A luxury gin transcends basics. Exquisite botanicals, slow distillation, and limited batches elevate classic juniper with nuanced aromas and complex flavors. Forget supermarket gin; picture botanical journeys in crystal goblets, savored neat or in handcrafted cocktails. It’s not just a drink, it’s an experience. Let’s explore the top seven best luxury gin labels that are most recommended by experts.
Ready to dive into a bottle of pure elegance? The world’s most luxurious gin expressions are pricey works of artisan crafting. This list aims to paint a picture of the experience these premium expressions can offer, according to our trusted experts. We researched through eight expert reviews to come away with the seven best luxury gins most recommended across the board. Let us know your favorites in the comments below!
➡️ How Our “Best Of The Best” Lists Are Created
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The List: 7 Luxury Gin Labels Most Recommended By Experts
1. Morus LXIV Gin
Distilled from a single, ancient mulberry tree, Morus LXIV showcases its unique heritage through delicate, wood-infused notes and hints of citrus. This luxurious offering has a complex flavor. Prepare to be wowed by the world’s most expensive gin, a limited-edition masterpiece from Jam Jar Gin. This exclusive London offering boasts only 25 bottles, each crafted with meticulous care and rare ingredients.
Santandrea, a renowned spirits enthusiast, describes it as the pinnacle of gin luxury. The use of hand-harvested mulberry leaves from an ancient tree truly adds a unique touch to this already exceptional spirit.
I Love Gin delves into the botanicals, praising generations-old ingredients nurtured by an underground stream. They evoke a complex sensory experience, describing the gin as “smoky, long, and deceptively smooth.”
Why is it so expensive? The Three Drinkers say it’s because of its rarity. Its price tag comes from its limited availability and handcrafted nature. They describe the bottle as a work of art, with a porcelain vessel, cork, and leather case adding to its luxurious appeal. But what truly sets this gin apart is its taste. They describe it as “exquisitely smooth, with a subtle velvety oak and smoky sweetness” – a true masterpiece for the discerning palate.
2. Cambridge Watenshi Gin
Distilled from the “angel’s share” of their Japanese gin, Cambridge Watenshi Gin boasts an incredibly low yield. Its delicate flavors weave whispers of menthol and yuzu with rich juniper and sansho. I Love Gin paints a picture of luxury and refinement. They describe the hand-blown decanter and silver embellishments, created by a jeweler whose clientele includes Chanel and De Beers. The liquid within is equally captivating, boasting notes of sweet citrus, spice, and juniper, culminating in a long and complex finish.
Prepare to be dazzled by Watenshi, a gin so rare and exquisite it ranks among the most expensive in the world. As Santandrea explains, its exclusivity stems from a unique collaboration between a distillery and a renowned jewelry store. Each batch produces only six limited-edition bottles, each adorned with handcrafted silver embroidery.
But the true magic lies within the gin itself. This gin undergoes a meticulous 50-step distillation process, utilizing vapors from the Cambridge Distillery’s Japanese Gin. This complex technique yields a mere 15 ml per cycle, highlighting the precious nature of each bottle.
3. Nolet’s Reserve Dry Gin
Feast your eyes (and taste buds) on Nolet’s Reserve Gin, a limited-edition Dutch spirit that promises a unique and luxurious experience. Described by Harper’s Bazaar as “contemporary and complex,” this gin ditches the usual suspects for a botanical blend featuring white peach, raspberry, and Turkish rose. This unexpected combination creates a refreshingly sweet spirit that packs a punch with its nearly 48% ABV, but the smooth taste ensures the alcohol content remains a secret.
Handcrafted in small batches with saffron and verbena, Nolet’s Reserve Dry Gin delivers a refined, floral journey. Expect delicate spice and warmth, a departure from the usual juniper focus. My Bartender dives deeper into the floral side of things, highlighting the use of saffron and crocus flower, adding to the intrigue of this unique gin. But the true rarity lies in its limited availability. Gin Observer paints a picture of exclusivity, mentioning that only a few bottles are released annually, each hand-numbered and given out individually. This combination of traditional and exotic botanicals, along with the limited production, results in a spirit that is both sweet and herbal, offering a truly special experience for discerning gin lovers.
Whether you’re a collector of rare spirits or simply appreciate exceptional taste, Nolet’s Reserve Gin is a must-try. Just be prepared for a limited window of opportunity and a price tag that reflects its exclusivity.
4. The Botanist
Escape to the rugged shores of Islay, Scotland, famed for its peaty whiskies, with The Botanist Gin. This “ultra-premium” spirit, as La Patiala describes it, isn’t your average tipple. It’s a complex and wholesome journey through the island’s unique terroir, capturing the essence of 22 handpicked botanicals native to the land. Berries, peels, seeds, and barks dance together in the slow-distilled spirit, offering a truly multi-layered experience.
Thrillist delves deeper into the gin’s Scottish roots. The Botanist was born as a creative solution while awaiting the aging of newly produced scotch at the Bruichladdich distillery. Using local ingenuity, they looked to the land itself, hand-foraging 22 botanicals like heather, sweet woodruff, and thistle. The result? An “amiable gin” reminiscent of spring woodlands, capturing the essence of Islay’s natural beauty.
Gin Observer highlights the brand’s commitment to sustainability. The Botanist takes pride in being “rooted and grounded in its land,” utilizing sustainable practices throughout production. From responsible botanical sourcing to waste reduction, they ensure their spirits not only tantalize your taste buds but also leave a positive impact on the environment.
5. Monkey 47 Gin
Crafted in Germany using 47 hand-picked botanicals, Monkey 47 Gin delivers a complex flavor. Bottled in batches and unfiltered, it boasts a smooth texture and lingering warmth. It’s certainly not your average gin. As Harper’s Bazaar proclaims, it’s a flavor explosion with the eye-watering 47 botanicals, including cranberries, ginger, and clove. This complex blend creates a symphony of taste, balancing refreshing and floral notes with savory, herbal, and fruity ones. No wonder they challenge you to find a more intricate gin!
I Love Gin reveals the spirit of innovation behind the brand. Each year, they release a special edition, like the 2018 version featuring red mustard cress. This dedication to experimentation keeps gin enthusiasts and bartenders on their toes, always eager to discover the next twist on the classic Monkey 47.
Gin Observer delves into the fascinating story behind the name. Inspired by a true tale of a British pilot helping rebuild the Berlin Zoo after WWII, the brand honors the spirit of animal conservation. And the gin itself? It’s a work of art, perfectly balancing citrus, pine, tart, pepper, and herbal notes for a beautiful aroma and smooth finish.
6. Ki No Bi
Prepare to be surprised by this unique spirit that marries Japanese tradition with an unexpected twist: aging in old champagne casks. As The Three Drinkers point out, this collaboration between Ki No Bi, a Tokyo gin pioneer, and Henri Giraud, a renowned champagne house, is a taste sensation waiting to be discovered. They highlight the unexpected success of this aging method, particularly in cocktails, where the champagne influence shines.
But Ki No Bi’s magic goes beyond its aging. My Bartender reveals the essence of Japan within each bottle. This gin captures the spirit of the land, offering a light and sweet profile with a distinct regional touch.
Crafted in Kyoto using traditional methods and local botanicals like yuzu and hinoki wood, Ki No Bi Gin boasts a delicate juniper core layered with citrusy brightness and subtle woody notes. La Patiala focuses on the clean, refreshing character of this gin. They attribute its unique flavor to the rice spirit base and pure Fushimi groundwater used in the distillation process. There’s simply nothing else like it.
7. Hendrick’s Gin
Crafted in Scotland with cucumber and rose petals alongside classic juniper, Hendrick’s Gin delivers a delicately floral aroma, contrasting with a crisp, dry finish. Its unique botanical blend translates into a refreshing spirit. Santandrea agrees, praising Hendrick’s balanced and pleasant flavor profile. He highlights the citrus notes of orange and lemon, the floral touch of elderflower and chamomile, and of course, the classic juniper berry presence. But what truly sets Hendrick’s apart is the unique addition of rose petal and cucumber oil aromas, making it a delight to enjoy even neat.
Looking for a top-shelf gin experience that’s both approachable and exciting? My Bartender recommends Hendrick’s, a brand that puts a playful spin on the classic spirit. This is a refreshingly aromatic gin, making it a perfect choice for both classic gin and tonics and fruity cocktails like cucumber lemonade.
For those seeking a twist on the classic, Harper’s Bazaar introduces Hendrick’s Neptunia, a lively new expression. This summer-ready gin retains the signature rose and juniper, but adds a touch of coastal thyme for a bright and refreshing experience. Whether you’re a gin novice or a seasoned connoisseur, Hendrick’s offers a unique journey that’s both familiar and surprising. So, grab a bottle, slice a cucumber (or experiment with other garnishes!), and get ready to discover the magic.
What makes a gin luxury?
- Aromatic Adventure: Forget the harsh juniper punch of standard gins. Luxury gins unleash intricate layers of botanicals, each sip like an expedition revealing floral whispers, citrusy zests, and earthy spices. Prepare to be surprised and delighted by the unexpected symphony of scents.
- Silky Sophistication: Luxury gins aren’t rough and tumble; they’re smooth operators. Imagine a texture so velvety it glides across your tongue, leaving behind a warm, lingering embrace. It’s a far cry from the harsh burn of lesser gins, a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and slow, gentle distillation.
- Flavor Fireworks: Complexity, not brute force, defines these gins. Prepare for nuanced tastes that evolve with each sip. Hints of citrus might melt into floral sweetness, only to be followed by peppery warmth or subtle herbal whispers. It’s a dynamic dance for your palate, keeping you enthralled with every drop.
- Craft Cocktail Canvas: Forget the standard gin and tonic. Luxury gins deserve a stage. These refined spirits elevate every cocktail, adding depth and intrigue to classic mixes and inspiring innovative creations. It’s an invitation to mixology magic, a chance to craft your own aromatic masterpieces.
- Mindful Moment: Luxury gin isn’t a shot, it’s a savor. Pour it neat in a crystal glass, swirl it gently, and inhale the fragrant symphony. Each sip is a mindful moment, a celebration of craftsmanship and botanical bounty. It’s a sensory journey, a chance to slow down and appreciate the art of fine spirits.
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Sources:
- Santandrea
- I Love Gin
- The Three Drinkers
- Harper’s Bazaar
- My Bartender
- Gin Observer
- La Patiala
- Thrillist
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