Many people know gin as juniper vodka. This noble drink is a descendant of a rustic and sweet genevera. On the alcohol market you can find quite a lot of its types and brands. Gin is very popular in European countries, in the USA, as well as among our compatriots. This drink has a long history, which began in England in the distant 18th century.
Since that time, many companies have appeared that produce it, and at the same time a large selection of brands. Gin drink is sold not only by well-known brands, but also by little-known ones, so it is sometimes difficult for beginners to orient themselves when standing in front of the counter. We will try to alleviate the difficulties of choice and analyze everything on the shelves.
From our article you will learn what popular brands of gin come in and what makes them remarkable. For a more visual picture, the list of drinks will be presented in a rating format, compiled taking into account the opinions of specialized magazines and consumer reviews.
List of gin brands:
- Gordon's
- Beefeater.
- Bombay Sapphire.
- Tanqueray
- Booth's
- Gilbey's.
- Plymouth.
- Greenall's.
Consider each drink separately.
Gordon's
According to the British, Gordons is the best brand of gin. The brand firmly holds the first positions in thematic ratings and for almost a hundred years has been a favorite drink not only for residents of Foggy Albion, but also for the whole of Europe.
The godfather of this brand of gin (photo above) is considered to be Alexander Gordon. After many years of searching for the perfect alcoholic drink, a little-known Scot finally received his legendary recipe, which is still kept in the strictest confidence.
Only 12 people are aware of all the chemical details of the manufacture of this brand of gin. But some ingredients of the recipe still surfaced. It is known that lemon, orange peel, coriander, juniper, licorice and angelica are added to the drink.
The distillation of this brand of gin lasts about 10 days. The drink does not contain sugar and any modern synthetic impurities. Judging by consumer reviews, the taste of Gordons is so good that it does not need to be masked to hide flaws, as less successful producers of this type of alcohol do.
Beefeater
This is another English brand of gin with a long history. Back in 1862, the entrepreneur James Barrow, already well-known in his circles, introduced his first Beefeater. Until 1994, the gin brand together with the company belonged to the descendants of the businessman, but later the large alcohol concern Pernod Ricard bought out a controlling stake and announced the secret recipe, or rather, the ingredients used.
On the official resource of the company, the composition is painted in detail. It includes juniper, licorice, lemon shavings, angelica, violet, orange and other ingredients. The only thing that is not indicated is the proportions, which, in fact, is the main component in the preparation.
All additives are correctly soaked before the distillation procedure, and again according to the company’s recipe, which allows you to get an original flavor. Consumers in their reviews note that the taste is as deep and intense as possible. Gin is bottled in Scotland and from there it goes all over the world.
Another distinguishing feature of Bifiter is its different strength. Almost all of Europe drinks 40 percent gin, while the United States prefers a stronger 47-degree gin.
Bombay sapphire
The genie brand, although it refers to the time of the East India Company, is available in just over 30 years - since 1987. The brand is wholly owned by Bacardi Corporation. She also developed a recipe for this drink.
In addition to 100 percent grain alcohol, gin includes almonds, junipers, cassia, angelica, violet, licorice and other ingredients. The process of distillation of the drink is performed not in the usual copper containers, but in branded caterhead cubes. Spices and herbs are placed in special baskets with mesh weaving, so that the alcohol is saturated with additional aromas.
Consumers leave only positive reviews about this brand of gin at alcohol forums. The drink has an original and light set of flower bouquets, and a specific aroma is very difficult to confuse with some other brand.
Tanqueray
"Tanker" is a vivid representative of the alcoholic drinks of Misty Albion, but, oddly enough, the brand was successful and was recognized not in the Old, but in the New World - in the United States. Judging by the reviews, the British do not buy this gin so often, unlike the Americans, who go crazy over it and consider it divine and extremely sophisticated.
The drink, like Gordons, was named after its creator, Charles Tankerey. The entrepreneur began with a small production in London Bloombury back in 1830. After receiving the recipe and public approval, the brand began its journey into the Upper World.
The drink is obtained by the double distillation method, where specialty spices and herbs are added. What kind of ingredients are included in the composition is still not known, but the sommelier defines it as an angel, juniper, coriander and licorice.
Gin of the brand “Tankerey”, depending on sales markets, may vary in strength, but does not fall below 40% and does not rise above 47.3%.
Booth's
This is one of the oldest brands of gin, the recipe of which has survived to this day. Judging by the ship documents of that era, the export of the Boots began to be established in 1740. The father of this brand - Philip Booth, was not only involved in the production of alcohol, but also was a traveler.
Moreover, he financed expeditions for the money earned from the enterprise. Buta Bay, Felix Harbor and other toponyms were named after him. One of the main features of this brand is the aging of the drink in specially processed oak barrels in which sherry was previously stored.
Thanks to such a mixed technology, the drink is not discolored, but golden yellow. Consumers in their reviews note the refined and rich taste of gin, which is very difficult to confuse with another brand.
Gilbey's
Another gin nameplate owed its name to Sir Walter Gilby. The young aristocrat, returning from the Crimean War in 1857, together with his brother Alfred organized a small production of wines, and subsequently marketing. Some time later, in 1872, the brothers had at their disposal a large distillery, where, among other drinks, gin was also produced.
The recipe "Gilbis" is still kept secret, not even the ingredients included in the composition were disclosed. Reviews about the drink are only positive. It has a rich aroma, a bouquet of which cannot be confused with other brands. Gilbis gin is particularly popular in North America and the Philippines.
Plymouth
The history of genie began at the end of the 18th century in a Dominican monastery. At first, “Plymouth” was called every gin that descended from a winery in the English city of Plymouth. The brand was not a brand, therefore it was protected not by its name, but by its origin.
But until today, only one plant has survived - Black Friars. He also duly registered the rights to the brand, which he sold in 1996 to the Pernod Ricard concern. This gin is easily recognizable by its corporate design, where on every bottle a monk flaunts in a cassock of the 18th century sample.
The Plymouth brand is slightly sweeter than other London dry drinks and gives an “earthy” flavor. This original taste is achieved due to the high content of the roots of various herbs. Judging by the reviews, this brand is mainly preferred by women, considering it the most pleasant and not as tart as other similar drinks.
Greenall's
By the mid-18th century, Thomas Greenol had acquired his own brewery and began to try and develop recipes for stronger drinks. Together with Thomas Dakin, who also had his own production, they began to comprehend the wine-making craft. The result was a business combination, and in 1870 the Greenalls brand saw the light of day.
Neither the recipe itself, nor the technology for the production of the drink has changed since then and have come to us in its original form. Naturally, the company keeps in the strictest confidence all the details of the manufacture of gin. It is only known that selected herbs are soaked in grain alcohol to more finely convey the taste and aroma of the drink. Judging by the feedback from consumers, it turns out to be rich, pleasant and unique.