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How To Taste Gin Like A Pro Forbes

Leo Migdal
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how to taste gin like a pro forbes

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. 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 What is the best way to drink gin - or how do you taste gin like a pro? The simple answer is to use your nose as well as your tongue, to use all of your tongue's tastebuds - and to really concentrate on your experience. Keep these tips in mind - and you'll start to get way more from your gin tasting. This is the advice we offer during the York Gin Tasting Experience in our 16th Century shop in York. Invariably, attendees tell us the tasting tips we provide fundamentally change the way they drink gin.

And you can use the advice we give in the shop to get the most out of your gin drinking. You can also use these principles if you want to run your own gin-tasting session with friends at home 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. 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...

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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 total...

If It’s Cloudy, You’ll Want To Check The Label— It

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. You don’t have to be a mixologist to taste gin the right way.

In Fact, The Best Gin Experiences Come From Slowing Down

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

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

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?