The World’s Best Gin —According To The 2024 San Francisco World Spirit Competition

This weekend the San Francisco World Spirits Competition announced its Best in Class Winners from the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Taking home the top award in the gin category was Eight Lands, an organic gin made by the small, family-owned Glenrinnes Distillery from the Speyside region of Scotland.

Eight Lands gin combines a commitment to organic farming, a focus on quality ingredients, and a sense of place that makes it stand out in a crowded market. This isn’t just another gin from Scotland—it’s a gin with a purpose and a distinct identity, drawing inspiration from its stunning environment while staying true to the classic spirit of gin.

The judges said “This gin offers a fresh, aromatic floral profile with a well-balanced mix of botanicals. The use of organic ingredients ensures a pure and natural taste, reflecting the pristine environment of Speyside. Eight Lands has crafted a gin that is both delicate and complex, making it an ideal choice for sophisticated cocktails or sipping on its own.”

A Highland Distillery With a Modern Vision

Founded in 2019 by the family behind Glenrinnes, the distillery’s name—Eight Lands—comes from the view of eight different counties visible from the Speyside estate. This connection to the surrounding land is central to their approach, and it’s not just for show. The distillery is fully committed to organic farming and sustainable production. Everything, from the base spirit to the botanicals, follows strict organic principles, giving Eight Lands an eco-friendly edge that resonates with today’s environmentally conscious consumers.

Their goal was clear from the start: create an exceptional gin that reflects the purity of the water and the quality of the botanicals found in the Scottish Highlands, all while maintaining sustainability.

What’s in the Bottle?

Eight Lands Organic Gin is a London Dry-style gin with a bold, juniper-forward profile balanced by a clean, crisp finish. What sets it apart, though, is the use of locally sourced water and carefully selected organic botanicals.

The botanical lineup is a mix of classic gin ingredients and some unique additions. Juniper berries take center stage, as they should in any good gin, but they’re complemented by fresh citrus notes from lemon and lime peel. Add to that a bit of spice from cardamom and cassia bark, and you’ve got a well-rounded flavor that’s simultaneously familiar and distinct.

One interesting twist is the inclusion of sorrel and cowberry—botanicals that are native to the Highlands. Sorrel brings a slightly tart, herbaceous note, while cowberry (similar to a cranberry) adds a touch of fruitiness that brightens up the gin without overwhelming it. This combination of traditional and local ingredients creates a gin that is distinctly Scottish yet versatile enough to shine in a wide range of cocktails.

Sustainability and Organic Practices

One of the defining characteristics of Eight Lands is its commitment to organic farming and sustainability. The base spirit is made from organic wheat, and the distillery uses pure water from an on-site spring, which is naturally filtered through the Speyside landscape. This focus on organic ingredients isn’t just about marketing—it’s about preserving the land that gives the spirit its character.

The distillery is also conscious of waste reduction. Their production methods focus on reducing their environmental footprint as much as possible, ensuring that every bottle of Eight Lands gin is made with minimal impact on the planet.

Who was the competition?

In June, The 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition announced the finalists for its Best in Class category.

Other contenders included Dada Chapel Organic Dry Gin, Hilbing Gin, Ben Lomond Scottish Gin, and Juniperus Gin. Here’s what the judges said about them:

Dada Chapel Organic Dry Gin

Dada Chapel Organic Dry Gin from Flanders, Belgium, stands out for its commitment to organic ingredients and sustainability. This gin is renowned for its herbaceous profile, offering a vibrant blend of botanicals that reflect the rich, fertile land of Flanders. The careful selection of organic herbs and spices creates a fresh gin.

Hilbing Gin

Hilbing Gin brings a unique twist to the London Dry style with its Argentine heritage. Crafted in Mendoza, this gin features classic juniper, citrus, and floral notes, but what sets it apart is the inclusion of local botanicals and pure Andean mountain water. The addition of Malbec grapes gives Hilbing Gin a distinctive Argentine character, adding subtle fruity undertones that enhance its complexity and depth.

Ben Lomond Scottish Gin

Ben Lomond’s unique flavor profile is a tribute to the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands, combining traditional gin botanicals with a touch of heather and rowan berries. The result is a gin that is both robust and elegantly balanced.

Juniperus Gin

The distillers behind Juniperus Gin have perfected the art of balancing traditional gin elements with unique Australian botanicals, resulting in a spirit that is both familiar and intriguingly different. Its complexity makes it a versatile gin, suitable for a wide range of cocktails.