Bethany Whymark
After studying English literature at university, Bethany spent five years working as a journalist for regional newspaper groups in the east of England before moving into the spirits industry. She now edits Gin Magazine, trade website TheDrinksReport.com and Rum Magazine.
David T. Smith
David T. Smith is an independent spirits writer and consultant who specialises in gin. He is a chair judge for a number of spirits competitions and has written widely on the subject, incuding The Craft of Gin, Forgotten Spirits and Long Lost Liqueurs and Gin Tonica. He was winner of the 2016 Gin Communicator of the Year award.
THE PROCESS
• All samples are blind tasted, with ABV and style the only information disclosed.
• Samples are tasted individually over a two-week period.
• Tasters are provided tasting and scoring guidelines for consistency.
• The top scorer is awarded Editor’s Choice.
• Scores of 17+ qualify for our top five Recommended gins award.
Adnams
Smidgin
ADNAMS
ABV: 50%
Country: ENGLAND
Style: London Dry
Bethany
Nose: Pronounced, herbaceous, and spicy, with peppery coriander, cardamom, bell pepper, and oily juniper notes. Lemon peel, blackcurrant, and a little angelica.
Palate: More coriander, oily juniper, lemony citrus, and intense ground spice notes that echo the nose. A little vanilla, hazelnut, and rose.
Finish: Rosy Turkish delight comes forward on the finish, with lingering ginny base notes.
Comments: This gin’s robust flavours and proof would make it an excellent option for longer mixed drinks.
8.2
David
Nose: Long-lasting juniper aromas, then creamy, floral orris and violet, and a burst of fresh citrus.
Palate: This gin has an excellent texture and the alcohol is especially well integrated; it is remarkably sippable. Bold and beautiful juniper notes are accompanied by the zesty citrus of lemon, orange, and grapefruit.
Finish: A little oiliness of juniper and citrus on the finish, which is wonderfully clean and crisp.
Comments: A delightful, well-made and well-integrated gin, this would make an epic Martini.
9.5
2B Hemp
Styrian Gin
2B
ABV: 48%
Country: AUSTRIA
Style: Contemporary
Bethany
Nose: Unusual. Notes of lemony crème fraiche, soy sauce, and meaty mushrooms. Dried dark fruits and a sprinkling of peppery spice.
Palate: The palate is calmer with hints of fresh grass and tobacco, coriander, more of the dried fruits, and later some sappy juniper notes.
Finish: A little grassy and piney as it fades, with sweet herbaceous hints.
Comments: The distinctive aroma became a more familiar and balanced palate.
7.9
David
Nose: A bold and intense nose with lots of citrus: lime, lemon, and even a bit of orange.
Palate: A touch of briney vegetal notes to start, almost pickle-like, with barley sugar and lemon sherbet. These develop into notes of orange shortbread and digestive biscuits sprinkled with cinnamon. Lemongrass and warming ginger come through towards the end.
Finish: Final notes of spice – nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon – and aromatic orange zest.
Comments: A gin with lots of citrus and spice and a balanced sweetness.
7.9
Amarula
African Gin
DISTELL INTERNATIONAL
ABV: 43%
Country: SOUTH AFRICA
Style: Contemporary
Bethany
Nose: Eton Mess-like – ripe red fruits, meringue, and sweetened cream. Hints of peach. Gentle florals and a little nuttiness.
Palate: Vanilla rooibos tea and lemon peel. Then juniper and coriander notes come through with some warming spice.
Finish: Warm and drying with lingering red fruits and hints of that rooibos.
Comments: A well-flavoured gin that deserves a mix where its profile can shine.
8.0
David
Nose: A succulent nose with a luscious fruitiness and resinous pine notes. There’s also a little residual alcohol and citrus.
Palate: Soft in texture, with jammy – almost gummy – fruit flavours neatly combined with exotic floral notes; this reminds me of fynbos of the Cape. The flavour profile is backed up by good notes of resinous juniper and coriander.
Finish: Subtle, leafy spice, a little earthiness, and lingering menthol pepper.
Comments: A lovely South African gin: vibrant, exciting, and delicious.
9.0
Amázonni Gin
Original
AMÁZONNI
ABV: 42%
Country: BRAZIL
Style: Contemporary
Bethany
Nose: A lovely spicy yet herbaceous pepperiness, with notes of mustard seed, fresh turmeric, and orange citrus. With time, waxy juniper.
Palate: Well-rounded yet clean texture. That pepperiness asserts, like fresh peppercorns, with juniper and coriander undertones, creamy citrus, and a hint of chopped Thai chillies.
Finish: The peppery warmth subsides gently to leave juniper and floral spice.
Comments: Well made, well flavoured, and well balanced – and could make a nice Red Snapper.
8.2
David
Nose: A relatively soft nose with a tingle of zesty citrus and a hint of the jammy fruitiness of berries.
Palate: A clean and well-made gin: the alcohol is well integrated and the texture is smooth. Classic and dry with a distinctive earthiness, a touch of florality, and just a sprinkling of black pepper.
Finish: A final lift of sweetness with earthy notes, crystallised violet petals, and citrus peel.
Comments: A solid and balanced gin with a clean base and modest botanical character; it would work well in a fruity G&T.
7.8
Bergslagen’s
Old Tom Gin
BERGSLAGENS DISTILLERY
ABV: 44%
Country: SWEDEN
Style: Old Tom
Bethany
Nose: Soft sweetness of honey and
