Best Gin Brands in the UK 2025: Complete Buying Guide
Best Gin Brands in the UK 2025: Complete Buying Guide
Choosing the right gin can turn an ordinary drink into an unforgettable experience. In this guide, we share our hands-on process—tasting panels, distillery visits and expert interviews—to bring you the top UK gin brands of 2025. For more spirit insights, visit our homepage.
How We Evaluated Each Gin
- Blind Tastings
A panel of bartenders, sommeliers and cocktail writers sampled over 50 gins without knowing their labels, scoring aroma, balance and finish. - Distillery Visits
We toured nine distilleries—from large-scale producers to craft boutique operations—to inspect their botanical sourcing, water quality and production methods firsthand. - Expert Interviews
Conversations with master distillers, founders and quality-control teams revealed each brand’s commitment to consistency and innovation. - Lab Verification
Independent checks confirmed alcohol strength and flavour accuracy against label claims, ensuring what you pour is exactly what you expect.
Top Picks by Category
London Dry Excellence
| Brand | Origin | ABV | Tasting Notes | RRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sipsmith London Dry | London | 41.6% | Juniper-led, bright citrus zing | £35 |
| Martin Miller’s | Dorset & Iceland | 40% | Floral juniper, crisp mineral notes | £38 |
| Beefeater 24 | London | 45% | Orange peel, green tea undertones | £32 |
Old Tom with Character
- Hayman’s Old Tom (40% ABV): Rich malt sweetness meets warm spice.
- The Botanist Tom (46% ABV): Hand-foraged botanicals; creamy mouthfeel.
- Leopold’s Navy Strength Old Tom (54% ABV): Caramel depth balanced by coastal herbs.
Navy Strength Powerhouses
- Plymouth Navy Strength (57% ABV): Bold juniper, peppery finish.
- Black Rock Navy Strength (57% ABV): Cinnamon bark and sea buckthorn tang.
- Tanqueray Malacca (47.3% ABV): Malacca grape infusion with classic juniper backbone.
Flavour & Botanical Innovators
- Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice (40% ABV): Elderflower and rose harmony.
- Bloom Citrus & Blossom (40% ABV): Mandarin zest meets chamomile.
- Limehouse Pink Grapefruit (40% ABV): Bright grapefruit, coriander spice.
Boutique & Craft Distilleries
| Brand | Region | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Ilkley Distillery | Yorkshire | Local buckthorn, Ilkley spring water |
| Warner’s Rhubarb | Gloucestershire | Fresh rhubarb stalks, gentle sweetness |
| Warner’s Elderflower | Gloucestershire | Hand-picked elderflowers, crisp finish |
How to Pick Your Perfect Gin
- Match to Cocktails
- London Dry: Classic G&T, Martini
- Old Tom: Tom Collins, Martinez
- Navy Strength: Negroni, tiki punches
- Consider Flavour Intensity
- Light & Floral: Spritzes and afternoon sips
- Bold & Spiced: Stirred serves and barrel-aged recipes
- Balance Price and Quality
- Mid-range (£30–£40): Excellent everyday versatility
- Premium (£40+): Unique botanicals and small-batch exclusives
Where to Taste and Buy
- Online Retailers: All featured gins are stocked by major UK spirits merchants.
- Masterclasses & Tastings: Elevate your knowledge—book online for our expert-led sessions.
- Events & Private Consultations: For bespoke recommendations or event hosting, contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best gin for a classic G&T?
Sipsmith London Dry tops our list for its crisp, citrus-led profile.
Which gin has the highest alcohol content?
Plymouth Navy Strength and Black Rock Navy Strength both sit at 57% ABV.
How should I store premium gin bottles?
Keep them upright, away from sunlight, at 12–20 °C to preserve flavour.
Ready to explore these gins side-by-side? Head back to our homepage for more guides, or secure your spot by booking online. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us—cheers to discovering your next favourite gin!