How To Taste Gin Like A Pro Business Insider

Leo Migdal

-Dec 3, 2025, 1:24 PM

how to taste gin like a pro business insider

Tasting gin is kind of like people-watching at the airport: at first you think everyone’s the same, and then—bam—you notice all the little quirks. One gin smells like a Christmas tree, another like a spice shop, and some will straight-up remind you of that fancy shampoo your roommate won’t let anyone touch. Whether you’re sipping it neat, topping it with tonic, or just nodding along like you totally “get” the botanicals, tasting gin like a pro isn’t rocket science. Here’s a no-snobbery guide to making sense of what’s in your glass—and actually enjoying it. Quick glance. Most gin’s clear, though some barrel-aged stuff might have a golden tint.

If it’s cloudy, you’ll want to check the label— it could be unfiltered, overproof… or just a questionable leftover from last summer. There’s no need for heavy swirling. A gentle move is enough to wake things up. This is where gin really shows off. Sniff lightly—nobody wants a nose full of ethanol. Gin can be a puzzling liquor, with many cocktail enthusiasts having a love-hate relationship with it.

Some find it piney and resinous, others find it overly perfumed and cloying. In contrast, others find it tastes like a medicine cabinet. Gin begins like vodka as a neutral grain spirit from wheat, corn, grapes, or anything you can ferment into alcohol. It's then infused with a mix of botanicals, including the always-present, herbaceous juniper berries, giving it a distinct woodsy, earthy, pine tree quality (in addition to other florals, herbs, spices, teas, and other aromatics). Recently, producers have been working outside the box of a classic gin, crafting modern interpretations that dial back the juniper-heavy flavor to elevate the overall taste. Six producers released new selections this year that follow that contemporary trend.

Made with exotic and aromatic botanicals, these gins push the boundaries of the classic liquor while highlighting a range of flavors that reveal exotic, evocative tastes. I had a chance to try each of the stand out gins of 2025. I sipped each selection neat initially to evaluate, then mixed the gins into an array of drinks to find the ideal expression for each. These bottles will change the way you may drink your evening cocktails, altering familiar flavors to create thought-provoking, intriguing cocktails worthy of a conversation. Utilizing my knowledge and training as a Certified Sommelier, I reviewed each selection while providing the ideal cocktail to showcase the nuances of each option. Master distiller Leslie Gracie debuted the latest limited edition Oasium gin to her Hendrick's Cabinet of Curiosities in February 2025, which is the eighth expression added to the cabinet.

The brand is known for coloring outside the lines with its array of modern, whimsical offerings that challenge the typical juniper-forward, London dry-style gin. The Hendrick's signature gin showcases roses and cucumber, with a mix of 11 additional botanicals including chamomile, elderflower, orange peel, and juniper. And while Hendrick's doesn't disclose the exact blend of botanicals in its new Oasium release, it does note the gin is inspired by a desert oasis; the mix of plants, aromatic herbs, and citrus... You don’t have to be a mixologist to taste gin the right way. In fact, the best gin experiences come from slowing down and noticing what’s in your glass. From juniper to citrus, smooth to spicy — tasting gin is about paying attention to what your senses are telling you.

Here’s how to get started. Hold the glass just under your nose and take a soft sniff. You should catch the scent of: Let the gin hit your tongue and spread. Don’t gulp — just let it sit and roll around your mouth. Now ask:

The Old G is oxygen-infused, so it goes down smoother than most — even at 42% ABV. A good gin should feel layered, not one-note. That means you’re not overwhelmed by juniper or sweetness. You should taste: 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 Welcome to our ultimate guide on how to taste gin like a pro!

Whether you’re a gin enthusiast or just starting your journey into the world of this beloved spirit, we’re here to help you unlock the full sensory experience. In this short guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of engaging your senses, from nosing the aromas to experimenting with ice and mixing options. Get ready to discover the intricate flavours and nuances that make gin tasting a truly captivating experience. Let’s dive in and explore the art of tasting gin! Begin by gently nosing the gin. Take a small sniff and allow the botanical aromas to capture your attention.

Note the scents of citrus, earthy tones, spices, florals, and wood commonly found in gin. Before diving into tasting, it’s essential to understand what gin is. At its core, gin is a distilled spirit that derives its predominant flavour from juniper berries. However, the beauty of gin lies in its diversity, with various botanicals added to create distinct flavour profiles. These botanicals can include coriander, citrus peel, angelica root, and a myriad of other herbs and spices. Think of gin as the “potluck dinner” of the spirits world – everyone brings something different to the table.

To fully appreciate gin, setting up your tasting environment is crucial. Here’s what you’ll need: Tasting gin involves engaging multiple senses. Follow these steps to enhance your experience: While tasting, you might encounter various flavour profiles. Here are some common ones:

To deepen your appreciation, try the following: Gin has long been celebrated as one of the crucial versatile spirits, thanks to its complex blend of botanicals and its ability to shine in everything from a basic martini to a refreshing gin... For newcomers, gin tasting can really feel a little intimidating, particularly with the wide range of styles and flavors available today. The great news is that learning easy methods to savor each sip shouldn’t be about memorizing long lists of ingredients—it’s about creating your palate, slowing down, and appreciating the distinctive character of every bottle. At its core, gin is a neutral spirit flavored predominantly with juniper berries, which provide its signature piney, herbal note. Beyond juniper, distillers incorporate botanicals equivalent to coriander, citrus peels, angelica root, cardamom, or lavender.

The result’s a spirit that can lean earthy, floral, spicy, or citrus-forward, depending on the recipe. There are a number of styles of gin value noting: London Dry Gin: Crisp, juniper-forward, and classic. Plymouth Gin: Softer and slightly earthier. Ever wondered why some people can talk about gin for hours and still sound excited? The secret isn’t magic – it’s a simple process you can follow.

Grab a bottle, a good glass, and a few minutes, and you’ll start noticing the layers most folks miss. 1. Choose the right glass. A narrow, tulip‑shaped glass works best. It traps the aromas and lets you see the color clearly. If you don’t have a special gin glass, a small wine glass will do.

2. Chill it just right. Put the gin in the fridge for 10‑15 minutes or add a single ice cube. Too cold and the flavors hide; too warm and the alcohol overwhelms. 3. Swirl and sniff.

Give the glass a gentle swirl, then bring it to your nose. Take three quick sniffs, pause, and try to pick out the first scent – often juniper, citrus, or spice. Don’t overthink it; let the nose guide you. 4. Take a small sip. Let the gin coat your tongue.

Notice the initial hit (usually the botanicals), the middle body (the spirit’s texture), and the finish (how long the taste stays). Jot down words like “fresh”, “spicy”, “sweet”, or “dry”. Gin is much more than just the backbone of a good G&T. It’s a nuanced, botanical-rich spirit with layers of flavor that can surprise even seasoned drinkers. Whether you're new to gin or just want to refine your palate, learning how to taste gin like a pro opens up a world of aromas, flavors, and textures you might otherwise miss. Let’s break down the tasting process into simple, accessible steps—no tuxedo or gold-rimmed glass required.

How To Taste Gin Like A Pro Business Insider

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