On the other hand, we knew that features like harsh astringency or a candied sweetness would be disqualifiers.
The all-around favorite: Plymouth Gin
Plymouth is a special type of British gin, which was first made in the Black Friars Distillery in Plymouth, England, centuries ago. It’s one of the oldest spirits distilled in the UK, today owned by spirits giant Pernod Ricard and as a result widely distributed.
Why it won us over: Plymouth stood out from the pack because of its supremely considered structure—that is to say, the way its herbal notes circled the savory ones, which played nicely with the gin’s citric flavors. Senior culinary producer Mallary Santucci praised a lightly peppery note, while associate manager of audience strategy Carly Westerfield was delighted by the citrus peel. Still others noted an earthy mineral flavor. With a little something for everyone, the group agreed that Plymouth gin was the overall favorite.
We’d love it in: a white Negroni or something slightly more involved, like an arugula gimlet.
The best herb-forward gin: Roku Gin
Produced in Osaka by spirits powerhouse House of Suntory, Roku gin is made with six distinct Japanese botanicals including cherry tree blossoms and leaves, two types of green tea, and sansho pepper. These more unique additions appear alongside some expected additions like juniper, of course, as well as cinnamon, and dried lemon peel.
Why it won us over: Although it displayed a zingy lemon aroma on the nose, as senior commerce editor Noah Kaufman pointed out, Roku gin tasted particularly herbaceous. Senior SEO and cooking editor Joe Sevier noted its strong anise flavor, which, he said, was complemented by a coriander flavor. After all those swaggering herbal notes finished, tasters said Roku finished with breezy floral notes—lavender and rose. “Put this on a big ice cube and call it a day,” declared director of cooking Emma Laperruque.
We’d love it in: Stanley Tucci’s iconic extra-dry martini with a twist.
The best citrus-forward gin: Stratusphere Gin
You might know Stratusphere as New Amsterdam—the company recently rebranded—and you might recognize its blocky bottle from your local dive. This is all to say (lovingly) that it’s known to be on the lower end of the price scale. That said, an, ahem, more accessible gin can still be great. Plus, as one of the more affordably priced gins on our list, Stratusphere’s got some bang for your buck.
Why it won us over: Citrus! Tons of it! Joe said Stratusphere gin smelled like Froot Loops (a feature or a bug, depending on what you want from your cocktail), but other tasters mentioned aromas like orange peel and grapefruit zest. Those citric flavors continued on the palate with hefty punches of grapefruit, and even, less aggressively, green apple. Stratusphere was sweeter than other gins we tried, and no, it didn’t necessarily taste nimble or light, but the bright citrus flavor was pleasant in every sip.
We’d love it in: a cocktail where those big citrus flavors can flourish: a French 75 or perhaps a frozen Negroni.
The best earthy, savory gin: Ford’s Gin
Distilled by veteran barman Simon Ford, Ford’s Gin is probably your favorite bartender’s favorite gin. Scanning through the botanicals used in the gin’s distillation, you’ll find many of the usual suspects, including cassia bark, orris root, and citrus peels.
