The Most Affordable Gins You Should Consider Buying
Gin is a spirit that has withstood the test of time. While it may not be everyone's favorite, it's hard to argue against this juniper-based spirit's influence on cocktail culture. Gin is the quintessential ingredient in classics like the gimlet, classic martini, and of course, the gin and tonic. But where did it come from?
Gin first hit the scene around the 16th century. According to a 2019 article on the history of gin published by the New Yorker, "the word 'gin' derives from jenever, the Dutch for 'juniper.'" Due to an English embargo on France in the late 17th century, French brandy, the Englishman's drink of choice at the time, became inaccessible. In an act of resourcefulness, or maybe desperation, the English filled the gap in the spirit market with gin — and lots of it.
In this article, we're going to give you our top picks for affordable gins, to help you get the best bang for your buck. These gins are listed from cheapest to most expensive, but each one comes in under $30 for a 750mL bottle.
1. Gilbey's Gin
Our lowest-priced pick for affordable gins is Gilbey's Gin, which can be purchased for just $8.99. Gilbey's Gin first came around in 1872, and was created by brothers Walter and Alfred Gilbey. In order to maintain their sales in the United States during American prohibition in the 1920s, the Gilbey brothers had to smuggle their products across the sea and over the U.S. border (via Difford's Guide).
This is a classic-style gin that's heavy on the spirit's signature botanical, juniper. According to one review on the gin-centric blog The Gin is In, "the nose is classic with plenty of juniper, with orange zest and angelica present as well." Due to its sharp bite and overall harshness, this gin may work best in a mixed drink, like a gin and tonic, rather than a cocktail.
One thing's for sure: Gilbey's Gin sits at a price point that's hard to beat. If you're looking for a gin that won't break the bank, and you don't care so much about subtle botanicals and elegant flavor profiles, Gilbey's may be a solid choice.
2. Gordon's Gin
Gordon's Gin has been around for almost 250 years and reigns as the top-selling gin in the world. And at a price point of $9.99, it's easy to see why so many people drink Gordon's to this day. First launched in 1769 by Alexander Gordon, this London Dry gin made its way around the world during the 19th century in the hands of thirsty sailors in the Royal British Navy. From here, Gordon's Gin kept growing and growing, and by the 1960's it held the title of the best-selling gin in the world, per the company's website.
As with many London Dry gins, it is heavy on the juniper. One review posted on The Gin is In notes more subtle flavors like pepper, coriander, and citrus in the background. Try Gordon's in a gin and tonic to complement its flavors with bitter quinine, or even mix it into a cocktail like a negroni or a gimlet if you're in the mood for something more labor-intensive.
3. Hadley & Sons Gin
Hadley & Sons Gin is priced relatively low at $13.99 and is an American-made gin that's heavy on botanicals like cucumber and citrus. This gin runs a bit hot at 46% alcohol by volume (or ABV), but if you like a spirit that bites back, Hadley & Sons may be for you. As a western-style gin, Hadley & Sons gin still honors its roots with pleasant Juniper, but also brings citrus and floral notes to the party. According to one reviewer, "This gin is really smooth, providing a great base for many of our favorite cocktails. Hadley & Sons has earned top marks in our home bar" (via Total Wine).
While Hadley & Sons won't give you the same experience as a higher-end botanical gin, like Hendricks or Uncle Val's, if you're looking for something more subtle and floral than a London Dry, but you're on a budget, this gin might be the way to go. And as a silver medal winner at the 2016 San Francisco Spirits Competition, this gin is a great bang for your buck at its price point.
4. New Amsterdam Stratusphere Gin
New Amsterdam Stratusphere Gin is a contemporary-style gin that comes in at $14.49. New Amsterdam is an American company, based in Modesto, California. Stratusphere is a western-style gin: Not quite as heavy on the juniper as a classic London Dry, but still sharp and full of botanical flavor.
For this gin in particular, citrus notes take center stage while the other botanicals play a supporting role. "Sweet orange peel takes over on the nose with the herbal grass notes coming in a distant second," according to a review from Stephanie Moreno, the editor-in-chief of Distiller. Overall, New Amsterdam makes a rich and fruity spirit, with less emphasis on the warm spice you'll find in gins that come from across the Atlantic. While New Amsterdam is unlikely to shine in a classic cocktail like a martini or a Vesper cocktail, try playing off the citrus notes found in New Amsterdam Stratusphere with juice — think pineapple, grapefruit, or even lime.
5. Broker's Gin
Broker's Gin is a modern company that uses a not-so-modern method of producing their London Dry gin. Though the brand launched less than three decades ago, in 1998, Broker's Gin uses classic distillation methods, employing the use of a copper pot still, and makes their gin following a 200-year-old recipe (via Total Wine). At $17.99 for a 750mL bottle, this gin sits at a comfortable mid-price point, delivering great flavor for a moderate price.
Broker's is a high-proof gin, boasting a respectable 47% ABV. However, it's still a smooth drink, with warm notes of juniper and licorice. According to one post of Broker's Gin on the blog Spirits Review, the gin is "very clean, with a very interesting mixture of licorice and citrus notes." Overall, Broker's Gin is a great option if you're looking for something a level above the bottom shelf but still want to save some money. It delivers classic London Dry flavors with a smooth finish. Plus, each bottle of Broker's Gin comes topped with an adorable bowler hat!
6. Beefeater London Dry Gin
According to GQ South Africa, Beefeater London Dry is the world's most awarded gin, made in the traditional London Dry method that features strong juniper and citrus notes. Per their website, the Beefeater distillery still uses the original recipe coined by founder James Burrough, that uses nine distinct botanicals to create their signature spirit. Beefeater's distillers reportedly still hand weigh each botanical when creating batches of gin.
Beefeater's ABV sits at a relatively high 44% — not quite navy strength, but higher than the usual 40% ABV. As a London Dry, Beefeater Gin is quite juniper-forward, but other flavors certainly join the party. According to a review posted to the blog The Casks, it contains notes of coriander, anise, licorice, and almond. Suffice it to say, Beefeater is another great mid-price point gin, with lots of great London Dry qualities throughout its flavor profile. It would be perfect for a dry martini or gin and tonic, if you're looking for a gin to complement the classics.
7. Hana Gin
Hana Gin, another American product, is a small-batch spirit produced in San Francisco. At a price point of $19.99, it's a solid value for a gin that's quite different from your typical London Dry. According to Forbes, The company is co-owned by saxophonist Kenny G, with all the right notes to boot: The gin presents with elements of strong citrus and mellow lavender. Hana Gin — the world hana is the Japanese word for "flower" — is distilled with only four botanicals, but still has a great flavor profile, represented by the delicate floral flavors present in Hana gin itself.
As the industry outlet Wine Enthusiast noted in 2015, Hana Gin received a rating of 94 points from the site that year. "The flavor is equally bright and bracing, with a fleeting berry sweetness and crisp, lightly floral finish," wrote Wine Enthusiast contributor Kara Newman at the time, lauding Hana Gin's light floral notes, as well as its bright, delicate aroma. While Hana Gin would be a great choice for a gin and tonic, its delicate flavors could really shine in cocktails like the Bee's Knees.
8. Tanqueray Rangpur
Tanqueray Rangpur is a slightly different take on gin. Known as a company for its London Dry, Tanqueray Rangpur has a slightly different take on the classic and popular gin. Though their Rangpur gin is one of the company's side projects, it's seemingly paid off, producing a gin unique as it is delicious. Distilled from Rangpur Limes, which are a distinct type of citrus—sort of like a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange, with sour, flavorful juice, this gin is much more citrus-forward than your typical London Dry, according to The New York Times. Priced at $19.99, it's worth a shot if you're a gin lover, and want to try something new.
If you enjoy citrusy drinks, especially limes, it's likely that you'll be a fan of Tanqueray Rangpur. One review featured on the drink enthusiast blog The Gin is In describes Tanqueray Rangpur as "only slightly dry with sour citrus remaining dominant," though they note that it maintains an overall spice common to Tanqueray gins overall. Tanqueray Rangpur could be a fantastic addition to a cocktail if paired with tonic or club soda — or even shine in a lime cocktail such as a gimlet.
9. Bombay Sapphire
Bombay Sapphire is perhaps one of the most instantly recognizable bottles of gin out there. Its distinctive blue glass bottle shines like a guiding star from atop the shelves of bars around the world. At $20.99 for a 750mL bottle, it's approaching high-end gin, but is still relatively affordable.
According to their website, Bombay Sapphire is distilled with 10 unique botanicals which are proudly listed on each bottle, harvested globally from locals ranging from Java to western regions of the continent of Africa. It is vapor distilled to create a bright, clean, and smooth gin, perfect for a martinis and mixed drinks. As a whole, the gin packs a real punch, with 47% ABV.
As for its flavor? While Bombay Sapphire does consider itself to be a London Dry gin, it's a vastly different gin to Gordon's or Beefeater. "There's a sweetness and a distinct floral fruity character in the background: bright and strongly aromatic that sets it apart especially from typical London Dry style gins," read one review from the blog The Gin is In. Consider picking up a bottle of Bombay Sapphire if you want to impress your friends, or just enjoy a good martini. The flavors are subtle enough to work in most applications, so don't be afraid to experiment!
10. Boodles Gin
Boodles Gin, established in 1845, calls itself a "proper British gin." At $21.99, it's more expensive than Bombay Sapphire or Beefeater, but may be worth picking up if you want something off the beaten path. It is technically classified as a London Dry, and the label reflects this, but its botanical makeup uncharacteristically contains no citrus. Instead, its distillers opted for warm herbs and spices like sage, rosemary, and nutmeg, infused into the spirit's wheat base. (Via boodlesgin.com)
These tasting notes describe the gin's bright, herbal flavor, with light spice that complement this London Dry's juniper notes. The top reviews applaud the smoothness of Boodles, and how great of a value it is. (Via flaviar.com)
As a smooth London Dry, Boodles Gin is bound to be a hit in almost any application. If you fancy a martini, gimlet, or Tom Collins, Boodles is a good choice. Just remember: if you put it in a gin and tonic, make sure to add a good slice of lime!
11. Haymans Old Tom Gin
This article has featured quite a few London Dry gins, but Haymans Old Tom Gin is definitely not a London Dry by any sense of the imagination. Priced at $23.99, Haymans Old Tom Gin is on the pricier side, but worth it if you want to try a different style of gin altogether – sort of like a cross between the modern London Dry and its ancestor, the malty and sweet genever. As noted mixologist Jerry Thomas described it in his 2010 book "How to Mix Drinks, or The Bon-Vivant's Companion, Old Toms are usually sweeter and less herbaceous than a London Dry — though, per Thomas, there are more similarities between the two styles of gin than there are differences (via Tales of the Cocktail).
According to one review from The Gin is In, Haymans Old Tom Gin is soft and pleasant, without the harshness of a London Dry. On the whole, it contains strong notes of lemon with just a hint of licorice. The reviewer suggests playing off this Old Tom's natural sweetness by using it in sweeter cocktails, like the Tom Collins, or the French 75.
12. Citadelle Gin
Citadelle Gin is the first French gin to appear on this list. At $24.99, Citadelle is a gin that's meant to be savored and truly enjoyed. First released in 1996, juniper is Citadell Gin's main botanical, but the spirit has strong notes of citrus as well. Per their website, "Citadelle Original offers a rich and complete aromatic palette." In terms of its aesthetics, the company's bottle design for its gin lines is reminiscent of Bombay Sapphire, with elegant blue glass that looks great on a liquor shelf.
According to the product description featured on the website of the retailer Master of Malt, Citadelle has a herbal aroma, along with a clean taste and a tangy finish — and at 44% ABV, it's certainly a gin that will announce its presence, whether in a cocktail, mixed drink, or on its own. Speaking of cocktails, we recommend mixing Citadelle into cocktails with bitter or herbal flavors, to fully accentuate the gin's complex character. Paired with the harsh bitterness of Campari in the Negroni, or the herbaceousness of Green Chartreuse in the Last Word, Citadelle will likely perennially shine.
13. Aviation American Gin
Distilled in Oregon, Aviation American Gin features curious botanicals like sarsaparilla and cardamom — but that's far from the only unique thing about this bottled liquor. The company is co-owned by actor Ryan Reynolds, who is seemingly very hands-on when it comes to the company's marketing. Priced at $26.99, Aviation Gin is at the top end of what we consider to be affordable gins, but this spirit is well worth the money. To quote Aviation Gin's website: "It all starts with our precise blend of botanicals –- cardamom, coriander, French lavender, anise seed, sarsaparilla, juniper, and two kinds of orange peel. The botanicals are suspended in a pure, neutral grain spirit for 18 hours in macerating tanks." It's certainly not your average London Dry, but with a 97% rating from Wine Enthusiast, it's clear that their recipe is working as intended.
This review from 31|Whiskey describes the aroma as quite juniper-forward, but the taste is more centered around its citrus notes. Towards the end, the gin's herbal characteristics begin to come through in full effect. The reviewer praises the Aviation Gin and tonic — but, from what we can tell, implies all the while that the gin is good enough to drink on its own.
14. Hendrick's Gin
Out of all of the gins listed in this post, Hendrick's Gin might possibly be the quintessential botanical gin featured here. A Scottish gin with distinct notes of cucumber and rose, Hendrick's is distilled with a blend of 11 botanicals. Priced at $27.99 — at least according to the website for the online retailer Total Wine – it's arguable whether Hendrick's can be considered affordable; then again, if you're a fan of botanical gins, Hendrick's is a must-have.
According to a celebratory review from Liquor.com, "[Hendrick's is a] modern gin [that] has an old-time aura and delicate, floral aromatics," adding that the design of the Hendrick's gin bottle alone "has influenced a generation of creative craft gins." When it comes to taste notes, Hendricks has a moderate juniper taste, but benefits from the addition of rose, which adds floral character, and cucumber, which helps keep the spirit soft and bright. They also offer other varieties of gin made with different sets of botanicals, such as Hendrick's Lunar Gin and Hendrick's Neptunia Gin. Consider complementing this gin's strong botanical nature with the addition of grassy, vegetal ingredients, like cucumber or basil. Or if that's not your bag, keep it simple: enjoy Hendrick's Gin complex flavors in a simple gin and tonic.