Gin is one of the most versatile spirits in the world, loved for its crisp, refreshing taste and endless cocktail possibilities. From a classic gin and tonic to a smooth martini, there’s a perfect serve for every occasion.
With so many gin brands and types available today, it can feel overwhelming to know which one to choose. This complete guide will help you understand the different styles of gin, explore some of the most popular brands, and give you tips on how to select the best bottle for your taste.
Whether you’re a seasoned gin enthusiast or just starting your journey, you’ll find everything you need to enjoy gin the right way.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Gin is a juniper-infused spirit enhanced with other botanicals like spice, citrus, and herbs. Unlike whiskey or rum, it doesn’t require ageing, which makes room for experimentation.
- The key gin styles include the London Dry, which is crisp and strictly juniper-based. Old Tom, which is sweeter and softer, New Western, which is more citrus-flavoured than juniper, and Genever, which is malt-based.
- Some popular gin brands include Gordon’s Dry Gin, Beefeater, and Whitley Neill, which play specific roles in certain cocktails.
- When choosing gin, select one based on your flavour preference and botanicals. Always pair it with a high-quality tonic to get the best cocktails.
- You can order your favourite gin on Lickquor and have it delivered right to your doorstep in Lagos!
What is Gin?
Gin is a distilled spirit, typically flavoured with juniper berries. Juniper gives it its herbal flavour, but it also uses a variety of botanicals to create unique recipes. Some of those herbs could include citrus peels, angelica roots, spices, coriander, some exotic fruits, and flowers.
Gin doesn’t need aging like whiskey or rum, and so producers can experiment with it freely. This makes it one of the most creative spirits, even though some may see it as old-fashioned. Gin has evolved into a modern drink that suits every palate, depending on what you’re looking for.
Main Styles of Gin
When you go shopping for gin, it’s an advantage to understand the major styles because each one comes with a different balance of sweetness, juniper, and other botanicals. Here are some of the major styles of gin:
London Dry Gin
The London dry gin is the most famous one and what everyone has registered as ‘gin’. London dry gin is distilled with natural botanicals and with no additional flavouring afterwards. The result is a clean, crisp, and juniper-infused spirit. This is a classic dry gin and is perfect for a gin and tonic or dry martini.
Old Tom Gin
This is a sweeter gin style that was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries and is not as dry as the London dry gin. It has a softer and rounder taste and makes exquisite cocktails like a Tom Collins. If you prefer a softer gin, an Old Tom would be a gentler option.
New Western Gin
The New Western Gin is a modern style where distillers emphasise botanicals other than juniper. You’re likely to taste more floral notes, spices, citrus, or unusual herbs in this style. These gins are more approachable by amateurs to spirits who don’t like the strong pine flavours, and they work just great in creative cocktails.
Genever
This is a predecessor of gin originating in the Netherlands. It has a malt wine base, which gives it a whiskey character. It is more complex, heavier, and richer than the regular gins. While it is not as common as the other styles, it is an adventure for those who want to explore gin’s roots.
Best Gin Brands in Lagos
Among the hundreds of gin brands & types, a few stand out as the most reliable and popular choices, such as:
Gordon’s Gin
This is easily the most recognisable gin brand and was first produced in 1769. It still remains the best-selling London Dry gin. Gordon’s is the go-to option for manu as it is easy to mix and accessible. When people hear ‘Gordon’s gin’, they usually think of a simple gin and tonic. However, you can use it to make just about any cocktail. It is juniper-forward, crisp, and ideal for everyday cocktails.
Beefeater Gin
This is another iconic London Dry gin brand. It was founded in London in the 19th century, and it balanced juniper with citrus and botanicals. It is bolder than Gordons and makes a great base for cocktails like a Martini or a Negroni. The Beefeater offers special versions that add tea botanicals for a twist.
Whitley Neill Gin
Whitley Neill represents a more modern side of gin, and the brand is known for experimenting with exotic herbs, spices, and florals. The gin had a wide range of flavours from the Whitley Neill Blood Orange to rhubarb and ginger. The Whitley Neill is an example of a New Western gin and is distinct from traditional dry gin.
Best Gins to Order from Lickquor + Cocktail Ideas
Lickquor is at the top of the list of places to order the best gin brands in Lagos. They have a wide selection of gin brands and premium mixers. You can explore the gin category to find the classics like Gordon’s or Beefeater. You can also find Whitley Neill if you want something exotic.
Lickquor also has a great selection of tonic mixers, which is important for many gin cocktails.
Here are a few cocktails to try with popular gins:
- With Gordon’s dry gin, you can’t go wrong with a classic Gin & Tonic. The recipe is simple. Pour a measure of Gordon’s over some ice, top it off with a premium tonic, and garnish with lime. You can also enjoy a Gordon’s cup, made with muddled cucumbers and mint for that refreshing twist.
- When creating magical cocktails with a Beefeater, a Negroni is the bold choice to take. To make one, mix equal parts of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth and enjoy. You could also make a dry martini by mixing gin with sweet vermouth, which creates a smooth and elegant finish on the palate.
- A Whitley Neil is already flavourful, but you can make it even more exotic, especially when playing with the Rhubarb and Ginger flavour. Both pair beautifully with ginger ale. The Blood Orange makes a vibrant spritz when paired with tonic and a slice of grapefruit.
How to Choose the Right Gin
There are so many gin types & brands on the market. The question often is, ‘How do you choose the right one?’ Here are some tips to help you shop wisely:
Consider flavour preference
If you prefer piney flavours, a dry gin like Gordon’s or Beefeater would be right up your alley. However, if you want something softer and flavourful, an Old Tom or a New Western like the Whitley Neill is a great choice.
Alcohol strength
Standard gins are around 40% ABV, but navy-strength versions are stronger. If you’re exploring gins, start out with a standard bottle and play around with cocktails before exploring higher alcoholic contents.
Consider botanicals
Many gins list their key ingredients on the labels, and if you love citrus, look out for lemon and orange flavours. If you like spiced gins, try brands that have cinnamon, pepper, or cardamom in them.
Mixers
A high-quality tonic can elevate an average tasting gin, and a poor mixer can ruin even the finest spirits. Always pair your gin with fresh garnishes and quality tonic water for the best taste.
Price over value
Always make sure that the price is balanced with the value. While premium gins can be great, other affordable options like Gordon’s can still deliver excellent results. You can experiment with different bottles till you find one that suits your taste.
Wrapping Up
Gin is such an exciting spirit to explore and offers endless creative cocktails, styles, and flavours from juniper-heavy bottles like dry gins to the creative flavours from modern gins like Whitley Neill. Classic names like Gordon’s and Beefeater are a solid base for the best cocktails, while Lickquor makes it easy to order and experiment with the convenience of fast home delivery.
Next time you’re looking for the best gin brands, check out Lickquor.
