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Best luxury gin gift set
No. 3 London Dry Gin and Martini Glasses Gift Set
1
Best luxury gin gift set
No. 3 London Dry Gin and Martini Glasses Gift Set
Undeniably luxurious, this classic London Dry comes courtesy of esteemed British wine merchants, Berry Bros & Rudd. Expect clean, crisp citrus at the fore, followed by a big, herbaceous back note (think: juniper, rosemary and thyme).
The accompanying NUDE glasses are of equal pedigree; delicate, tinted glass designed to keep your martini at perfect sipping temperature for longer. Saying that, when the gin is this good, it may not stick around long enough to test that theory.
2
Best Japanese gin selection
The Kyoto Distillery Ki No Bi Gin Set
2
Best Japanese gin selection
The Kyoto Distillery Ki No Bi Gin Set
You’re no doubt familiar with Japanese whisky, but the nation is fast becoming known for its gins, too. Infused with yuzu and sansho pepper with a rice spirit base, Ki No Bi gin is unlike anything else we sampled and will prove popular with gin enthusiasts – though you needn’t be an expert to appreciate the smooth-tasting spirit.
Trust us, these frosted glass bottles adorned with kanji script and traditional floral art deserve to sit pride of place on your bar cart.
Contains | Ki No Bi Dry Gin 20cl, Ki No Tea Dry Gin 20cl, Kin No Bi Sei Navy Strength Gin |
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3
Best Scottish gin selection
The Botanist Gin Gift Set with Highball Glass
3
Best Scottish gin selection
The Botanist Gin Gift Set with Highball Glass
Given 22 botanicals go into crafting this Scottish craft gin, it should come as no surprise that it won over our expert panel with its complexity and balance.
Flavour-wise, you can expect warming black pepper and herbal freshness (led by gorse, camomile and sweet citrus). The accompanying highball glass – which mirrors the bottle’s etched design – is essential for classic G&T’s and Tom Collins cocktails.
Contains | The Botanist Gin 700ml, 1 x The Botanist branded glass |
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4
Best gin cocktail gift set
Nio Cocktails Premium Gin Cocktail Box
4
Best gin cocktail gift set
Nio Cocktails Premium Gin Cocktail Box
It’s no secret that we’re big fans of NIO cocktails (which stands for “needs ice only”) at Esquire. Been burned by ready-to-drink cocktails in the past? Fear not, for NIO is all about crafting bar-quality serves with equally premium ingredients.
There are four gin-based gin cocktails to choose from, including a classic negroni (made with Tanqueray and Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino, of course) and a citrussy sour we could drink all festive season and never tire of. If we're being brutally honest, this is one of those gifts we'd prefer to be on the receiving end of.
5
Best gin keepsake
Hendrick's Hotel Gin & Tea Set Gift
5
Best gin keepsake
Hendrick's Hotel Gin & Tea Set Gift
Know someone who’s go-to is always a Hendrick’s? Of course you do (it’s one of Britain’s best-selling gins, after all). Luckily, this luxe gift set – complete with a teapot and six saucers for kitsch cocktails – will last long after the bottle runs dry.
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Best gin advent calendar
That Boutique-y Gin Company 12 Dram Collection Tasting Set
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Best gin advent calendar
That Boutique-y Gin Company 12 Dram Collection Tasting Set
This year, we’re swerving the same-old advent calendars in favour of this curated collection from That Boutique-y Gin Company.
Behind each door, you’ll discover a wax sealed dram containing one of the brand’s more adventurous flavours (we’re talking Cold-Brew Coffee, Spit-Roasted Pineapple, and Yuzu and Neroli). A delicious way to discover a new favourite in the build-up to the big day.
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By using a medley of Japanese botanicals – including Sakura leaf, yuzu, sencha tea and sansho pepper – Roku has created a truly unique gin.
The rich, rounded mouthfeel here is second to none; we recommend pairing with Yuzu Ocha tonic and fresh ginger to appreciate its complexity.
Contains | Roku Gin 700ml, Roku branded glass |
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Edinburgh Gin A Tale of Two Flavours
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Edinburgh Gin A Tale of Two Flavours
This year, we’re all about giving gifts that stand the test of time. And while we can’t promise the two bottles of Edinburgh gin (a herbaceous gooseberry and elderflower blend and a spicier rhubarb and ginger offering) will last long, we know the lucky recipient will savour the two classic gin glasses for years to come.
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Tarquins Cornish Gin Miniatures Gift Pack
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Tarquins Cornish Gin Miniatures Gift Pack
We’re never without a bottle of Tarquin’s original Cornish gin on our bar trolley for our martinis, but if you’re unfamiliar with the brand, then this miniature wax-sealed set is the best place to start.
The standout flavour for our testing panel was the Rhubarb & Raspberry, which reminded them of a classic Sunday crumble. Serve over ice or top with tonic for a fruitier G&T.
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Bathtub Gin Flavour Discovery Tasting Set
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Bathtub Gin Flavour Discovery Tasting Set
Turns out, brown paper packages tied up with string are one of our favourite things – well, when it contains five of Bathtub Gin’s award-winning expressions, that is.
The Damson & Bay is destined for fireside sipping in a rocks glass, while the Persian Lime & Orange will bring a new dimension to your Tom Collins this Christmas.
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Malfy Italian Gin Miniatures Gift Box Selection
11
Malfy Italian Gin Miniatures Gift Box Selection
Now 13% Off
Escapism in liquid form. This line-up of libations from Malfy Gin will transport you to the Amalfi Coast; the bitter Con Limone brings bags of citrussy, sherbet lemon flavour to a classic G&T, while the Con Arancia (which is packed with sun-soaked blood orange) will take your negroni up a notch.
12
Best gin stocking filler
Sipsmith Distillery Gin Gift Set
12
Best gin stocking filler
Sipsmith Distillery Gin Gift Set
Now 17% Off
Forget socks and satsumas this year – this set of Sipsmith gins is exactly what we want to find in our stocking. All the classics are covered (zesty orange, lemon drizzle and classic dry) and, at under £10, we’re bookmarking this as our offering for the dreaded office Secret Santa.
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Best for gin connoisseurs
Drinks by the Dram 12 Dram Premium Gin Collection
13
Best for gin connoisseurs
Drinks by the Dram 12 Dram Premium Gin Collection
With this luxurious selection, you can look forward to discovering a wax-sealed dram behind each door. The chosen gins are all killer, no filler, with handpicked spirits from the likes of Kyro, Four Pillars and, our panel’s personal favourite, Conker Spirit Port Barrel, which is gold in the glass and full of bourbon-style spicing.
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Elephant Gin Tasting Miniature Pack
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Elephant Gin Tasting Miniature Pack
This gin set not only looks the part (we’re big fans of the miniature cork stoppers and recommended cocktail serves), but scored highly on its sustainability credentials, too, with 15% of all profits going to support wildlife conservation charities.
Inside, you’ll find three 50cl bottles of the brand’s best-selling spirits, including a sloe gin full of warming cinnamon and black pepper spicing, a London Dry, and an aptly named 57% ABV Elephant Strength. A certified crowd-pleaser.
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Isle of Wight Distillery Mermaid Miniatures
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Isle of Wight Distillery Mermaid Miniatures
Isle of Wight Distillery continues to raise the bar when it comes to creating unique flavoured spirits – without any artificial notes or tell-tale cloying sweetness.
Our pick of the lot? The Mermaid Dry Gin; clean, savoury and with a distinctive coastal lilt, thanks to the addition of rock samphire. Our new go-to for dirty gin martinis.
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This miniature set is a great introduction to the multi-award-winning Masons Gin.
Famous for swerving the same old flavours in favour of more break-the-mould tipples, the Yorkshire-born distillery selection includes an English lavender-infused gin (great in a gimlet or gin sling) and a Tea Edition gin which, remarkably, tastes just like a milky Yorkshire brew. Science truly knows no bounds.
Callum is our Food and Drink Testing Manager and has been part of the world of professional catering for 10 years, from cheffing to food manufacturing. While working in manufacturing he specialised in bespoke product and menu development for several start-ups and well-known brands such as Wrap It Up! and HOP Vietnamese. He holds the WSET Level 2 in wine, a Level 3 in spirits and has a particular interest in agave spirits.
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