Possessing such a close connection to the foundation of gin, it is easy to see why Britain holds such a prominent place today in its renaissance.
Although most recognisable for producing the London dry gin style, the growth in gin’s popularity all over the world has seen the rise in the number of craft distilleries producing other variants, including distilled gin and other juniper and gin based spirits and liqueurs, such as sloe gin.
Consumers today are spoilt for choice when looking to buy a bottle of British gin, and with such a diverse array of botanicals used in every bottle on the market, there is a product out there for everyone.
With the existence of more than 360 distilleries across Britain, and with this number growing every year, there are a multitude of small and large distilleries across the country that are producing an expanding range of gins and gin-based products.
Prominent brands, such as Bombay Sapphire, Gordon’s, and Tanqueray dominant the British gin market, however, other brands, including Hendricks, Plymouth, Beefeater, Edinburgh Gin, and a swathe of even smaller craft distilleries are adding to the bottles available to consumers.
Whilst currently only producing a small range of gin products, the Bombay Sapphire brand is synonymous with quality British gin, in part thanks to it being backed by one of the largest alcohol companies in the world, Bacardi.
Their popular bottle, the Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin, is made from 10 hand-picked botanicals from across the world, and is known for its bright flavours and clean taste that complements many famous gin cocktails.
Gordon’s produces the world’s number one selling London dry gin, and has been doing so since the company’s inception in the 18th Century.
Alongside their flagship London dry gin, Gordon’s has also recently launched a number of new products, including the Gordon’s Premium Pink Distilled Gin and Gordon’s Sloe Gin, adding to the brand's adaptability.
Another prominent British gin brand, Tanqueray, now produced in Scotland, is easily one of the most recognisable London dry gins exported from the country.
Made from at least four botanicals, their classic London dry gin is now complemented by a range of new gins, including Tanqueray No. 10 and Tanqueray Flor De Sevilla Gin.
Whether you’re looking to buy a classic London dry gin, a more exotically flavoured distilled gin, or seeking to try a completely unique gin-based liqueur, Britain has the range to offer you a world of tasting experiences.
This article and this site both offer up some of the best bottles of British gin available today.
Easily the most popular, and famous, method of enjoying British, and indeed almost all gin, is to mix them with a premium bottle of tonic water and add some ice.
Whilst this is a pairing method going back to the 19th Century colonial era, there are now so many gin cocktail recipes out there that finding a cocktail to fit your taste buds is easy.
Besides the classic cocktails that include the Gin & Tonic, Martini, Gimlet, Negroni, and Tom Collins, other more recent cocktails that are gaining popularity include an Aperol-Kombucha Cocktail, Aviation, and Sparkling Grapefruit Cocktail.
Other than in cocktails, it is possible to enjoy gin simply neat, with ice, or with a splash of water and a slice of lemon or lime, however, this is only really recommended when having gins that are sweeter in style and are not overly juniper-heavy.
This article explores some of the best ways to enjoy gin and its top garnishes.
As most London dry style gins are, as their name suggests, very dry, they are often not the best kind to enjoy neat, with craft varieties, such as sloe gin or pink distilled gin, being the styles that can best be consumed in this fashion.
Although pairing gin, or any spirit for that matter, with food might appear a peculiar option, the many botanicals that are used in gin lends the spirit very well to many different cuisines and dishes.
Juniper-heavy gins, such as many British London dry gins, match well with Spanish tapas courses, as the smoked or seasoned meats pair well with the dry bitterness of the gin.
Citrus-focused gins, like the Tanqueray Flor De Sevilla Gin and the Hendrick's Midsummer Solstice Gin, can be paired perfectly with many seafood dishes, especially those with citrus toppings or sauces.
Finally, gins with prominent flavours of spice and pepperiness, including the Opihr Oriental Spiced Gin, can be paired with dishes or food that contain the same flavour profiles, such as light curry dishes or other spiced meals.
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