The 5 Best Gins We Tasted in November 2023
As November concludes, we here at Gin Raiders would like to commend the exceptional gins we’ve tasted this month, whether newly released or just crossing our desk for the first time.
For those new to Gin Raiders, we evaluate gins based on our Chief Spirits Critic Jay West‘s reviews, aggregated reviews from other reputable critics and our managing editor’s tasting notes. If a gin has been reviewed by enough experts, you’ll see an average score in the top left corner of its spirit image. Read more about our process here.
Out of the juniper spirits sampled in November 2023, these five stood out as our favorites!
5. Shelter Distilling Gin The Third
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This floral gin hails from Shelter Distilling in California. Gin The Third’s botanical mix incorporates rose hips, rose petals, lavender, vanilla, juniper, anise and cucumber.
With scents of heady perfume and green juniper berries, dreamy rose jam and vanilla dominate this bold spirit. Hints of the cucumber come through as well, alongside soapy (in a good way!) lavender. Offering a round finish with a touch of clove spice, we loved this elegant gin in a Bee’s Knees and French 75. Keep sweet and bubbly cocktails in mind when using this one.
Shelter Distilling’s Gin The Third rests at 40% ABV and can be found for $44.99.
4. Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin
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The latest release from Canada’s Victoria Distillers, Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin became available in the U.S. just this September. And similar to the innovative distillery’s flagship product, Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, this spirit catches the eye with a bright, bold hue.
Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin’s natural ruby tint comes from red rose petals and black carrots. Beyond its eponymous and color-giving botanicals, the gin includes lavender, orris root, orange peel, cinnamon bark and coriander seed. This spirit is gently floral, vegetal and foresty like fresh beetroot and a perfectly dry. Serve this spirit in a Gimlet, or, as the brand suggests, with tonic and a thick orange slice.
Related: Empress 1908 Gin’s Latest Elderflower Rose Expression Debuts in the US
Victoria Distillers’ newest offering is available for $39.99 per 750-ml bottle.
3. Bluecoat American Dry Gin
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Bluecoat, “the original American dry gin,” is produced by Philadelphia Distilling in Pennsylvania. The product debuted in 2006, a period when gins offering an experience beyond the typical juniper-forward London dry were kind of a rarity.
Bluecoat’s flagship expression is made using an American citrus blend, Mediterranean juniper berries, angelica root and coriander seeds. We appreciated this gin’s straightforward botanical mix and versatility. With tasting notes of bright orange, fruity juniper and woodsy herbs, nearly any classic gin cocktail will help Bluecoat shine. Try it in a martini, Negroni or Tom Collins.
Bottled at 47% ABV, Bluecoat American Dry Gin can be easily found for about $33.
2. Shelter Distilling Eastside Liqueur
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Another great offering from Shelter Distilling made its way to our tasting shelf this month. Launched around October as a limited-release product, this gin-based liqueur has been aged for four years in barrels that previously held Shelter Rum and Shelter Agave.
Eastside Liqueur is infused with coriander, sage, pennyroyal, heather flowers, lemon peel, rose hips and elderberries sourced from the Eastern Sierra. Resting at 33% ABV, this sweetened treat presents tasting notes of herbal tea, springy florals, dried hay, caramel, mint and vanilla.
We loved serving Eastside Liqueur in an Old Fashioned-inspired concoction of bitters, one large ice cube, a splash of water and orange zest garnish. Since it is already sweetened, no sugar cubes are necessary!
Find Shelter Distilling’s Eastside Liqueur priced at $44.99 per 750-ml bottle. And again, it’s a limited-edition release, so act fast if this sounds like your cup of G&T.
1. Another Half Gin Duos Blend
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Another Half Gin is produced by TingHua’s company using its “Duos-Activation Healthy Brewing Theory.” According to the brand, this technique is based on a patented process that claims to offer a range of health benefits attributed to its composition of alcohol and “cooling agents.” These purported benefits include the regulation of sexual function, protection of the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems, promotion of hepatocyte regeneration, anti-tumor properties and improvements in immunity and sleep quality, according to a report published by Bussiness Wire. We don’t know about all that, but it sure is a tasty gin!
Adding to its intrigue, the spirit only this year acquired the authorization to be sold in the United States by the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. As detailed by Business Wire, “Duos Blend” refers to both the product’s unique formulation and a harm reduction and benefit gain technique called “Duos activation.” Interesting.
While classified as a gin, Another Half Duos Blend is actually a mixture of gin, vodka and additional spirits distilled from grain and sorghum. Beyond its bizarre health claims, this tipple offers balanced tasting notes of subtle juniper, sweet bread, mint and orange. The mouthfeel is soft and tingly, supported by a long and sweet finish with fresh citrus zest lingering on the tongue.
You won’t want to mix this one with anything; it’s a sipping gin through and through. However, the brand suggests pairing it half-and-half with a mixer for “best enjoyment” — we’d recommend a light tonic or soda water in that case. Another Half Gin Duos Blend is priced at $81.99 per 750-ml bottle.
Read next:
The 8 Best Gins We Tasted In October 2023
20 Festive Cocktail Recipes to Help Get You Into the Holiday Spirit
Top 5 Weirdest Ways Gin Has Been Aged
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