Gin is one of the most versatile spirits in existence, composing the base of classic cocktails like gimlets, Negronis and martinis.
It can be distilled from a wide range of agricultural products, from common grains like wheat and barley to potatoes, grapes, sugarcane and more. Each imparts subtle differences in texture and flavor to the final product.
Then there are the botanicals that add even more dimension. Juniper—the only one that’s required—gives gin its signature pine-like aroma. But the berries also pair well with other flavors and ingredients, from coriander and cardamom to all kinds of citrus, including fragrant bergamot. The dizzying array of potential aromas translates to incredible diversity in the gin category, especially as distillers become even more experimental.
“Gin has become an intriguing space, with botanicals that reflect flavors, terroir and cultures around the globe,” says Kara Newman, Wine Enthusiast’s spirits reviewer. Bartenders have taken note. “And since gin is a spirit that’s usually mixed into drinks, already we’re seeing cocktails built around those flavors,” she adds. “Who wouldn’t be inspired by a ‘forest’ or ‘coastal’ gin?”
But how to choose the best of these new expressions? We’ve got you covered. The gins that made Wine Enthusiast’s Top Spirits of 2024 reflect the thrilling new territory for the spirit, including bottles perfumed with oolong tea, rose petals and other intriguing aromatics.
Mix this sprightly, cocktail-friendly gin into gimlets, sour-style drinks or
This Article was originally published on Wine Enthusiast
