Kevin's Top 10 Gin's 2017

Gin seems to be everywhere at the moment and is showing no sign of slowing down any time soon! Gin has been produced since the 17th century and was first distilled in Holland as a medicine to treat common ailments such as stomach complaints, gout and gallstones. To celebrate World Gin day (10th June) I have selected in no particular order our top ten Gins that are currently on trend. Gin generally falls into seven flavour categories; dry, floral, citrus, savoury, sweet, spiced and aromatic. The botanicals that are added during the distillation process and different fermentation methods have a huge impact on these flavour categories. To be classified as Gin the main botanical ingredient used in the spirit must always be Juniper, without Juniper you have flavoured Vodka!

So here are Love Wine's top trending Gins for 2017

Smash the below in a massive glass and welcome in the Summer!

Williams Chase Extra Dry Great British Gin

More than just distilled spirit. Juniper buds and berries are added to Chase Vodka for the driest finish, then wild botanical infusions of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, almond, coriander, cardamom, cloves, liquorice and lemon give our one-of-a-kind gin its distinctive flavour.

Paired with Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic. Garnished with slices of orange and ginger.

Blue Bottle Gin

Traditional juniper is here but doesn’t dominate. Astute drinkers will appreciate the tropical scent of local gorse flowers, be cosseted by the sweetness of nutmeg and luxuriate in a hint of savory cubeb pepper.

Made in our sister Island Guernsey. Great paired with Fever-Tree Indian Tonic.
Garnished with pink grapefruit.

Eden Mill 'Love' Gin 

Infused with berries and flowers, has exactly the delicate, sweet and fragrant flavours and beautiful pink hue tones, is a pale pink when neat, and dilutes to sweet vanilla and floral notes.

A perfect summer Gin with Fever-Tree Aromatic tonic. Garnish with pink grapefruit.

Tarquins Gin 

This Gin is distilled in a flame fired copper pot still called Tamara, goddess of the Tamar and comprises of earthy textures and floral notes on the nose. A contemporary take on a classic London Dry, what makes this Gin so unique is the use of Devon picked violets.

Paired with Fever-Tree tonic. Garnish with classic lime.

Deaths Door Gin 

Created in Wisconsin USA, You can taste all three botanical's in this gin: loaded juniper berries up front; spicy, citrusy notes from the coriander seeds in the mid-palate; and a soft, cooling finish provided by the fennel seeds.

To be enjoyed on the rocks, as a dry martini or with Fever-Tree tonic and a slice of blood orange.

Brockmans Gin 

This unusual gin is made with Bulgarian coriander, blueberries and blackberries as well as bittersweet Valencia orange peels.

Paired with Fever-Tree Ginger Ale. Garnished with blackberries and orange. Also perfect in a Bramble!

Jensen's Old Tom Gin

Brilliant Old Tom gin from Christian Jensen. This was made to a recipe from the 1840s, and is naturally sweetened with larger quantities of botanical's.

Wonderful with Fever-Tree tonic and a sprig of rosemary, but also as an essential base for classic cocktails such as Martinex, Tom Collins and Ramos Gin Fizz.

Hoxton Gin 

There is a subtle rather than overwhelming presence of juniper on the nose; on the palate a variety of botanicals vie for prominence, including coconut and grapefruit, with grapefruit winning out in the end. This is superbly well balanced gin with a silky, mouth-filling range of flavours.

Bored of tonic? Swap out for Fever-Tree ginger beer! 

Aviation Gin

Distilled in Portland, Oregon Aviation explores the rich, floral and savory notes of lavender, cardamom, and sarsaparilla to capture the lushness, spice, creativity, and freshness of the Pacific Northwest. A Rye Gin, this packs a punch!

Paired with Fever-Tree Ginger Ale. Garnished with mint and lime. Also great in the classic Aviation cocktail.

Pink Pepper Gin

Pink Pepper Gin has been designed to be an entirely unique, intense and aromatic gin ­ one which will age and evolve both in the bottle and in the glass. When the bottle is young, or when diluted or chilled ­ fresher, spicy notes of pink pepper, juniper and cardamom are prominent.

Over time, however, the liquid evolves and warms up ­ allowing notes of patisserie; vanilla, tonka and honey to come to the forefront.

On the palate the gin is full­bodied and intensely aromatic, thus it is perfect for sipping or in cocktails.

Paired with Fever-Tree Aromatic Tonic. Garnished with a lemon twist.