Gin Buyers Guide for beginners

In our Gin buyers guide - we showcase popular and lesser-known gin brands, gin styles and types and regions of gin. We also give you choices of affordable and premium gins to think about trying or gifting!

Author: Adam O'Connell
Time: Reading time 10 minutes

Why should I buy gin?

Gin for the first time buyer

Why should I buy gin?

Did you know?

Gin for the first time buyer

Styles of gin

London Dry Gin

Tanqueray No. Ten Gin

Introduced in 2000, Tanqueray No. Ten is named after the still of its origin, pot still number 10, which is quite endearingly nicknamed Tiny Ten. The small batch gin is crafted using whole fresh citrus fruits, such as oranges, limes and grapefruit, along with chamomile flowers and other traditional botanicals. Expect a burst of citrus with every sip. Quite notably, it is also the only gin to secure a spot in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition Hall of Fame. This iconic tipple makes a mean Martini.

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Cask Aged Gin

Flavoured Gin

A bottle of Malfy Sicilian Blood Orange Gin

Malfy Gin Con Arancia

The Malfy Gin range showcases all sorts of terrific citrus deliciousness, and the Con Arancia is all about Sicilian blood oranges! A bright, vibrant Italian gin, with the Sicilian blood oranges bringing plenty of juicy, sweet, refreshing notes to the table. Ought to be ideal for enjoying in a Gin Tonica with lots of fresh fruit for garnish. We could also see a Negroni made with this stuff doing very well, if you're particularly keen on introducing intense orange notes to the classic serve.

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Sloe Gin

Old Tom Gin

Pink Gin

Mermaid Pink Gin

The Isle of Wight Distillery has created a vibrant variation of it's excellent Mermaid Gin, boasting a delightfully sweet flavour profile and rosy hue thanks to an infusion of Island strawberries! These tasty little rascals make for an intriguing juxtaposition with the botanicals already in the mix, including the subtly savoury rock samphire, the herbaceous Boadicea hops and the zesty Sicilian lemon. Smashing in a G&T garnished with strawberries.

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Navy Strength Gin

Plymouth Gin

Gins on a budget

Gins for gifting

Premium Gins

Shop All Gins

Where to start with gin

Pour & Sip whisky subscription box with drams

Gin on the blog

You've read through our buyers guide to gin - but we have more gin features, reviews and news on our blog.

Frequently asked questions

How do you store a bottle of gin?

To best preserve the freshness and flavour of your gin, be sure to store it upright (this helps protect the integrity of the cork), away from direct sunlight, in a cupboard or storage space with a consistent temperature. Make sure the cork or top is tightly sealed.

How long does gin last once opened?

An opened bottle of gin, if stored correctly, will maintain its original flavour and freshness for some years, and if properly looked after can last for a very long time indeed. However, generally it's best enjoyed within a year or two to ensure optimal complexity and aroma.

How many calories are there in a Gin & Tonic?

A standard Gin & Tonic (and note, this isn’t exactly a generous pour) made with 1.5 measures of gin, topped up with tonic water, typically contains around 150-200 calories. Of course, this will depend on the brand you use, whether or not you opt for slimline or diet Tonic, and importantly, how big a G&T you make.

Should you actually shake a Martini?

Tradition dictates that Martinis should be stirred, not shaken, to gently combine the ingredients without overly aerating the drink. However, it’s all a matter of taste; some people prefer the slightly more diluted though colder "shaken, not stirred" Martinis of the Bond films.