What Does Gin Actually Taste Like? A Guide for the Curious
What gin really tastes like, from the piney hit of juniper to citrus, spice and florals. The flavours to expect, why styles differ, and how to taste it.
A journal of craft gin · est. 2026
Gin first.
Mezcal, whisky,
and the rest by association.
Independent reviews, distillery profiles, and serious cocktail technique. Written for anyone who loves gin, or is just starting to.
From the world this week
All 56 articlesClassic vs Contemporary Gin: Which Should You Actually Drink?
Juniper-forward London Dry or soft modern gin? The real difference between classic and contemporary styles, which suits which drink, and which to buy.
Is Gin Fattening? Gin and Calories, Honestly Explained
How many calories are really in gin, where they come from, how the mixer changes everything, and how gin compares to wine and beer. The honest answer.
Halloween Gin Cocktails: Spooky Serves That Actually Taste Good
Halloween gin cocktails that look the part and taste great - from an inky black G and T to a glowing witch's brew. The recipes, and how to get the colours right.
A Reader's Heirloom Cocktail: The Mystery of the Pink Bronx
A reader found a gin cocktail in his grandfather's old bartending book. We trace it back to the Bronx, one of the great lost gin cocktails, and make it.
Gin Mare: The Mediterranean Gin That Started a Whole Style
Gin Mare is the Mediterranean benchmark - savoury and herbal, built around olive, rosemary, thyme and basil. How it tastes, and the drinks it transforms.
The Best Gins for Beginners: Where to Start With Gin
New to gin? The best gins to start with - approachable, versatile bottles that are easy to love, plus how to drink them and what to try as your taste grows.
The Best Gin Gifts: What to Buy the Gin Lover in Your Life
The best gin gifts for every budget - bottles, glassware, gift sets, tools and subscriptions. What to buy the gin lover in your life, and what to skip.
The Ramos Gin Fizz: The Towering Cloud of a New Orleans Classic
New Orleans' famous cloud-topped gin fizz - gin, citrus, cream and orange flower water. The recipe, the legendary long shake, and how to build the foam.
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reviews, distillery profiles, and the occasional unfashionable opinion.
The world
in eleven countries, one bottle at a time.