Favourite / Best Gin

[Bristolhibby]

Alright Guys,

As with most of the U.K. I am fully onboard with gin nowadays.

What’s everyone’s favourite gin and your favourite tonic?

I’m looking to expand my palette.

I’m a big fan of Ophir (slight spiced peppery taste).

Also like Isle of Harris Gin.

Tonic is any Fever Tree. Favourite amongst them the Mediterranean Tonic.

Cheers

J

[Mibbes Aye]

Alright Guys,

As with most of the U.K. I am fully onboard with gin nowadays.

What’s everyone’s favourite gin and your favourite tonic?

I’m looking to expand my palette.

I’m a big fan of Ophir (slight spiced peppery taste).

Also like Isle of Harris Gin.

Tonic is any Fever Tree. Favourite amongst them the Mediterranean Tonic.

Cheers

J

There's so many nowadays, aided and abetted by the proliferation of whisky distilleries who can produce gin from the off.

I occasionally don't mind a neat gin and would go with the Botanist.

If it's a dry martini then Edinburgh Gin or Tanqueray Number 10.

And for tonic, Fever Tree - although I've not tried Fentiman's, and especially their pink grapefruit, which I imagine would be delicious.

[danhibees1875]

There used to be legislation in place that meant you weren't allowed to distil gin in anything less than 2,000 litre batches - originally put in place to ensure only large, reputable suppliers. It was overturned in 2009 (thanks to Sipsmith campaigning) and opened the doors to all the craft gins we enjoy today... Or something along those lines.

I like a wee Ophir with ginger ale, it goes well with the wee spice.

My favourite is caorounn though, fever tree, and a slice of apple.

Brockmanns, Pickerings (their distillery at summerhall is worth a visit), and Number207 are also worth a try.

[Pretty Boy]

I like gin but can't stand tonic water.

Botanist with soda water and a large slice of blood orange or Monkey 47 with a wedge of lime and a small splash of ginger ale.

[Just Jimmy]

Still love Hendricks. I hate tonic so I usually top it up with a tiny bit of lemonade and plenty lime. I know cucumber is supposed to join it but it's vile.

I love some of the stuff Eden mill have produced lately. I got a cracking limited batch from them from my other half's Mum at christmas as she lives just outside St Andrews and it was excellent. I should also note Manchester gin is very good.

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[Bristolhibby]

I’d also like to add that I have a prized bottle of Eden Mill Hibernian gin. Still unopened.

J

[Scouse Hibee]

Eden Mill Oak with ginger ale, slice of orange and a vanilla pod takes some beating. One thing is for sure the difference between a good tonic and a cheap one is like night and day. The likes of britvic is so harsh that you are wasting your time drinking decent giñ with it. I have about ten bottles in my collection just now, Ophir is one of my favourites too. Portobello Road,Rock Road,King of Soho, Hendricks,Caorunn, Liverpool Gin,and a few others all on my shelf.

[Colr]

Complex gin - simple tonic (and vice versa).

I love Rock Rose with Waitrose own brand slim line

Plymouth is good with Fever Tree.

I like Henricks as well.

[JeMeSouviens]

I like gin but can't stand tonic water.

Botanist with soda water and a large slice of blood orange or Monkey 47 with a wedge of lime and a small splash of ginger ale.

How anyone can drink tonic on its own is beyond me. A dash in a large gin works though.

[Pete]

I like gin but can't stand tonic water.


I’ve always dismissed gin as a bit meh and bitter but I recently realised I had only been having it with tonic water.

I got the stuff out the back of the cupboard from Aldi (award winning stuff), had it over ice and thouroughly enjoyed it.

A whole new world of flavours awaits. 👌

[Colr]

How anyone can drink tonic on its own is beyond me. A dash in a large gin works though.

I quite like tonic on its own - mostly the diet type as its a bit more bitter.

There are some great gin based cocktails like an aviation!

Negronis seem to be popular at the mo.

[pollution]

Gin is a depressant, at least for me!

[danhibees1875]

Gin is a depressant, at least for me!

Is that not true of all alcohol?

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Is that not true of all alcohol?

I've never found that to be the case and I've had one or two sessions in my time. :-)

[alhibby]

No171 Portobello Road Gin

Pickerings Original 1947 ( as mentioned before, Pickerings tour is very good )

Brockmans

Whitley Neil

all with Fevertree Elderflower Tonic or for something different, Fentimans Rose Lemonade, lovely

[Mibbes Aye]

I quite like tonic on its own - mostly the diet type as its a bit more bitter.

There are some great gin based cocktails like an aviation!

Negronis seem to be popular at the mo.

I like tonic water on its own too.

I think it's probably down to individual palates and to what degree people like 'bitter' flavour. I'll happily down glasses of sparkling water with a health few drops of Angostura as well, though that's got a bit of sweetness too.

[JeMeSouviens]

I like tonic water on its own too.

I think it's probably down to individual palates and to what degree people like 'bitter' flavour. I'll happily down glasses of sparkling water with a health few drops of Angostura as well, though that's got a bit of sweetness too.

I like the very bitter beers, I find tonic water a bit industrial chemical-ish but might be because I’ve only tried the bog standard schweppes and the like.

[Mibbes Aye]

I like the very bitter beers, I find tonic water a bit industrial chemical-ish but might be because I’ve only tried the bog standard schweppes and the like.

That makes sense - I like a hoppy beer, though I don't actually drink much lager or beer, but am happy with Czech pilsners. Tonics like Fever Tree or Fentiman's might taste better to you.

[JeMeSouviens]

That makes sense - I like a hoppy beer, though I don't actually drink much lager or beer, but am happy with Czech pilsners. Tonics like Fever Tree or Fentiman's might taste better to you.

My younger boy has just staggered in from his lads’ trip to Maga with a bottle of this for fathers’ day.

https://img.thewhiskyexchange.com/900/gin_lar1.jpg

I’ll get some of those tonics in to try.

[One Day Soon]

Aldi's Needle Gin - Bavarian I think - was lovely.

[Godsahibby]

Very much in the anti tonic camp. Why get good Gin or any Gin for that matter and ruin it with Tonic water. Using it as a mixer that is all you can taste!!

Gin and Soda slice of orange.

[Mibbes Aye]

Very much in the anti tonic camp. Why get good Gin or any Gin for that matter and ruin it with Tonic water. Using it as a mixer that is all you can taste!!

Gin and Soda slice of orange.

I think it's a historical thing. British forces in India were meant to drink tonic water because of the quinine - adding gin to it made it a bit more palatable and the mix was then brought back to Britain and became established.

How gin was previously introduced to Britain is even more curious - I heard or saw something on the TV or radio a while back that explained it was a Dutch spirit, called jenever. British soldiers fighting as mercenaries in the Low Countries came across it and brought it back and the name got shortened to gin. Supposedly, the expression 'Dutch courage' comes from that.

[Colr]

Gin is a depressant, at least for me!

Vodka has the same effect on me!

[Colr]

I like tonic water on its own too.

I think it's probably down to individual palates and to what degree people like 'bitter' flavour. I'll happily down glasses of sparkling water with a health few drops of Angostura as well, though that's got a bit of sweetness too.

Have you ever tried Peychauds bitters? They taste quite medicinal!

[Mibbes Aye]

Have you ever tried Peychauds bitters? They taste quite medicinal!

Heard of it but never tried it - I might order a bottle.

Bitters aren't cheap but then you're only using a few drops at a time. I've no idea how cost per drink works out but I suspect it is less than a can of juice or a glass of cordial.

[Colr]

Quite a few people have said rhubarb gin is good.

Rhubarb is one of the few foods that I don’t like but I might give ita go!!!

[alhibby]

Must add Lidl's Hortus, very good and much cheaper than many

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[NORTHERNHIBBY]

Always drink Harahorn Gin with Fever Tree Tonic when I am in Oslo. Served with cucumber ribbons and a crack of black pepper. Lovely.

[Bristolhibby]

Must add Lidl's Hortus, very good and much cheaper than many

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I got the new summer version from my kids for Father’s Day.

Looking forward to trying that one.

J

[Colr]

On a recommendation, Ibought some rhubarb and ginger gin.

Although I don’t like rhubarb, this stuff is lovely!!! Like ginger Edinburgh rock!

[Jay]

Quite a few people have said rhubarb gin is good.

Rhubarb is one of the few foods that I don’t like but I might give ita go!!!

Im.not keen on the rhubarb and ginger gin but like the plum and vanilla with just ice.

[BroxburnHibee]

On a recommendation, Ibought some rhubarb and ginger gin.

Although I don’t like rhubarb, this stuff is lovely!!! Like ginger Edinburgh rock!

I'd agree with this. Tried it a few days ago

[Colr]

Im.not keen on the rhubarb and ginger gin but like the plum and vanilla with just ice.

I feel another purchase coming on. I love plums and I love vanilla. Gin’s not bad either.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Cannae be many seats left on the trendy gin bandwagon.

[Bristolhibby]

Cannae be many seats left on the trendy gin bandwagon.

Hell to the yea! Climb onboard.

J

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Nah, there's no way I could ever desert Bezique!

[Bristolhibby]

Just bought some of this over the weekend when I’d had a few.

Will try it this weekend. Eden Mill have done well out of me by sponsoring Hibs.

https://www.edenmill.com/summer-punch-gin-c-1-p-45678

[Moulin Yarns]

I got a bottle of brockmans as part of my leaving gift from work, very nice. Heading to the south west soon and there is a gin distillery in Newton Stewart that uses seaweed as part of the botanicals, sounds interesting.

[JeMeSouviens]

I got a bottle of brockmans as part of my leaving gift from work, very nice. Heading to the south west soon and there is a gin distillery in Newton Stewart that uses seaweed as part of the botanicals, sounds interesting.

As does Isle of Harris, which is v nice.

[Moulin Yarns]

As does Isle of Harris, which is v nice.

Isle of Harris gin just took deliver of some beer from wasted degrees brewery. It is 60m from my front door. 😉

[Bristolhibby]

As does Isle of Harris, which is v nice.

It is. Amazing bottles as well.

J

[Bristolhibby]

I got a bottle of brockmans as part of my leaving gift from work, very nice. Heading to the south west soon and there is a gin distillery in Newton Stewart that uses seaweed as part of the botanicals, sounds interesting.

Brockmans is nice. My folks were over in Gibraltar and brought me a bottle back as it was dirt cheap.

I’ve heard good things about that one from Newton Stewart, Hills & Harbour Gin.

J

[Rattler]

My 3 top gins currently, in no particular order, are:

Kinrara https://www.theginkin.com/2018/03/15/kinrara-gin-is-the-newest-distillery-straight-from-the-scottish-highlands/

Verdant https://www.verdantspirits.co.uk/pages/home

Le Tribute https://www.urban-drinks.co.uk/le-tribute-gin-tonic-set.html?av=1



Love them all served neat, but if they have to be mixed then just with a touch of either Fever Tree Med Tonic or East Imperial Burma Tonic.

As some have said already, the delight is in the gin and there's no real need to dilute with a load of tonic.

[SneakersO'Toole]

I was over in Finland last year with work and was introduced to Napue Gin whilst over there. It has won a host of awards worldwide and I have to say it is one of the best gins I've come across. I enjoyed it equally neat or with a small splash of tonic with a rosemary sprig.

[tanfield]

Redcastle
Pickerings 1947
Manchester

If no particular order.

[3pm]

Leith Gin is nice!

[Bangkok Hibby]

I think anyone who drinks gin and tonic is kidding themselves on that the the new subtle flavoured gins are worth spending money on. Tonic is too strong a mixer to really appreciate the difference.
Straight or with soda yes, then the flavours can be appreciated.

[Mibbes Aye]

I think anyone who drinks gin and tonic is kidding themselves on that the the new subtle flavoured gins are worth spending money on. Tonic is too strong a mixer to really appreciate the difference.
Straight or with soda yes, then the flavours can be appreciated.

Think that's fair comment.

The botanicals and the like in gins get drowned out by a tonic, whether it's Fever Tree or a standard Schweppes.

That's not to say there is anything wrong with a G+T, an absolute classic of a drink and superbly refreshing on a hot day. But probably worth noting that it's more sensible to spend on the tonic rather than the gin.

I tend to drink gin most in a martini, as an aperitif, when out for dinner. Not sure what gin works best with the vermouth so am happy to get recommendations. My default is Tanqueray No.10 or Edinburgh, if stocked.

[JeMeSouviens]

Think that's fair comment.

The botanicals and the like in gins get drowned out by a tonic, whether it's Fever Tree or a standard Schweppes.

That's not to say there is anything wrong with a G+T, an absolute classic of a drink and superbly refreshing on a hot day. But probably worth noting that it's more sensible to spend on the tonic rather than the gin.

I tend to drink gin most in a martini, as an aperitif, when out for dinner. Not sure what gin works best with the vermouth so am happy to get recommendations. My default is Tanqueray No.10 or Edinburgh, if stocked.

Picked up some of this on Harris when buying their gin. It's very good, as is the gin! (Mixed or separately.)

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1087/4864/products/Walter-gregors-tonic_1024x1024.png

[Bangkok Hibby]

Think that's fair comment.

The botanicals and the like in gins get drowned out by a tonic, whether it's Fever Tree or a standard Schweppes.

That's not to say there is anything wrong with a G+T, an absolute classic of a drink and superbly refreshing on a hot day. But probably worth noting that it's more sensible to spend on the tonic rather than the gin.

I tend to drink gin most in a martini, as an aperitif, when out for dinner. Not sure what gin works best with the vermouth so am happy to get recommendations. My default is Tanqueray No.10 or Edinburgh, if stocked.


A classic drink indeed. I'm perfectly happy with Gordons and Schweppes but Tanqueray is a favourite too. Now I'm living in Thailand been messing around with gin cocktails, lovely!

[Scouse Hibee]

I think anyone who drinks gin and tonic is kidding themselves on that the the new subtle flavoured gins are worth spending money on. Tonic is too strong a mixer to really appreciate the difference.
Straight or with soda yes, then the flavours can be appreciated.

No I don't agree with that all, been on several gin classes and tasting sessions and proved beyond doubt that tonics like Schweppes and britvic are harsh and spoil the flavoured gins whilst others don't.

[Mibbes Aye]

Picked up some of this on Harris when buying their gin. It's very good, as is the gin! (Mixed or separately.)

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1087/4864/products/Walter-gregors-tonic_1024x1024.png

I'll keep an eye out for that, though it looks like it may need to be an online purchase.

I like tonic as a standalone. with a few dashes of Angostura bitters. Always keen to find the best tonic to go with the bitters.

[IWasThere2016]

Brockman's and Portobello Road for me

[Bristolhibby]

Thought I’d resurrect this thread as the Christmas bevvy fest approaches.

So what gin are we all into now?

I’ve have some Malfy Con Limone which is delicious with a plain tonic. No need for any citrus garnish as the lemon taste is great.

Got some of the Aldi Eden Mill to give it a go. It’s OK, but doesn’t really leap out. But the Hibs connection does it for me. Plus they have some great Gins. I enjoyed their Summer Punch Gin over the summer.

Bought my missus the Aldi colour changing Gin (McQueen Forest Fruits). It’s very nice. Fruity as you’d expect and changes from a pale blue to a pale pink when citrus or tonic is added.

I have seen that Leith distillery has launched a new Gin called Lind & Lime which is definitely on my Christmas list.

J

[MagicSwirlingShip]

Martin Millers, Fentimans Tonic, Slice of Grapefruit.

A truly delicious G&T.

[Jack Hackett]

My younger boy has just staggered in from his lads’ trip to Maga with a bottle of this for fathers’ day.

https://img.thewhiskyexchange.com/900/gin_lar1.jpg

I’ll get some of those tonics in to try.

One of my favourites. I've been told that Asda are now stocking, but haven't been along to check... yet :wink:

Got a bottle of this on recommendation.

21447

https://www.masterofmalt.com/gin/dog-house/renegade-gin/

Seriously good gin

Oh!... and it's 42% :greengrin

[calumhibee1]

Only recently realised its tonic water that I think is utterly disgusting and not gin.

Anyone tried Brooklyn Gin? Was going to buy it the other day purely because I liked the bottle :greengrin

[3pm]

Currently drinking a Thomas Dakin with Mediterranean tonic water. Very nice.