Gin is well and truly the drink of the season, and has been for quite some time now. Whether you’re a fan of a classic G&T or prefer something a little more experimental, there always seems to be a new brand launch or flavour to try (and we’re definitely not complaining).
With the Christmas break quickly approaching, we thought it was the perfect time to round up our favourite gin brands, from the new kids on the blocks to the beloved favourites we’ve all heard of.
From a classic tonic mix to cocktail creations, celebrate the holiday season with our list of the most unique, one-of-a-kind gin flavours available in Australia, from the classic native botanicals to the weird and wonderful.
Chronicles Strawberry Gin
If you’re a fan of gin with a subtle, yet deliciously fruity undertone, then Chronicles is the perfect brand for you. Solidifying itself as the perfect tipple for summer, this drop tastes exactly like freshly crushed strawberries and was made for summer-long drinking. Given we’re probably in for a wet silly season, this tipple will transport you to a tropical beach (which is just what the doctor ordered).
Citadelle Gin
While we may not be able to travel to the south of France just yet, we can certainly transport ourselves there with the right tipple. Enter, Citadelle Gin — the artisanal spirit that feels incredibly luxurious with floral, herbaceous and citrus notes. Filled with 19 delicious botanicals that work in perfect harmony and 60 awards under its belt, it should undoubtedly be at the top of your tipple list.
Silent Pool Gin
Quickly establishing itself as the UK’s favourite premium gin brand, Silent Pool has landed down under just in time for the silly season. Founded on the banks of the breathtakingly mysterious Silent Pool in Surrey, the flavours draw inspiration from the natural surroundings. Filled with 24 delicious botanicals, each sip is full-bodied and complex while still being incredibly refreshing.
Bombay Sapphire Bramble Gin
While Bombay Sapphire needs no introduction, the premium gin brand has truly outdone itself with the release of Bramble Gin. The flavour, made with freshly harvested blackberries and raspberries, resulting in a stunning deep red colour and natural berry flavouring. You can enjoy it with a classic tonic finish, or with freshly squeezed lemon, sugar syrup and a lemon wedge and blackberry for the full bramble experience.
Brookie’s Byron Slow Gin
A first of its kind, this Australian-made gin combines the best of both worlds: the traditional style of the English ‘Sloe’ gin with a unique rainforest fruit native to the subtropical region of Byron Bay, the Davidson Plum. The trick? The local drop steeps the delicious plums in its Byron Dry Gin and let’s time “weave its magic.” The resulting flavours are complements of rose, watermelon, and of course, bright plum.
Blue Mountains Grown Gin
Following the devastating bushfires in 2019 and 2020, the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah decided to team up with the award-winning local Blue Mountains Grown Gin to create a one-of-a-kind gin with 100 per cent of the profits being donated to help rebuild and restore the Blue Mountains region, which lost hundreds of its unique collection of botanicals. The gin was a limited-edition run, so you’ll have to get in quick.
Forty Spotted Tassie Bush Honey
If you’re looking for something truly unique, you can’t go past Forty Spotted’s Tassie Bush Honey, which as the name suggests, brings together the blend of rooibos tea and Tasmanian bush honey. The gin is described as a “fleeting hit of fragrant juniper” which weaves in notes of caramel, floral meadows and a touch of peppery heat.
Hendrick’s Lunar Gin
For those looking to have their gin choice dictated by the stars, Hendrick’s celestial new offering is just the solution. The limited-edition flavour, described as deeply floral and richly aromatic, is an intriguing combination of refreshing and warm notes, which includes subtle peppery sparks, fragrant citrus oils and florals, created by master distiller Lesley Gracie. As the brand says, it was designed to be “shared and savoured on an evening as the sun goes down and the moon charges the sky.”
Warner’s Rhubarb Gin
If you’ve ever wanted to know which flavour of gin Her Majesty favours, then Warner’s Rhubarb offering is just the pick. Inspired by a crop of rhubarb originally grown in Queen Victoria’s own kitchen garden, the flavour has fresh rhubarb juice in each and every bottle. The serving suggestion? Add tonic water and ginger ale and garnish with a slice of fresh orange. Delish!
