The 4 Best Gins We Tasted in March 2024
As March draws to a close, we here at Gin Raiders would like to take a moment to look back and reflect on the many wonderful gins we’ve tasted this month, whether freshly 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 all the juniper spirits we sampled in March 2024, these four stood out as our favorites!
Marin Coastal Gin
Buy Now
Crafted by Sausalito Liquor Co., Marin Coastal Gin draws inspiration from the distinctive terroir of Northern California. The spirit showcases a blend of California orange, lemon peel, Nori seaweed sourced from the shores of Bodega Bay, angelica seeds cultivated in Santa Rosa and two juniper varieties.
Marin Coastal Gin offers a citrus-forward aroma with hints of petrichor, musky angelica and pine. On the palate, it’s round and rife with citrus peel, cracked black pepper, chopped mushrooms and a touch of salinity. The finish is subtly sweet, with a dry herbal spice and lingering lemon oil notes. This savory maritime gin truly shined in a Negroni and a Salty Dog. It also plays nicely with bubbles, so consider it for drinks like a French 75 or a Gin Spritz.
Sausalito Liquor Co. pays homage to the vibrant history and unique character of Sausalito, California. From its days as a hub of spirit distilling to its legacy of passion and independent thinking, Sausalito’s spirit is said to be infused into every bottle. The distillery, which was founded by Scott Jampol in 2023, also produces bourbon and rye whiskey.
Marin Coastal Gin is bottled at an approachable 40% ABV and is priced at about $35.
NOLET’S Silver Dry Gin
Reviews | Buy Now
Crafted by the renowned Nolet Distillery in Holland, NOLET’S Silver Dry Gin boasts a botanical blend including rose, peach, raspberry and juniper berries. Beyond these four disclosed ingredients, the gin’s exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret.
NOLET’S Silver Dry Gin offers a pleasant blend of light florals and soft notes of berries and stone fruit. Upon dilution with ice, the fruity nuances intensify, highlighting a distinct fresh peach blossom essence. Keeping this in mind, this spirit works wonders in simple, classic drinks. We suggest a Bee’s Knees, Tom Collins or South Side.
Nolet Distillery, established in 1691 in Schiedam, Holland, stands as the oldest distillery in the country under continuous family ownership. Despite facing challenges such as the French Revolution and two World Wars, the Nolet family’s dedication to distilling has kept the distillery thriving. Crafted by Carolus Nolet Sr. and his sons, Carl Jr. and Bob, NOLET’S gin base is derived from European wheat. The Nolet family also produces Ketel One vodka.
Resting at a hearty 47.6% ABV, NOLET’S Silver Dry Gin can be found for around $40.
VARA High Desert Gin
Reviews | Buy Now
VARA High Desert Gin stands as the flagship juniper spirit from New Mexico’s VARA Winery & Distillery. Crafted by VARA Production Manager Djuna Benjamin, a native of New Mexico, this gin aims to reflect childhood memories spent amidst a sandy landscape. Benjamin’s inspiration, drawn from hikes through the desert after rainfall, led to a botanical blend that includes juniper, coriander seed, sage, angelica root, nutmeg, star anise, cardamom, mandarin, tangerine, orange, lemon, lime and grapefruit.
Described as Western in style, VARA High Desert balances notes of intense pine, herbal sage and bright citrus. With its complex savory and dry character, we loved serving this one up in an ultra-dirty martini and a classic gin and tonic.
Located in Albuquerque, VARA Winery & Distillery operates as both an urban winery and craft distillery, with Head Distiller Martin Ulloa and Djuna Benjamin working to encapsulate the spirit of their home state in every crafted libation. Recently, the distillery unveiled new labels and expanded its portfolio to include terroir-driven vodka and rum.
VARA High Desert Gin is made from a unique grape base and rests at 45% ABV. A bottle can be found for around $30.
Vigilant Navy Strength
Reviews | Buy Now
Vigilant Navy Strength Gin stands out as the bold centerpiece in Jos. A. Magnus & Co.’s spirit collection, commanding attention with its 57% ABV — the iconic alcohol percentage for this historical style of gin. The botanicals featured in this gin are harissa (a type of hot chili pepper paste), 4-year-old Italian juniper, figs, fresh mint, lemon, hops and hibiscus.
Made from 100% corn distillate, Vigilant Navy Strength Gin boasts a dry-medium body. On the nose, it smells almost exactly like an olive-garnished dry martini. Tasting notes include smoked peppers, fig jam, black currant and dates. The finish is long-lasting and robust, with pronounced pepper, tobacco, juniper and honey flavors lingering on the palate. Try this one simply served over ice.
Joseph A. Magnus’ story began amid the Civil War in 1864, when he received news of his father’s death in battle. By age twenty-six, he had established a flourishing liquor empire in Cincinnati, Ohio. His commitment to quality and integrity led to the creation of Murray Hill Club Whiskey, which quickly gained acclaim in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, the advent of national prohibition in 1918 halted production. Nearly a century later, in the 21st century, Magnus’ legacy was rediscovered when his great-grandson unearthed a bottle of 122-year-old Murray Hill Club Whiskey. Expert industry veterans, along with Master Blender Nancy Fraley, recreated Magnus’ bourbon using his original blending and finishing techniques.
A bottle of Vigilant Navy Strength Gin can be found online, priced at $40.99. The brand also makes a 42% ABV dry gin worth checking out.
Read next:
The 3 Best Gins We Tasted in February 2024
13 Refreshing Gin Cocktails for Springtime Sipping
Here at Gin Raiders, we do more than write about current events in gin and spirits. We are the only media property reviewing gins and aggregating the scores and reviews of other significant voices in the gin world in one place. If you’re interested in getting a shot of gin in your morning email, sign up for our Deal of the Day newsletter.
Follow The Daily Pour:
