails. A London dry gin delivers perfect classics — like the gin and tonic or a martini – while an Old Tim gin, which is a sweeter version, has typically been the norm for switching... However, the increasingly popular spirit is now available in different variations. How it's made, though, remains the same.

Produced from a neutral grain spirit, gin is then combined with juniper berries, giving it a distinct taste of pine. No matter what name it takes, without juniper berries, it is not gin. While juniper berries are essential to the production of gin, the spirit can also contain other botanicals or flavors like mint, cinnamon, lemon or lime, berries, and more. This is where flavored gin comes in. You can also use the unique traits of a flavored gin to create something new with your favorite cocktails, or you can enjoy them straight with a complementing garnish. From an array that is fruity, spicy, or floral, here are some flavored gins you should try in your next cocktail.

Considered one of the best pink gins, Malfy Gin Rosa is the one to try if you want to stay close to a London dry. Originally, "pink" gin was just any London dry gin that had pink coloring added to it, typically with Angostura bitters. Nowadays, the pink color is given to the liquor through fruits like strawberry or rhubarb, which also gives it a sweeter flavor. Malfy Gin Rosa has hints of lemon, orange, and vanilla, but tastes primarily of fresh grapefruit. A fusion of rhubarb, grapefruit, and citrus flavors with a long juniper finish, Malfy's version of pink gin is crisp and bright. Slightly sweet and of perfect color, Malfy Gin Rosa would work well in a sangria.

Although usually wine-based, made with a combination of sparkling wine, juice, and fruits, sangria can also be made with liquor. Malfy's gin works well because its fresh flavors from pink fruits pair well with the fresh fruits in sangria, making it a refreshing and delicious drink. You’re opening up to various flavors and aromas when entering gin tasting. Each gin’s unique story is crafted from a blend of botanicals defining its character. Whether you’re a novice eager to learn or someone with a refined palate looking to deepen your appreciation, understanding gin’s flavor profiles can transform your tasting experience. You’ll discover the rich complexities that make each gin unique by focusing on key elements like juniper, citrus, spice, and floral notes.

Begin by familiarizing yourself with the foundation of gin—juniper. This botanical is the cornerstone of every gin and lends a distinctive pine-like quality to the spirit. From there, you’ll notice how other botanicals layer on top of this base to create variety. Citrus-forward gins burst with refreshing notes of lemon, lime, or grapefruit, making them ideal for light cocktails. On the other hand, spiced gins feature warm undertones of cardamom, cinnamon, or pepper, perfect for sipping neat or robust drinks. As you taste, please take a moment to identify these elements and appreciate how they interact.

Floral and herbal gins bring another level of complexity. These styles showcase delicate lavender, chamomile, or rosemary notes, often providing a softer, more aromatic profile. Such gins are excellent for those who enjoy subtle, nuanced flavors. When sampling, compare these styles to recognize how the botanical combinations shape the overall character. It’s not just about tasting—it’s about exploring the craftsmanship behind each bottle. At Golden Hill Market, you’ll find a curated selection of gins designed to suit every preference.

You can explore options highlighting traditional styles or more adventurous offerings infused with unexpected ingredients. The knowledgeable team can guide you through these choices, helping you pinpoint the profiles that align with your tastes. Whether you’re drawn to the bright zest of citrus or the earthy depth of herbal blends, you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for gin. You’re invited to expand your palate and immerse yourself in the art of tasting at Golden Hill Market. With expert guidance and an extensive selection, there’s no better place to start your journey. Visit us at 2044 Market St, San Diego, CA 92102, and let us help you discover your next favorite bottle.

The world of gin awaits, and it’s ready for you to explore. Your password was successfully updated. Thank you. The subtle flavorings that make gin so delicious can seem downright inscrutable. Many producers don’t even list ingredients on their labels, which only sustains the mysteries of gin, whose lore has been elevated by the likes of fictional characters such as Jay Gatsby and James Bond. But we’re here to take the guesswork out of gin.

This guide lists popular gins based on their dominant flavors, collectively known as botanicals. Pine-like juniper is required for gin, though distillers can tune that juniper note to be a whisper or a wallop. Beyond that, botanicals can vary widely. The most common include spices (coriander, cardamom, anise), flowers (rose, lavender), and citrus peel (lemon, grapefruit). Use the guide below to identify a flavor you like in old standbys, and perhaps, find a new favorite gin. The root of this flowering plant adds a warm, musky herbal note that some describe as truffle-like.

Angelica also is used to flavor various herbal amari and liqueurs that include Chartreuse, so this might be a fine choice to mix in a classic Last Word cocktail, which contains both gin and... Bracingly spicy peppercorn is used to add piquancy to a wide range of dishes, so it shouldn’t surprise that black pepper is a common flavoring for many gins, too.

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