The 14 Absolute Best Gins For Beginner Enthusiasts

Gin cocktails have always been part of the staple of classic cocktails, but for some reason, the spirit on its own garners a lot of commentary and controversy. Like whiskey or whisky, there are rules and regulations for gin production. It must be distilled from something natural, such as barley or wheat; one of the botanicals used must be juniper, and it must be at least 40% alcohol by volume. Flavor-wise, gin is somewhat of a blank canvas with which the distiller can paint with a broad brush, using a variety of herbs, spices, and botanicals to give their gin flavor and character, and... But how can someone just getting into gin know where to start? Get in the boozer; we're going shopping.

We spoke with Alessandro Pisi, Bar Director of The Duck & The Peach, La Collina, and The Wells in Washington DC, and Valentino Longo, bartender and owner of ViceVersa in Miami, to get their... From modern gins inspired by Mediterranean flavors or aged in oak barrels to the most traditional of London Dry varietals, there really is a gin for everyone, and that includes the newbies. Whether you've got a taste for sweet or savory, herbaceous or floral, gin and tonic, or gin martini, leave it to the experts to lead the gin novice to the promised land. The London Dry Gin category is seen somewhat as the backbone of the gin category. London Dry Gin is an elevated spirit and makes for a more than worthwhile martini or simple gin and tonic compared to other gins while also being balanced and easy to enjoy. For Alessandro Pisi, Sipsmith is an excellent place for the entry level gin drinker.

Produced in the London neighborhood of Chiswick, Sipsmith as a brand has only been around since 2007. Pisi describes Sipsmith as a classic London Dry with a little extra spice, making this an ideal choice for the gin beginner looking to add something classic to their collection that has a little... Bold and aromatic with notes of green olive and juniper, this is undoubtedly a gin for all. In the spirit of modernizing the classic London Dry Gin, No. 3 Gin is another example of a classic London Dry that has been designed for the modern day gin drinker who wants to pay homage to a classic in every sip. For Valentino Longo, it is the balance and flavor of No.

3 that makes this a gin designed to be enjoyed in a martini with nothing more than a splash of vermouth and a twist of lemon. At its core, gin is a simple neutral grain spirit. The liquid’s complexity and unique character come from the addition of botanicals, which impart various flavors into the spirit during production. While juniper berries are the most famous — and only mandatory — botanical used, distillers implement a melange of other berries, seeds, fruits, herbs, spices, and roots to round out a gin’s flavors. The supporting ingredients and their influence vary from gin to gin, leading to a broad spectrum of expressions and styles that practically demand categorical exploration. Because of this, it’s possible that those who claim they don’t like gin simply haven’t found a gin they like yet.

But where does a curious drinker begin to figure out what gin is their jam? Talking to a bartender or two to learn what they’re into is a good place to start, particularly given gin’s breadth. To that end, we asked 15 bartenders to highlight the brands they’d recommend to get into the aromatic spirit. Their responses provide a starting point for beginners, but they’re also a reflection of how eclectic gin can be, which ultimately makes it an exciting category to explore. “If you’re just starting to explore gin, I always recommend beginning with the original Hendrick’s. It’s beautifully balanced, soft, floral, and infused with hints of cucumber and rose, making it super approachable and easy to enjoy.

Unlike stronger gins with higher ABV, Hendrick’s has a slightly lower alcohol content, so it’s smoother and less intense. It’s also really versatile, great in a refreshing Gin & Tonic with a slice of cucumber or even sipped neat if you’re feeling adventurous.” —Bryan Correntin, lead bartender, Marion, Miami “My favorite way to introduce gin to a gin agnostic is with an Eastside. The harmony of mint and cucumber puts anyone at ease, even more so when supported by a quality gin. The bottle I most often reach for in these instances is Fords Gin. Not because it’s the softest or the quietest gin, but because each botanical and ingredient was deliberately chosen to make the best cocktail possible.

Fords doesn’t try to upstage, it acts as a canvas. It boosts the individual flavors, so a new gin convert won’t think, ‘Wow, what a delicious gin!’ but instead ‘Wow, what a delicious cocktail!’” —Thomas Eslinger, beverage director, République, Los Angeles Whether you’re not a fan of gin, want to mix up your typical Friday night drink, or you’ve just never tried it, you might have no idea where to start! Luckily, you’ve come to the right place; so, what is the best gin for beginners? It is recommended you start with the best quality gin within your budget. You don’t want to spend too much on a drink you may or may not like.

Similarly, you don’t want to sacrifice quality and just go for the cheapest option. Whenever you try something new, you don’t just stop at one. What you’ll end up liking will depend on your particular taste, so just because you don’t like one doesn’t mean you won’t like them all! There are plenty to choose from, and this beginner’s guide will give you insight into the tastes of the more common brands. There is a huge selection of types of gin to choose from; different types, brands, and flavors – it can be a little overwhelming! It’s not all about the brand, though; there are many different ways to serve and drink gin and this will vary depending on the brand you choose.

Lesley Stockton is a writer focused on kitchen and entertaining. Her coverage includes grilling, kitchen knives, and cookware, just to name a few. Whether you prefer a dry martini or a refreshing gin and tonic, your gin of choice defines the cocktail. If you love gin, you know how it can unfold like a story with each sip: Juniper is the main character, while spices, citrus, and other aromatics play the supporting roles. We believe there’s a gin for almost any imbiber, even the folks who think they don’t like it. If you’re turned off by assertive, sprucy gins, we have a pick for you that’s smooth and bright.

If you like old pine boxes in dusty attics and want to capture that sensory experience in a glass, we have a gin for you, too. Food and drinks writer (and Wirecutter contributor) Tammie Teclemariam and I tasted 12 gins in all. To find the best ones to suit many tastes and budgets, we focused mainly on London Dry gins because they are the most widely available and the easiest to compare, thanks to a standardized... We also included a couple of bottles that we believe are true all-purpose gins, meaning they mix exceptionally well into three of the most common gin cocktails: a dry martini, a gin and tonic,... Of all the core spirits, gin holds a truly special place on the back bar. Besides being a refreshingly bright liquor, it's a rare creative flex for distillers who get to craft each recipe to their liking and perfect their product.

This also makes it a uniquely versatile spirit: It can sing through as the star of the show in cocktails like gin and tonic or a straight up martini, help citrusy notes shine through... However, this also means it can be difficult to find the right bottle for your specific taste or needs. Fortunately, as a spirits expert and New York City bar owner for more than 15 years, I've been lucky to sample bottles from all across the gin spectrum. My work has also taken me throughout the country and around the globe to sample products with distillers who make them and try new, adventurous cocktails at some of the most respected bars in... All this allows me to stay on top of the constantly evolving category and helps contextualize how each is best used. But as such a dynamic spirit, I also thought it was important to reach out to colleagues and experts in the industry to weigh in on the products they think are best.

Whether you're looking for a juniper bomb or a citrusy sipper, here are some of the gins you should consider picking up. Gin is one of the few categories that can still be overwhelming even when you limit it to brands that have been around for more than 20 years. The variation between flavor profiles has typically made it the one spirit where there are at least two or three offerings behind the bar, just to make sure you're covering the different sides of... Any gin fan knows this is why it's important to have a go-to order ready out of these core bottles. That's why when it comes to somewhat-readily-available bottles, I find it hard to top Plymouth. This classic gin reimagines the London dry style with an incredibly well-balanced flavor profile that combines citrus, black pepper, and juniper without overwhelming the palate.

This makes it more versatile than many of its contemporaries, serving as my forever and always call gin for a martini, but still working wonderfully in classic cocktails like a Bee's Knees, too. I've long said that spotting this product sitting on the back bar is usually a sign of an establishment that takes its cocktail program seriously, and I've yet to be proven wrong when ordering. Out of all the styles of gin on the market, navy strength isn't typically the one American drinkers jump to when asked to name their favorites. The aggressively high ABV usually precludes it from the G&Ts and classic cocktail call orders that typically go to standard gins. But the truth is that these hefty spirits are a genuine necessity in the mixology world, playing a vital role in several cocktails. Don't believe me?

Just try ordering a Negroni, martini, or any basic tiki cocktail with one and you'll immediately understand the difference. For those new to the world of gin, the plethora of options available can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many brands, flavors, and styles to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. However, gin is a spirit that offers a wide range of possibilities, from classic cocktails to modern twists, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore the world of spirits. In this article, we will delve into the world of gin, exploring what makes a good gin for beginners, how to choose the right one, and some top recommendations to get you started. Before diving into the best gins for beginners, it’s essential to understand what gin is and how it’s made.

Gin is a clear, high-proof spirit flavored with botanicals, which are plants, herbs, and spices that give gin its unique taste and aroma. The main ingredient in gin is typically a neutral grain spirit, which is then flavored with a combination of botanicals. The most common botanicals used in gin production include juniper berries, coriander, citrus peels, and angelica root. The quality and combination of these botanicals, along with the distillation process, can greatly impact the final flavor and character of the gin. Botanicals are the essence of gin, providing the spirit with its unique flavor profile. Juniper berries are the most common botanical used in gin production, giving the spirit its distinctive piney flavor.

Other popular botanicals include coriander, which adds a warm, spicy flavor, and citrus peels, which provide a bright, citrusy note. The type and quality of botanicals used can greatly impact the flavor of the gin, so it’s essential to choose a gin that uses high-quality, fresh ingredients. There are several types of gin, each with its unique characteristics and production methods. London Dry Gin is one of the most popular styles, known for its crisp, dry flavor and lack of added sugars or flavorings. Plymouth Gin is another well-known style, originating from the Plymouth region in England, characterized by its slightly sweeter and more full-bodied flavor. Other types of gin include Old Tom Gin, which is sweeter and more flavorful than London Dry Gin, and New Western Gin, which is known for its modern, innovative flavor profiles.

With so many types and styles of gin available, it can be challenging to choose the right one for beginners. Here are a few factors to consider when selecting a gin: 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.

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