Can You Tell The Difference
Yes. It was pretty obvious to our tasters which sample contained alcohol, and which one didnt.
Youre clearly not going to get the buzz and warmth associated with alcohol. But alcohol content aside, the appeal of gin is largely its signature flavour derived from juniper berries and other botanicals.
So when you remove the alcohol, does the flavour hold its own?
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Best Budget: Curious Elixirs
Based out of the Hudson Valley, Curious Elixirs crafts nonalcoholic cocktails packaged in double-serving bottles. Curious No. 1 riffs off the Negroni by using pomegranate and rhodiola extracts, while No. 2 tastes like a Dark & Stormy. Curious No. 3, packed with lemon, cucumber, and genepy-leaning herbs, tastes like a Collins.
The company reproduces the flavors of classic cocktails using only juices, spices, herbs, roots, and barks. The resulting drinks are complex, smooth, and well-balancednonalcoholic cocktails sans the effort.
If youre swinging by a party, pack a few of these in your bag for a low-effort drink option. All options are gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free, plus fair-trade and GMO-free.
This Australian company makes an impressive range of zero-proof spirits, including gins, liqueurs, aperitivos, absinthes, and dry vermouths for those abstaining Martini enthusiasts. Their dry London spirits and rums are particularly appealingthey smell and taste just like their alcoholic counterparts, making them excellent for cocktail enthusiasts.
Lyres Italian Orange expression is created to replicate a bitter orange aperitif, such as Campari. This particular flavor stands up well poured into a Negroni, an Americano, or in a Spritz.
Lyres offers almost a dozen different mixers, so you can replicate a full range of classic cocktails with their portfolio alone.
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Which Gin Tastes Best
After tasting each sample, our tasters were asked to describe it and rate how much they liked it overall on a nine-point scale stretching from dislike extremely through to like extremely.
Gordons London Dry Gin was rated more positively overall than Gordons Alcohol Free , receiving a total of 78 points compared with 63 points out of a possible total of 108.
Heres what our taste testers said.
Gordons London Dry Gin
Price: $39
Tasting notes :
The aroma and taste of alcohol or specifically gin was noted by the majority of our tasters in their comments.
Definitely can smell the alcohol, said one. Discernable gin taste with tartness on the back of the throat, said another.
Several people referenced citrus or juniper flavours, commenting that it tastes like gin with prominent citrus, has a stronger smell of juniper and Smells like gin scent of juniper citrus. Tastes like gin.
Although most people rated it favourably, not everyone was a fan: For me the alcohol was the strongest flavour. Couldnt detect any botanicals or other flavours.
Gordons Alcohol Free
Tasting notes :
Reviews for Gordons Alcohol Free were mixed.
Some people werent convinced of its allure, leaving comments such as Pleasant, not harsh, but nothing earth shattering, Does not give the warmth of an alcoholic beverage, but is not unpleasant, and Its almost gin. Drinkable, but not quite there.
But others were more complimentary.
Cheers to that!
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The Botanist Islay Dry Gin
Islay, the southernmost of the Inner Hebrides islands off the coast of Scotland is where The Botanist is distilled. It takes its name from the wild local botanicals which are used in the recipe, and from the local botanists who collect them.
This gin is truly of the Island, and a real exploration through taste and experience of the Hebridean Flora.
The 22 native, hand-foraged local botanicals delicately augment more traditional gin botanicals . These 22 are, Apple Mint, Chamomile, Creeping Thistle, Downy Birch, Elder, Gorse, Hawthorn, Heather, Juniper, Ladys Bedstraw, Lemon Balm, Meadowsweet, Mugwort, Red Clover, Spear Mint, Sweet Cicely, Bog Myrtle , Tansy, Water Mint, White Clover, Wild Thyme and Wood Sage.
The achingly slow distillation happens in a Lomond Still . The still is brought to temperature . The core botanicals are then layered in the still and let to steep for twelve hours. After this time, the still temperature is increased to simmering point and the island botanicals are infused. These are held in loosely woven muslin sacks through which the vapours easily pass.
This has a classical gin aroma. Plenty of pine from the juniper, along with a citrus note and a touch of floral from meadowsweet and woodruff.
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Best Japanese: Suntory Roku Japanese Gin
Image Source Drizly
Region: Japan | ABV: 43% | Tasting Notes: Sansho Pepper, Yuzu, Juniper
Light, bright and floralthis gin can be sipped on ice with a twist or enjoyed with your favorite tonic, says Jonathan Cunningham, bar manager at Husk Barbeque in Greenville, SC. Roku comes from Suntory, better known for its whisky brands like Yamazaki and Hibiki. The name translates to six, referring to the Japanese botanicals that are combined with more traditional flavors, resulting in a truly unique spirit.
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A Gin Of Layered Complexity
The spirit is satin smooth, gliding over the palate like no gin you have ever tried before. Think sweet, delicate menthol, apple mint, spring woodlands, juniper, coriander with aniseed undertones, lemon and orange peel, a bouquet of flowers from Machir Bay, honey from thistle, coconut from gorse, water mint and summer meadowsIts a magical melody of Islays natural bounty, from the Atlantic washed beaches to the summit of heather covered hills. The taste is rich and mellow cool on entry then as it reaches the back palate, you can feel the warmth of slow unhurried distillation. This is a bewitching, delectable and luxurious gin its citrus freshness excites and stimulates the senses.
Shop My Gin Collection
Same as the UK version, but with a new label, with a mandatory message from your Surgeon General warning you not to consume gin under any circumstances, as it could lead to imbecility. But they said that about jazz in the early 20th century, and now look.
Same flavour, same unique combination of Asian spices and English parsnip, but now 57% ABV Navy Strength. This means you can store it below decks in wooden barrels, safe in the knowledge that it wont contaminate your gunpowder. Alternatively you can drink it.
Before you order a bottle of award-winning Asian Parsnip, think about this. For the shipping cost of one bottle, I can ship you a case of six. Think carefully: once you have drunk one bottle, youll want another, probably immediately.
Would you rather sit there for weeks while HMS Dullsville plods across the Atlantic with your next order, or simply pluck it from your drinks globe/sideboard/secret place in the garden privy? Thought so.
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Where To Buy Non
Its not that easy to find good, quality wine everywhere that is alcohol free. Where to buy non-alcoholic wine can feel like a task when you decide you want it last minute. You might think you can just go to a grocery store and pick up a bottle of whatever theyve got, but why risk it once you know where to go.
In this article, we will explore where to buy non-alcoholic wine from both retail stores, online, and local delivery operators!
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Noughty Alcohol Free Sparkling Chardonnay
Sparkling has by far been the best genre of non-alcoholic wine and this one is the closest alcohol free beverages to Champagne without alcohol Ive tasted. Its a dealcoholized wine thats organic, vegan, halal, low-intervention, and just plain fun to drink. Read 15 Reasons to Drink Noughty, Best Non-Alcoholic Champagne Substitute.
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Monkey 47 Distillers Cut 2021
Monkey 47 is already an interesting gin, made at a distillery in Germanys Black Forest from a blend of 47 botanicals. But each year the distillery also releases its Distillers Cut, a riff on the core expression, and the latest from 2021 is worth checking out. The 48th ingredient for this release is scarlet monarda, a beautiful red flower. The resulting spirit is fragrant, floral, and has just a hint of spice, making this an interesting gin to sample.
Sng Ci Vit Nam Dry Gin
This Vietnamese gin uses botanicals sourced from the northern highland jungles by farming and foraging families, including green turmeric, pepper, black cardamom, and pomelo. The only imported botanical is in fact the juniper, which grounds this dry gin, but the palate expands from there. Sông Cái works quite well in a variety of cocktails, from a citrus-forward gimlet to a dry martini. And the distillery is working to reinvest back into the local community, via initiatives like reforestation programs, heirloom botanical preservation, and ensuring farmers are paid fair wages.
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Best Overall: Plymouth Gin
- ABV: 41.2%
- Tasting Notes: Juniper, Lemon Peel, Coriander
This is one of my favorite gins to sneak into peoples cocktails who say they dont like gin, says Jose Medina Camacho of Automatic Seafood & Oysters in Birmingham, Ala. Nine out of ten people love it. My favorite gin drink is a 50/50 martini. This iconic gin from southwestern England strikes the perfect balance and can be used in any classic gin cocktail.
We Tested: Gordons Alcohol Free Gin
- Gordons Alcohol Free Gin, £12 from Amazon buy here
As the best-selling gin in the world, its no surprise that Gordons has jumped on the wagon with a booze-free version of its dry gin.
At just six calories per double measure, its significantly healthier than its alcoholic counterpart, and theres strong notes of the juniper and citrus that you look for in a gin and tonic.
And at £12 a bottle on Amazon, its at the cheaper end of the spectrum.
You can read our Gordons Alcohol Free Gin review here.
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Where Can I Buy Welsh Gin
Welsh Gin is becoming increasingly popular, with many people keen to try this unique spirit. However, Welsh Gin can be difficult to find outside of Wales. In this article, we’ll provide some tips on where to buy Welsh Gin.
One of the best places to look for Welsh Gin is online. There are many specialist retailers who stock a wide range of Welsh Gins, and they can often be found at competitive prices, Made in Cymru has a fantastic selection of Welsh Gins from distilleries across the country. Another option is to visit a Welsh distillery. This can be a great way to learn about the production process and meet the people who make Welsh Gin.
Finally, if you’re lucky enough to be visiting Wales, then you’ll be able to find Welsh Gin in most supermarkets and liquor stores.
Why Buy Gin From Bottle Broz
What makes Bottle Broz the best place to buy Gin? Bottle Broz’s collection comprises the best Gins in the country. A customized gift card is one option that we offer. Place your order with Bottle Broz online, and we’ll take care of the rest. We go to great lengths to ensure that your order is appropriately wrapped and delivered safely. The bottles are transported in sturdy cartons with layers of foam padding for protection. So relax while we bring them to your home anywhere in the USA.
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Cleanco Clean G Rhubarb
Pink gins have an especially special place in peoples hearts, which makes it even harder to retire despite your best intentions.
Not only are pink gins high in alcohol, but theyre also usually high in sugar and calories, which can really add up if youre drinking a few a week.
Not only is this pink gin from CleanCo alcohol-free, but its also free from sugar and sweeteners and low calorie, so you can really have as many as youd like.
Distilled with tangy rhubarb and crisp juniper, this refreshing gin alternative gives you the same great taste of pink gin with none of the post-session guilt.
Rise By Peak Pink Grapefruit Mint
Presented as a healthier alternative to functional beverages like coffee, energy drinks and alcohol Peaks Rise drinks contain an innovative blend of nootropics, aimed to improve mental clarity, focus and relaxation. Although we didnt notice an obvious mood-influencing effect, these lightly carbonated drinks were certainly invigorating on the palate and one of the best pre-mixed cocktail alternatives weve tried. The pink grapefruit and mint was our favourite flavour, with a pleasing balance of subtly sweet and sour elements and refreshing aftertaste.
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Best Flavored: Whitley Neill Blood Orange Gin
Image Source / Caskers
Region: South Africa | ABV: 43% | Tasting Notes: Blood Orange, Juniper, Cassia Bark
Whitley Neill Blood Orange Handcrafted Gin, some rocks, and a splash of club soda is all I need on a hot summer day, says Belmond El Encanto food & beverage manager Tyson Torres. Little do people know, the Neill family has been distilling gin since 1762. Full of citrus, oranges and juniper, this is a great gin to try out if youve never ventured to try a Whitley Neill gin.
Best London Dry Gin: Beefeater London Dry
Image Source / Wine.com
Region: UK | ABV: 44% | Tasting Notes: Juniper, Almond, Orange
Beefeater always delivers high quality for value pricing, says Erin Scala, beverage director of Common House in Virginia. It’s a punchy, juniper-forward gin staple that I’ve been happy to work with for decades.
David Vanegas, of Quinto la Huella at EAST Miami, is also a fan. Nothing like a classic London dry, he says. This is perfect for a classic gin and tonic and you can even mix it to make a London Mule.
Region: UK | ABV: 45% | Tasting Notes: Citrus, Flower, Spice
This gin is a collaboration between eighth generation master distiller Charles Maxwell of Thames Distillers and Simon Ford of The 86 Company, says Danilo Bozovic of Sugar, rooftop bar and restaurant at EAST Miami. Its a very well-rounded gin that makes great martinis and works amazingly well with citrus. Theres also an overproof version of this London-distilled gin called Officers Reserve if youre looking for something with a higher ABV.
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Navy Strength Asian Parsnip
Same flavour, same unique combination of Asian spices and English parsnip, but now Navy Strength.
57% ABV means you can store it below decks in wooden barrels, safe in the knowledge that it wont contaminate your gunpowder. Alternatively you can drink it.
It costs more because we have to pay more duty on the alcohol – but you dont need so much to fall overboard. Not that wed advise that, obviously.
So, in essence, a stronger version of Asian Parsnip that costs more but is a vital contribution to defeating the French.
In accordance with industry regulations all orders are processed and fulfilled through Passion Spirits national network of licensed retailers.
Gordons London Dry Gin
Never in a million years would I have realized that Gordons gin tastes like rosewater. But these are the kinds of weird revelations one has in a blind tasting. While sipping her Gordons martini with a faraway gaze in her eyes, Tammie said, Id like to drink this with Moroccan food. Gordons hits first with juniper for a split second, then the rest is intensely sweet, floral, and a little bit fruity. This flavor profile makes for an interesting martini. But our Gordons G& Ts tasted like perfumed lotion.
Botanicals : juniper, coriander, angelica root, licorice, orris root, orange peel, lemon peelWhat we like it in: a martini Where its made: Canada
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Can You Buy Alcohol Free Whiskey
The countless brands that have followed Seedlips lead following its launch of its first alcohol-free spirit in 2015, distilled from botanicals, have been getting into the alcohol-free spirit business. There are now alcohol-free imitations of everything from rum to whisky and bitter aperitifs, as well as botanical-based spirits made from herbs and spices.
How Do You Make Gin Mocktails
The simplest way is to make a classic alcohol-free gin and tonic by pouring 50ml of gin substitute over ice and top up with a premium tonic or soda water like a Strangelove tonic and garnish with a wedge of lemon or lime, a slice of cucumber or a sprig of rosemary. If you are interested in making something more sophisticated, check out our mocktail recipes section which has hundreds or great recipe ideas like all the classic G& Ts , Martini mocktails, Negroni mocktails and even an alcohol-free Pink Gin Fizz.You can also use alcohol free gin to create a virgin margarita using Mr Consistent Margarita Mix.
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Three Spirit Social Elixir
This dark herbal liqueur is made with the help of a team of bar industry stalwarts and plant scientists. It contains active ingredients that are designed to mimic the positive effects of alcohol. We cant say we noticed any special feelings but it does have a distinctive taste that majors on malt and liquorice, and chimes well with ginger ale, adding bite and richness.
Available from:
Is There Such A Thing As Alcohol Free Whiskey
There are non-alcoholic whiskeys, gins, rums, vodkas, etc. The number of products that mimic the taste of whiskey, rum, vodka or gin is on the rise. Spirits that do not contain alcohol offer the taste and complexity of spirits, while containing less alcohol than alcohol. If there is no alcohol at all, it should be 5%.
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