Enter a world of refreshing botanicals, effervescent blends and the art of the perfect gin-tonic ritual. Get ready to surprise your taste buds with the 10 most popular gins of 2023 (so far)!
2023 has unleashed a true gin revolution, with distilleries around the world unleashing their creativity to create unique flavours that excite the senses. From traditional London Dry gins to innovative craft brews. This list takes you on an aromatic journey through this year's best-loved gins. Whether you are a seasoned gin lover or just starting to explore this spirited beverage, prepare yourself for a tasty voyage of discovery that will whet your appetite for the perfect gin tonic. So get out your glasses, fill them with ice and garnishes, and raise your glass to an unforgettable selection of gins that conquered the world in 2023. Cheers and enjoy every sip of these sensational mixes. Cheers!
Place 10: Scapegrace Black
Two New Zealanders didn't know each other very well until one married the other's sister. It sounds like the beginning of a joke, but it's the story behind Scapegrace Black gin. The two new brothers-in-law discovered that they had both long dreamed of having their own gin. They found a third partner (a musician) and started their own distillery. They bought an old whisky kettle, looked for the 12 ideal botanicals and so they first created a gin that has since won several gold medals. Then they expanded with some special versions of the gin, and recently they also made vodka and their own whisky. Scapegrace started with an unlikely encounter, but has since become a real household name.
Place 9: Citadelle Rouge
Citadelle Rouge gin is a French gin made from grain alcohol, infused with 24 vegetable ingredients and distilled in small copper stills. The final product is reduced to 41.2% vol before bottling.
Nose: red fruit, fresh citadelle signature with a gourmet approach that opens to pastry notes.
Flavour: complex, fresh, perfect balance between sweet and sharp. Red berries are associated with the subtlety of rhubarb for a fresh take on fruit.
Finish: nice length with a spicy edge.
Place 8: Aviation Gin
Aviation Gin was born from a collaboration between master mixologist Ryan Magarian and House Spirit's Distillery in Portland. They had one mission in mind: to prove that Gin is "The world's most mixable drink" and to move away from "the dictatorship of juniper". They wanted to create a new image for gin, the New Western Dry Gin. The brand name "Aviation" harks back to the classic cocktail invented in New York almost a century ago. Meanwhile, Aviation Gin also got a familiar face behind it with actor Ryan Reynolds becoming a co-owner of the brand.
Place 7: Gin Sea
Spain's Gin Sea was created by renowned sommelier Manuel Barrientos. The Gin Sea owes its distinct character to the spirit, distilled five times, which is purchased in England. It is then flavoured and further matured at the small distillery 'Hacha' in Amurio, Spain. Some of the botanicals used: juniper berries, coriander, thyme, peppermint, liquorice, cardamom, orange and lemon. The aromas of the Gin Sea have a maritime character, supported by a touch of wild mint, chamomile and liquorice. In the flavour palette we further find cardamon and chamomile, deliciously combined with a sweet orange note.
Place 6: Mombasa Club Strawberry
Mombasa Club Strawberry gin is a typical retro gin and is made according to a nineteenth-century recipe. It was originally intended for British settlers in Mombasa, Kenya. These settlers established the first exclusive club, the mythical Mombasa Club. Only members - obviously only Englishmen - have the privilege of enjoying this gin. Today, this spirit is made with carefully selected aromatic herbs and plants to revive the exclusive recipe and authentic taste.
This version with strawberries gives this gin a sweeter flavour experience.
Place 5: Citadelle Jardin d'Eté
The Citadelle Jardin d'été gin is a popular gin from France.
Nose: Fresh and intense, opens with notes of juniper and citrus fruits (yuzu and candied orange peel), complemented by flowers (violet) and fennel with a background of sweet spices and liquorice.
Mouth: All in delicacy and a nice freshness, plays in a still floral register but more spicy and fruity on tangerine, melon and cube berry. Evolves with notes of angelica, nutmeg, iris root and star anise.
Finish: Very long, floral and fruity, on citrus, almond, cumin, savoury and maniguette.
Place 4: Mombasa Club Gin
A typical retro gin,Mombasa Club Gin is made according to a nineteenth-century recipe. It was originally intended for British settlers in Mombasa, Kenya. These settlers established the first exclusive club, the mythical Mombasa Club. Only members - obviously only Englishmen - have the privilege of enjoying this gin. Today, this spirit is made with carefully selected aromatic herbs and plants to revive the exclusive recipe and authentic taste.
Place 3: Nikka Coffey Gin
The story of Nikka Coffey gin begins with Masataka Taketsuru. The son of a sake brewer, he leaves for Scotland in 1918 to study at Glasgow University. He goes to work at various distilleries (Longmorn, Hazelburn, James Calder, among others), learning all about how Scotch whisky is made. He marries Scottish rita and returns to Japan in 1920. There he starts making local whisky and establishes Yoichi Distillery in 1936. In 1940, the first NIKKA whisky hit the market. Today, Nikka is a gote player in the world of Japanese whisky. They have a lot of fine products including single malts from Yoichi and Miyagikyo, Taketsuru Pure Malt, Nikka From the Barrel, Days and the Coffey Grain and Malt.
The name "Coffey" has nothing to do with toffee or coffee, but refers to Aeneas Coffey, the inventor of the Coffey Still, named after him.
Place 2: Drouin Le Gin Pira
Calvados by Christian Drouin has taken its shape through three generations of passion. In 1960, Christian Drouin (father) starts his farm in the hills of Gonneville. He plants apple trees there and the desire to make calvados soon rears its head. Distillates from the first 20 years are left to mature in various barrels and Drouin also acquires some older lots of Calvados. In 1979, father and son Drouin decide that their products are ready for the world. They immediately adopt an international approach and a focus on top quality. In 2004, grandson Guillaume Drouin joined the company. With the same passion and drive for his product as the previous generations, he made Drouin one of the references when it comes to Calvados.
With this Le Gin de Christian Drouin Pira, Drouin now also confirms its name in the gin landscape.
Place 1: Citadelle Gin
The Sud-Ouest has everything: the sun, the sea, the countryside... And, of course, the Château de Bonbonnet, the birthplace of Citadelle Gin. The juniper berries growing at the château gave master distiller Alexandre Gabriel an idea: to become the pioneer of French gin. It was 1996, the project was maddening, but Citadelle Gin was born! Citadelle is a true châteaugin. It is at the chateau that the juniper berries are harvested to make French gin. The castle is also home to the distillery. Whether with a small gin tonic by the sea or a dozen oysters in the fisherman's hut, Citadelle is to be enjoyed with family and friends and without forgetting the lemon zest for the finishing touch.
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I've known Broekmans since I graduated in 2006 and thanks to Jan I've come to know the passion for spirits. I dedicate myself every day to the webshop, customer service and all the IT involved. In my spare time, besides whiskey, I can also really enjoy rum, but just as much as a gin tonic or a simple bellini. In the words of Martien Meiland, if there's no alcohol in it, don't call me!
