Top Gin Picks 2026
The Exploration Top Results
What a journey it has been!
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From January to August this year, we sought out gins from around the world, sampling and reviewing them. It has been an eye-opening exploration to be sure. What an interesting and varied drink.
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We aren't done yet, but we wanted to put together a page with our favorites so far. Of course, our favorites are subjective to our palates.
It became obvious after 50 reviews that we leaned toward London Dry style made with locally harvested botanicals.
We liked concentrated, balanced scents and flavors where the botanicals were identifiable but none overpowered the rest.
And we ended up with far more than a top10! The results below are in date order descending -- newest first.
I could easily pick any one of these to sip and feel like I was having the best.
Gin Count: 21
Distiller: Lighthouse Distillery, Foley Family Wines & Spirits Distillery, Mira Loma, Ca
Description: Lighthouse Gin
Thoughts: #100 was picked at random. We just liked the bottle and decided to take it last. There was no other reason for this selection.
The tale of this gin is a little confusing. Let’s nail down the story. Rachel Hall, New Zealand’s first female head distiller, created the recipe for this gin. But the gin is distilled in California at the Foley Family distillery. The botanicals and the water are imported from New Zealand. These botanicals include junper berries, coriander seed, Yen Ben lemons, navel orange zests, almonds, cinnamon quills, cassia bark, licorice root and orris root.
The nose has the most beautiful citrus/junper/coriander balance. It smells fresh and bright. And there is a brioche note to it as well. Just gorgeous.
The palate is bright with lemon, orange zest, juniper, coriander and roots. It has an alcohol burn on the back of the palate that reminds me of fruity cayenne spice. It has such balanced flavors.
So, with that said, this is a multipurpose gin. I would sip it alone. But it could easily be used in any drinks. It has enough citrus that it would be great in a G&T, negroni, martini, etc . . . This goes into the top 10.
Remember to follow us on Instagram @SippedReviews. And there are more ratings than appear here at our site: Pantomimehorse.com
Date Tasted: 8/15/2026
Distiller: EG Spirits EmbH, Wittenburg, Germany
Description: Elephant London Dry Gin
Thoughts: This gin has a crazy botanical list. They add juniper, devil’s claw, buchu baobab, lion’s tail, wormwood, apple, pine needles, lavender, sweet orange peel, ginger, pimento berries and elderflower. How is that for a bot list? Wow. And yet the nose is a classic London dry! Whoever came up with this bot list is a genius. The nose is elegant, med+ concentration and super pleasant to sniff.
The palate is stunning. It is multifaceted and balance. You can taste the individual botanicals even though some of these we have no idea what their flavor is. Several of them are from South Africa.
Overall, this is just mind blowing. It is a keeper of a gin. And here is the coolest thing about this gin: 15% of sales goes toward African wildlife organizations which help Elephants and many other animals.
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Date Tasted: 8/10/2026
Distiller: Bramley & Gage, Bristol, UK
Description: 6 O’Clock London Dry Gin
Thoughts: juniper, orange peel, elderflower, coriander seed, angelica root, orris root and winter savory. Pretty standard except for the winter savory. And what a nose! It is floral, citrus, root scented and rich with coriander.
But like most of these London Dry gins the palate is where it shines. You gotta be kidding on this one! It is lovely gin with so much rich flavor. Every botanical shines. It is slightly sweet and slightly bitter. I count this one as a single sipper. But keep it in your back pocket for a negroni.
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Date Tasted: 8/4/2026
Distiller: Philadelphia Distilling, Philadelphia, Pa
Description: Bluecoat American Dry Gin
Thoughts: They use all organic botanicals which include juniper berries, American citrus blend, coriander seeds and angelica root. Every single botanical is present on the nose in spades. Very rich nose with great concentration.
The palate is the same. It is beautiful with a slight citrus and root sweetness. Juniper and angelica provide a lovely base layer of spice.
Wow, you just never know what you are going to get buying any gin unresearched. But with this one we hit the jackpot. This gin is remarkable. It would love to share a glass with a lime twist and a blanco vermouth. It will be nice with any drink. But alone is how i’ll drink it.
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Date Tasted: 8/2/2026
Distiller: Hayman Distillers, England
Description: London Dry Gin
Thoughts: This smooth London Dry includes the following botanicals: Juniper berries, Coriander seeds, Lemon peel, Orange peel, Angelica root, Cinnamon, Cassia bark, Liquorice root, Nutmeg, Orris root. It has a gentle nose where orange, cassia bark and cinnamon are the main notes.
The palate is one that fits my profile well. It is concentrated with lemon, cinnamon, coriander and root notes. This one is quite special, strongly flavored and yet skillfully blended. None of the flavors are overpowering. They all play nicely together. Take this one as a single sipper or a martini with just a blanco vermouth as its companion.
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Date Tasted: 6/22/2026
Distiller: The Thames Distillery, England.
Description: The London #1, London Dry Gin
Thoughts: The blue gin as it is called. It gets its distinctive color from gardenia flowers. The full list of botanicals include: juniper, coriander, angelica, liquorice, cinnamon, cassia bark, and orange, lemon peel, bergamot oil and gardenia flowers.
It is well crafted with soft notes on the nose. But like many other gins, where it shines is on the palate. It has a lot of botanical kick when sipped straight up. However, this is built for a G&T.
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Date Tasted: 6/4/2026
Distiller: Angeac Distllery, France
Description: Iris Flavored Gin, Fresh Distillation
Thoughts: It’s blue! And beautiful! One of the botanicals is responsible for the color. They are: cloves, cinnamon, coriander, cardamom, cassia, licorice, juniper berries, orange peel, grains of paradise, nutmeg, and iris root and flower. The iris flowers are what gives this distinctive gin its color. This gin is distilled on small batched 4 times. And that is what give it its distinctive clean grain flavor, creating a blank slate for the botanicals.
The nose is a baker’s dream. It has lovely cassia, cardamom, cinnamon, juniper and rooty notes. This one is a keeper.
We love the length of the finish on the palate. The sweet citrus lingers along with the bitter roots. But the first taste is coriander and juniper. This is really nicely balanced. None of the elements overpower the rest. They all play nicely and intensely in the sandbox.
This one is a keeper, as I’ve said. What a delight to drink straight.
Remember to follow us on Instagram @SippedReviews. And there are more ratings than appear here at our site: Pantomimehorse.com
Date Tasted: 5/30/2026
Distiller: Bodegas y Destilerías Suau de Mallorca S.A.
Description: Maior Gin
Thoughts: There are just 4 botanicals here: Juniper, fig leaves, rosemary and Soller orange peel. And let me tell you, this is all that is needed. The 4 bots fill every scent and flavor gap with great scents and flavors.
The nose has a sweet citrus/juniper scent. The fig leaves are noticeable and probably contribute to the sweetness on the nose.
The palate is unique and distinctive. The rosemary seems to hide here quite well but comes out on the back of the tongue. There is a juniper bite matched well by the slight sweet fig leaves and citrus. Just a lovely gin experience.
Remember to follow us on Instagram @SippedReviews. And there are more ratings than appear here at our site: Pantomimehorse.com
Date Tasted: 5/25/2026
Distiller: Barra Distillers, Scotland
Description: Isle of Barra Gin
Thoughts: Born on the shores of the Isle of Barra out there in the Outer Hebrides, made from 17 foraged botanicals, this is an event of a gin. The botanical list is such: Carrageen Seaweed, Liquorice Root, Lemon Peel, Juniper Berries, Angelica Root, Oris Root Powder, Mint, Quebec Peppers, Lemon Balm, Elderflower, Dried Peppermint, Coriander Seeds, Orange Peel, Cassia Bark, Chamomile flowers. If you counted, you get 15. Well, they include two mystery botanicals. It’s a secret!
The nose is stunning with sea notes. It smells like a wind washed Atlantic beach. All the ingredients are nicely managed so that none overpower the rest.
The palate is explosive with flavors like roots, seaweed, mint, citrus and juniper. It is very powerful, round, mouth-filling, beautiful and an experience I am so glad I did not miss. I question mixing this with anything other than a G&T. Drink it straight. It’s beautiful.
Remember to follow us on Instagram @SippedReviews. And there are more ratings than appear here at our site: Pantomimehorse.com
Date Tasted: 5/25/2026
Distiller: Langeley Distillery, England
Description: Martin Miller’s Gin
Thoughts: Here are the botanicals: Juniper berries, Coriander, Angelica root, Orris root, Cassia bark, Cinnamon bark, Licorice root, Nutmeg, Iris root (Florentine Iris), Seville orange peel. With that said, this sounds pretty standard.
First of all, the roots in the bot list are very prevalent. They are bitter, spicy and sweet at the same time. The sweet hits us in the back of the tongue. When we read that it contained licorice root, we worried a little. Some gins with licorice are really, really licorice. This one does not disappoint. It just tastes like lovely roots. We get citrus peel, various roots, a very touch of juniper and cucumber (added post distillation).
It says that it is shipped raw to Iceland where it is cut with Icelandic spring water. It made me roll my eyes a little at first. Overkill? No! It really pays off. The crisp water, the bots and the overall performance are magnificent. This is stunning gin. Soft and concentrated at the same time. This is a real winner. We are so glad we tried this gin. It has the feel of some of the finest London Dry gins with a more concentrated twist.
Remember to follow us on Instagram @SippedReviews. And there are more ratings than appear here at our site: Pantomimehorse.com
Date Tasted: 5/24/2026
Distiller: West Cork Distillers, Ireland
Description: Bohane Irish Dry Gin
Thoughts: So, everyone on the Irish side of my family came from Cork. So, there is something very homey, oceanic about this gin. The first sniff is so intense. And it is a little harsh, but only a little. This is no gentle drink like the last one. The nose screams seabrack and other botanicals. According to the website there are 19 botanicals. These include juniper, coriander, angelica root, blackberry, rosehip, elderflower, citrus peels, herbs and spices.
The flavor shows rosehips, juniper and botanical roots. It is really super. I would never mix this with anything. It is too perfect. Drink it ice-cold in a frozen glass. Let it warm slightly. Run it through your teeth like a whitening rise. It will reward you with a massively long finish. Great gin!
Remember to follow us on Instagram @SippedReviews. And there are more ratings than appear here at our site: Pantomimehorse.com
Date Tasted: 5/24/2026
Distiller: De Kuyper Royal Distillers, Holland
Description: No 3 London Dry Gin
Thoughts: This gin is created in Holland for Berry Bros and Rudd of London. It contains the following botanicals: juniper, coriander, grapefruit zest, orange peel, cardamom, angelica root. Juniper is not overly prevalent. We get more sweet orange peel, cardamom and coriander in a medium intensity nose.
The palate is powerful, lovely and balanced. The juniper and root notes are really amazing here. Odd how the juniper is almost absent on the nose.
This is a great London Dry. It would make a great negroni or martini. This is a great accompaniment gin.
Remember to follow us on Instagram @SippedReviews. And there are more ratings than appear here at our site: Pantomimehorse.com
Date Tasted: 5/21/2026
Distiller: House of Suntory, Osaka, Japan
Description: Roku Gin
Thoughts: For starters, this bottle is beautiful. Through the frost it is hard to see the embossed glass. The second thing that strikes me is that the first sniff of this gin screams juniper. And then I looked at the back of the bottle and it is all Japanese local botanicals. Really cool.
They put Sakura flower, Sansho pepper, Yuzu peel, Sakura leaf, Sencha tea and Gyokuro tea in it. It definitely has a tea nose with tons of pepper and green leaf scents. But it really does smell like juniper. Just saying. This nose is really enticing and intense.
The palate is really roaring with balanced flavors of pepper, citrus and floral notes. It is very nice gin doesn’t deviate from the classic London Dry gins much at all. Gonna keep a bottle of this around. I just want to drink it straight. Any additions would take away from its unique flavors.
Remember to follow us on Instagram @SippedReviews. And there are more ratings than appear here at our site: Pantomimehorse.com
Date Tasted: 5/21/2026
Vintner: Cascade Spirits, Clackamas, Oregon
Description: Wild Roots, Orange and Bergamot Gin
Thoughts: A pleasant orange twist on the nose as though the bartender had put a twist of orange peel into a glass of ice-cold gin. The bergamot is a little less evident, but the juniper and very vibrant and elegant.
The palate has a nice punch of juniper, bitter herbs on the back of the tongue, sweet citrus along the side and delicate juniper all around. A really nicely balanced drink.
We are on the fence on the best way to use this. A blanco vermouth would compliment this well. It is the only thing missing in a nice martini. This in a cocktail with prosecco might be nice as well.
Remember to follow us on Instagram @SippedReviews. And there are more ratings than appear here at our site: Pantomimehorse.com
Date Tasted: 4/25/2026
Vintner: The Diplome’ Brand, Dijon, France
Description: Diplome’ Dry Gin
Thoughts: What a fascinating story: this is the original recipe of a gin made famous as the go-to gin for US Army troops stationed around Europe after WWII. It is made from botanicals sourced from Europe and Moracco. These include juniper, Coriander, whole lemons, orange peel, angelica, saffron, orris root and fennel seed.
We ended up really liking the flavor and nose profile of this one. It is solid, gentle and very versatile. I loved it in a mixed drink with ginger liqueur, and the wife enjoyed it a G&T.
Remember to follow us on Instagram @SippedReviews. And there are more ratings than appear here at our site: Pantomimehorse.com
Date Tasted: 4/9/2026
Vintner: Sassenach Spirits
Description: Wild Scottish Gin
Thoughts: Really straight-ahead nose. There are no overpowering notes. According to the website they use heather flower blossoms, Scots pine resin, Scottish juniper berries, crab apples, bramble leaf, blaeberry, and toasted oats. Never heard of blaeberry before. The use of crabapple is fascinating.
The palate is spicy. The crabapple falls behind the pine resin and juniper, which is great because you would not want this to end up cider tasting. It’s pretty smashing as it is. There is no citrus in here, and that’s a good reason to toss this into a gimlet, but don’t forget the Tximista blanco vermouth with a twist of lime!
Remember to follow us on Instagram @SippedReviews. And there are more ratings than appear here at our site: Pantomimehorse.com
Date Tasted: 3/09/2026
Vintner: Sausalito Liquor Company
Description: Marin Coastal Gin
Thoughts: Immediately, we get the loveliest, lemongrass citrus/loquat nose. But we also get notes of licorice, coriander seed, juniper and a hint of turmeric.
It is a really nice gin with a refreshingly original set of flavors. It is really nice ice cold, but the nose gets better as it warms slightly. It pleases greatly.
Remember to follow us on Instagram @SippedReviews. And there are more ratings than appear here at our site: Pantomimehorse.com
Date Tasted: 2/20/2026
Vintner: The Isle of Harris Distillery
Description: Isle of Harris Gin
Thoughts: I picked this up at Total Wine today. I saw it was from Scotland and have had really good results from Scots gin. I little in the spendy side. But just found out it is worth the coins.
This is giving The Botanist and my new fav, Tanqueray No Ten, a run for their money. It says that it is made with the classic juniper and citrus. But they put sugar kept in it. And, yes, it is delicately sweet. But the nose is bursting with (slight) kelp, citrus and juniper. And the flavors are making me swoon. It is lush, rich, viscous and oily when ice cold.
Another gin that will always be in the house.
Remember to follow us on Instagram @SippedReviews. And there are more ratings than appear here at our site: Pantomimehorse.com
Date Tasted: 2/2/2026
Vintner: Pernod Ricard
Description: Beefeater Gin
Thoughts: As our 24th gin tasting item, seems like a long time to wait for a classic. I read too many reviews from connoisseurs that this was exceptional. I thought (wrongly) that this was an average standard. But no. This is exception, bright flavored, classic gin. This is what young gins want to be when they grow up. It is the model by which most is gin is crafted. I love this with or without vermouth. Great ice cold, in a cold glass over a few ice cubes. Nice and viscous.
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Date Tasted: 2/2/2026
Vintner: Charles Tanqueray & Co
Description: No. Ten Gin Small Batch Crafted
Thoughts: This is what I went to Total Wine for this morning. And . . . pardon my language, but HOLY SHIT! This is a monster. This is like 2019 Goerge de Latour from BV, or black label Turnbull Cab or 2023 Raen Royal St Robert Pinot!
I will forever and always have a bottle of this in the freezer and a standby in the wine room. This is so stellar. I have very few words. It erupts on the palate with botanical richness. The nose is great too, but the flavors are just . . . insane. And here I thought the Botanist and Citadel were my favs. Scoot over, you two. The big dog is in town.
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Date Tasted: 2/2/2026
Vintner: Maison Ferrand, Cognac, France
Description: Citadel, Gin de France, Chateau du Bonbonnet
Thoughts: I went into Total Wine the other day and one of the people there asked if I was looking for a good gin. I showed him my list of 6 gins I was looking for. He said, he didn’t really know much about gin yet, but his friend was telling him about a good one. He showed me Citadel. He said it was amazing. Online reviews looked good so, I bought one. And after trying it, I agree.
This is a classic gin with a large number of botanicals. It reminds us of a London Dry Gin like Tanqueray, but it is more complex than that. Check out this list: Juniper berries, Orris root, French violet root, Moroccan coriander, Almonds, Spanish lemon peel, Mexican orange peel, Angelica from North Germany, Indian cardamom, Indian nutmeg, Cassia bark from Indochina, Sri Lankan cinnamon, Mediterranean fennel, African grains of paradise, Chinese liquorice, Cumin, French star anise and Savory.
Remember to follow us on Instagram @SippedReviews. And there are more ratings than appear here at our site: Pantomimehorse.com
Date Tasted: 1/30/2026
