Gin

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Cocktail Coup

Created

June 2, 2026June 4, 2026

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Gin

Gin is so celebrated, it has its own international day of celebration: June 8th. Ivory Peacock in Manhattan has over 1200 different gins and one of the largest collections in the world. The unique thing about gin is they are all proprietary. While it is a neutral clear spirit (generally), each gin is a secret blend of different botanicals.

While Gin & Tonic is a highball, it is one of the most popular ways to enjoy gin outside of a martini.

There are several different styles as well, but they must all contain juniper to qualify as gin:

London Dry – must have all the botanicals added before the distillation, not after.
Old Tom – The older style of making gin, which is generally just a touch softer and slightly sweet.
Plymouth – A lighter style compared to London Dry
Genever – The Dutch version
New Western – the “new” way of making gin which includes botanicals not often associated with the older style of gin, and flavor can be added later.
Navy Strength – Is over proof or full proof, over 50% which gives it not just more power but more flavor as well.

Following the trend of vodka, you will now find many flavored gins as well. Typically orange or lemon, citrus, etc. My personal feeling is if you want flavored gin, just add the flavor you want whether it be citrus rind, bitters or flavored soda.

Here is a listing of the Gins I’ve had, in ranking order from best to worst. I obviously have not had all of them but I stray away from the flavored ones anyway: