The gin category has grown exponentially over the past few years, which inevitable makes it harder to find truly excellent options with so much competition.
Once defined by a handful of classic styles, the gin boom has brought with it a whole new wave of popular styles, encompassing everything from citrus-led crowd-pleasers to savoury, herbaceous and experimental bottles now fighting for space on shelves. There’s absolutely no shortage of choice when it comes to choosing the best gin, but often not enough clarity.
At its core, gin is a neutral spirit flavoured with botanicals. Juniper is legally required to lead the profile, but beyond that producers have a huge amount of freedom to experiment. Some lean heavily into tradition, offering dry pine-forward styles, while others push into softer, even fruitier territory designed for easy drinking The best gin manages to balance personality with versatility, offering enough structure to hold up in cocktails while still being enjoyable sipped neat.
For this guide, I’ve tested a broad selection of gins across different styles and price points, focusing on bottles that genuinely earn their place in a home bar. Whether you’re mixing drinks for guests or looking for something more considered to sip on its own, these are the best gins worth buying right now.
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The best gins for 2026 are:
- Best overall – No.3 London dry gin: £38.15, Amazon.co.uk
- Best budget – That Boutique-y Gin Company proper pink gin: £26.95, Masterofmalt.com
- Best for entertaining – Bathtub gin: £33.50, Sainsburys.co.uk
- Best premium – Witchmark black lime single origin gin: £44.92, Amazon.co.uk
- Best London dry – The Wiltshire Distilling Company English Heritage London dry gin: £37.95, Masterofmalt.com
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No.3 London dry gin
Rating: 5/5
Best: Gin overall
Why we love it
- Exceptionally precise
- Performs across every classic serve
- Well balanced
Take note
- Very classic, nothing experimental
Created by Berry Bros. & Rudd at their St James’s Street home, No.3 is a study in precision, built around just six botanicals. Juniper is front and centre, backed by bright grapefruit and a peppery kick. Less is definitely more here when it comes to the botanical structure, which really comes through in the glass, showcasing a real sense of discipline.
No.3 London Dry Gin is arguably one of the best gins on the market for dry martinis, where its structure and definition are given space to show off.
Key specifications:
Buy now £38.15, Amazon.co.uk
Witchmark black lime single origin gin
Rating: 4.5/5
Best: premium gin
Why we love it
- Distinctive black lime character
- Layered and evolving flavour profile
Take note
- Less versatile for lighter serves
From one of England’s more exciting newer distilleries, Witchmark’s black lime single origin gin isn’t a fruit-flavoured gin in disguise, it’s a very serious juniper-led gin with some unconventional accents. Alongside a firm base of juniper and coriander seed, the gin is also distilled with botanicals such as dried black lime, which brings a smoky, slightly fermented savoury note to the table, plus Szechuan pepper, clove and orris root.
An immediate citrus hit is joined by the lime’s smokiness, with gentle clove and coriander spice and restrained elderberry. Juniper arrives first on the palate, giving structure, with the black lime taking over again, complete with notes of coriander, yuzu and a slight Szechuan pepper tingle that lingers on the long, warming finish with gentle bitterness. It’s great on its own, but even better in a Negroni.
Key specifications:
Buy now £44.92, Amazon.co.uk
Isle of Raasay Hebridean gin
Rating: 4/5
Best: Citrus-forward gin
Why we love it
- Bright citrus and subtle tartness
- Balanced
- Versatile
Take note
- Doesn’t stand out as much as bolder styles
As the first legal spirit produced by the Isle of Raasay distillery, this gin draws on the island’s long and once illicit distilling heritage. It’s made entirely on Raasay itself, which gives it a genuine sense of place that goes beyond the usual branding.
A clean backbone of juniper and sweet orange is lifted by a subtle tartness from rhubarb root. Alongside bolder, more modern styles, it’s lighter and more composed, making it a particularly versatile, well-made option that prioritises balance over showmanship.
Key specifications:
Buy now £47.95, Masterofmalt.com
The Wiltshire Distilling Company English Heritage London dry gin
Rating: 4/5
Best: London dry gin
Why we love it
- Classic profile
- Clean and well structured
Take note
- Fairly conventional in style
Created in partnership with English Heritage and inspired by Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, this is a well-executed take on the London dry style. Juniper sits firmly at the centre, backed by bright citrus and gentle spice that holds balance.
Dry and properly structured, the gin does exactly what you want it to, particularly in a martini, where that clarity really comes through. There’s nothing especially showy here, though it’s a good take on a classic profile, delivered with a good level of polish.
Key specifications:
Buy now £37.95, Masterofmalt.com
Ginbey gin
Rating: 4/5
Best: Easy-drinking gin
Why we love it
- Fresh and easy drinking
- Slightly different regional character
Take note
- Lighter and less complex than others listed
Produced by the historic Domaine des Tourelles winery in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, Ginbey brings a slightly different perspective to the category, notable for its freshness and aromatic lift.
Bright citrus and soft juniper aromas are complemented by a gentle coriander spice note that keeps things lively without adding too much intensity. Light, clean and very easy to drink, this is the sort of gin that works best when kept simple, particularly neat or in a gin and tonic, allowing its freshness really comes through.
Key specifications:
Buy now £28.99, Noblegreenwines.co.uk
Bathtub gin
Rating: 3.5/5
Best: Gin for entertaining
Why we love it
- Bold spice-led flavour
- Stands out in longer drinks
Take note
- Less refined than other distilled styles
Bathtub Gin is distilled with a different approach to most London dry styles, using cold compounding to deliver a deeper, more immediate flavour profile. The result is a bold, spice-led gin, with cardamom and clove sitting ahead of juniper, supported by a gentle citrus backbone.
It’s less refined than more traditional styles, but far more expressive, particularly in a G&T, where it holds its own even with heavy dilution. Compared with cleaner, more classic gins, this leans warmer and slightly sweeter, which won’t suit purists, but for hosting or for use in longer drinks, it’s a genuinely useful addition to your home bar.
Key specifications:
Buy now £33.5, Sainsburys.co.uk
That Boutique-y Gin Company proper pink gin
Rating: 3.5/5
Best: Budget gin
Why we love it
- Less sugary take on pink gin
- Easy and approachable
Take note
- Simpler and less complex overall
From the team behind Master of Malt, That Boutique-y Gin Company is known for its more experimental releases, but proper pink takes a slightly more considered approach, drawing inspiration from the original pink gin serve rather than the overly sweet modern style.
Bold soft red berry fruit notes are clear alongside a gentle citrus lift, with just enough dryness to keep things balanced. It’s lighter and less sugary than most pink gins on the market, working especially well in a half-and-half gin and tonic.
Key specifications:
Buy now £26.95, Masterofmalt.com
Ramsbury raspberry & wildflower honey gin
Rating: 3.5/5
Best: Flavoured gin
Why we love it
- Balanced fruit and sweetness
- More natural than many flavoured gins
Take note
- Limited versatility
Ramsbury’s raspberry and wildflower honey gin takes a more restrained approach than most flavoured gins, which is certainly a good thing. Bright, slightly tart raspberry upfront is followed by a smooth, floral honey sweetness that adds roundness without becoming overly sugary. Juniper still plays a supporting role, giving enough structure to keep things balanced.
Unlike many flavoured gins, it feels natural and typically less artificial, particularly in a G&T, where it remains refreshing rather than cloying. It’s great option for spring and summer serves, and delicious with a dash of sparkling wine.
Key specifications:
Buy now £31.98, Amazon.co.uk
Renais gin
Rating: 3.5/5
Best: Gin for something different
Why we love it
- Unique grape skin influence
- Smooth texture
- Layered profile
Take note
- Less definition than more juniper-led styles
Produced in Burgundy using salvaged grape skins from local vineyards, Renais gin was created by Emma Watson and her brother Alex, drawing on the region’s winemaking heritage. There’s a soft, almost wine-like character running through the liquid with fresh grape and citrus on the nose and a more rounded, gently fruity palate.
Juniper builds gradually rather than leading, supported by delicate florals and a light mineral edge. It feels fuller and more textural than most options, with a smooth, slightly waxy mouthfeel and a clean finish that carries a subtle grape skin note.
Key specifications:
Buy now £33, Majestic.co.uk
What is the best gin?
For a single bottle that covers all bases, the No.3 London dry gin stands out as the best gin I’ve tried, balancing clarity, versatility and value better than anything else in the line-up. It’s comfortable in all of the classic serves, especially dry martinis, making it an easy recommendation for most drinkers.
If you’re looking to spend less, That Boutique-y Gin Company’s proper pink gin offers impressive performance for the price, particularly when mixing. Meanwhile, for something more elevated, Witchmark Distillery’s black lime single origin english gin delivers a clear step up in complexity and depth, best suited to slower, more considered drinking.
Ultimately, the best gin depends on how you like to drink it, but across different styles and price points, these bottles represent the strongest options available right now.
How I tested gin
Each gin was assessed across multiple serves and settings to understand how it performs best. When tasting each gin I considered the following:
What is gin made from?
Gin is made from a distilled grain spirit with juniper berries.
Does gin go off?
The great thing about gin is it can be stored for years without going off, but it’s recommended to drink it within two years of opening. Even if you tightly reseal it, it’ll likely lose taste and quality if you leave it any longer.
Is gin gluten-free?
While gin is made from distilled grain spirit, it doesn’t contain gluten peptides and is therefore gluten-free and safe for coeliacs.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Jonathan Hatchman is a writer who specialises in alcoholic beverages and spirits – he’s taste-tested everything from the best bourbons to the best armagnacs. He combines his expertise with a keen eye for value, making him well placed to judge the best gins.
For something a little different, take a look at our round-up of the best armagnacs
