The World’s Best Gin According To The NY World Spirits Competition

Four gins were the World’s Best Gin finalists at the 2024 New York World Spirits Competition (NYWSC). Tanqueray, one of the globe’s most iconic gin brands, known for its classic London Dry style, was selected World’s Best Gin. Reflecting the worldwide scope of the gin trade, the finalists came from as far afield as Argentina, Peru, Ireland, and Great Britain. Below is a brief background on the finalists and tasting notes on their gins.

Tanqueray No. 10, London Dry Gin, 47.3% ABV, 750 ml.

Charles Tanqueray founded the Tanqueray brand in 1830 in Bloomsbury, London. A visionary distiller, Tanqueray dedicated himself to creating a gin of exceptional quality by blending innovative techniques with carefully selected botanicals. Tanqueray became famous for its clean, crisp flavor profile and consistent quality.

The original London distillery was severely damaged during World War II. Subsequently, production moved to Scotland. Today, Tanqueray, owned by beverage giant Diageo, remains one of the leading global gin brands; instantly recognizable by its green bottle and red wax seal.

Tanqueray No. Ten, a premium gin expression, was introduced in 2000. It is named after the still in which it is produced: “Tiny Ten,” a small, 500-liter pot still used to create this unique gin. Unlike the classic Tanqueray, No. Ten focuses on fresh, whole citrus fruits and a more delicate botanical blend, making it ideal for cocktails like martinis and gin & tonics.

On the nose, Tanqueray No. Ten is clean and fresh, with prominent citrus—grapefruit, lime, orange peel, and subtle floral notes. The traditional juniper aroma is present but less forward than in traditional gins, giving the fresh botanicals more prominence. There are also subtle, herbal hints of chamomile that enhance the aromatic sweetness.

The gin is exceptionally smooth on the palate, with a nuanced and layered complexity. It features pronounced citrus notes of grapefruit and lime, followed by the resinous flavor of juniper. Subtle undertones of coriander and angelica root add spice and depth, while chamomile flowers add sweetness and a creamy texture.

The finish is long, clean, and refreshing, with lingering citrus zest and floral and herbal notes.

The NYWSC Judging Panel described the gin as exhibiting:

A vibrant nose with bright citrus aromas, followed by juniper, fresh grapefruit, lime, and orange, rounded out by delicate floral hints.

Merle, London Dry Gin, 40% ABV, 750 ml.

Merle Gin is an Argentine brand established in 2020 by four friends in their mid-twenties: Luciano Carmona, Rafael Ferrari Ostry, Ricardo Saracca, and Martín Ferro. Armed with an initial investment of $150,000 in June 2019, they strove to create a gin that resonates with younger consumers.

By 2022, Merle had inaugurated its second distillery spanning 30,000 square feet and equipped with three 1,500-liter stills. This expansion positioned Merle as one of the largest gin distilleries in Argentina and Latin America.

Merle’s flagship product is a London Dry Gin crafted from a blend of 12 botanicals, including juniper, citrus peels, and floral elements. The distillation employs a vapor infusion technique, resulting in a gin with a rounded juniper character, refreshing citrus notes, and a complex floral bouquet.

On the nose, the gin features a harmonious blend of juniper and fresh citrus aromas, accompanied by subtle floral undertones.

It’s smooth and creamy on the palate, featuring prominent juniper flavors balanced by zesty citrus and delicate floral notes. The vapor infusion technique imparts a clean and crisp profile. The finish is medium-length with lingering citrus zest and a gentle floral sweetness.

Merle London Dry Gin is versatile, suitable for classic cocktails like gin and tonic or martinis and innovative mixes. Its balanced flavor profile appeals to traditional gin enthusiasts and those seeking a contemporary style.

The NYWSC Judging Panel described Merle Gin as featuring:

A juniper-forward nose with underlying citrus notes and a dry, peppery finish

Don Michael, Andean Gin, 42% ABV, 750 ml.

Established in 2017 in Lima, Peru, Don Michael is renowned for producing premium spirits that blend traditional craftsmanship with local Peruvian ingredients. Initially focusing on creating Black Whiskey using ancestral Andean black corn, the distillery has expanded its portfolio to include products like Andean Cream, Andean Vodka, and, notably, Andean Gin.

Andean Gin is a distinctive spirit that showcases the rich botanical biodiversity of the Andes. Crafted with a proprietary blend of botanicals, it features juniper, citrus, apples, and hand-selected Andean herbs, resulting in a gin that reflects the unique terroir of Peru.

On the nose, the gin is floral, featuring intense aromas of juniper and lavender, accompanied by citrus notes.

It’s fresh and fruity on the palate, exhibiting juniper, hints of lemon balm, and subtle vanilla flavors. The proprietary blend of Andean botanicals imparts a unique character, making it ideal for classic cocktails like Dry Martini, Gin and Tonic, or Negroni.

The finish is long and slightly sweet, with lingering notes of citrus and mint.

The NYWSC Judging Panel described the gin as exhibiting:

Juniper and earthy notes with a slightly spicy profile

Drumshanbo, Gunpowder Irish Gin, 43% ABV, 750 ml.

Drumshanbo is a distinctive gin produced by The Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo, County Leitrim, Ireland. Established in 2014 by P.J. Rigney, the distillery is renowned for its innovative approach to traditional distillation methods.

The gin’s unique character stems from its blend of traditional botanicals and exotic ingredients, notably Chinese gunpowder tea, a green tea that has been slowly dried and rolled into small pellets. This combination of botanicals creates a harmonious fusion of oriental spices and fresh citrus notes.

On the nose, the citrus aromas of grapefruit and lime are complemented by subtle green tea notes and a hint of juniper.

The gin is smooth and complex on the palate, featuring fresh citrus flavors, green tea undertones, and a balanced juniper presence. Adding meadowsweet and other botanicals adds a slight sweetness and additional complexity.

The finish is clean, crisp, and refreshing, with lingering citrus zest and gentle spice notes.

The NYWSC described the Drumshanbo gin as exhibiting:

Herbaceous aromas with a distinctive green tea note, balanced by a slight sweetness and a hint of spice.

The four gin finalists for World’s Best Gin feature various styles with varying degrees of juniper intensity and diverse aroma and flavor profiles. All four are excellent and equally versatile in crafting various gin-based cocktails. No home bar should be without at least one, preferably all four. See the NYWSC website for a complete listing of all the medalists.