Four best small batch gins 2022

Over the last decade, the gin revolution has enriched so many taste buds on so many levels, allowing us to experience all manner of delicious botanicals and novel mixers. The only problem is that the choice out there is ever growing, and extensive, often leaving us a little confused on which to part with our hard-earned cash.

We here at Lussorian have some solid go-to’s, which we’d like to introduce you to, none of which will leave you disappointed. So, without further ado…

Cotswolds Gin 46% ABV

This is absolutely within my top three gins of all time. It is sublime. In fact, I’ve had the pleasure of a guided tour around the distillery, which it has to be said, is a special place.

The gin itself is very clean, with the key botanicals of Lavender, grapefruit peel, lime peel bursting through. The other 6 botanicals include juniper, coriander seed, angelica root, lavender, cardamom seeds, bay leaves and black pepper. Interestingly, the distillery use 10x the average weight of botanicals for a premium gin, resulting in the ‘wow’ factor here in terms of taste.

The spirit is not chill filtered after distillation as this would remove a high proportion of essential oils from the gin, altering the flavour of the final liquid.

On the nose, Cotswolds Dry Gin comes alive with citrus and floral notes – dreamy stuff. The lavender compliments with the citrus peel for sure.  

On the palate, floral notes become really pronounced, with a lovely citrus finish.

For drinking pleasure, we suggest you serve this with a high-quality Indian tonic (2:1) and a slice of grapefruit (of course). Watch what happens to the liquid when the tonic meets it, it becomes opaque!

You’ll never look at another gin again!

The Cotswold Distillery £30

Jaisalmer Gin 43% ABV

Another one of my top 3 gins of all time.

What better way to compliment high end Indian tonic water than with a real Indian Gin! Launched in 2018 by Radico Khaitan, one of the oldest whisky distillers in India, Jaisalmer Gin is named after the city of Jaisalmer, known as ‘The Golden City’ – in the heart of the Thar Desert of Rajasthan.

Initially Jaisalmer reads as a classic gin on the nose, however the pine, juniper and coriander make way for softer citrus notes, as well as grassy botanical undertones. The taste follows a similar pathway, with the added angelica root and liquorice, but this leads to the subtle but unusual exotic botanicals that make this gin so special – Vetiver and Darjeeling tea.

Vetiver is a perennial bunchgrass, cousin of lemon grass and is said to be used in 90% of top market perfumes – it has an almost crisp earthy aroma to it and compliments the Darjeeling tea flavours – delivering a well-rounded, yet unique experience that sparkles on the tastebuds.

You can’t go wrong with a top end Indian tonic water, a good pour of Jaisalmer, and a twist of orange peel.

Master of Malt £35

Amarula Gin 43% ABV

Heading over to South Africa now, Amarula Gin is the latest spirit to join the Amarula family, best known for its cream liqueur, which is a festive favourite in this house!

Like it’s delicious sibling, Amarula Gin is also made from Marula Fruit, and is still the only one in the World to have done so. This gives it a distinctive, exotic taste that you are going to love. One thing to note here, Amarula Gin received a Gold Award from the highly regarded Spirits Business Gin Masters in July 2022.

The process for making it is an interesting one, with each fruit being hand-picked, washed, destined, pulped and then cooled. It is then distilled into marula fruit spirit. The premium botanicals – juniper berries, orange peel and blossom, and Ghanaian grains of paradise are steeped for 24 hours in this complex, yet delicate spirit and gently distilled in a pot still.

The result is a perfect balance of gentle juniper notes and subtle orange blossom. The exotic flavours of the marula fruit gives it a unique twist.

To preserve those flavours, itis best served over ice with Indian tonic and a slice of fresh grapefruit. Lekker!!

Master of Malt £26

Tulchan Gin 45% ABV

Heading to my second favourite country, Scotland, I bring you the impressive Tulchan Gin, which comes from one of the most prestigious estates in Speyside, Scotland.

Tulchan Gin sits within the ‘London Dry’ category, but with a Scottish twist of course. The botanicals include Scottish flora, like Heather, and other botanicals that are inspired by Tulchan estate, including Sloe berries, Blackberry leaves and Elder tree flowers, amongst others. Combined, this has to be one of the most crisp, fresh and smooth gins of its class right now.

On the nose, expect the gentlest of florals and juniper, very London Gin indeed.

On the palate, there’s a sweet blend of berries and citrus, resin, cardamom, liquorice and coriander, rounded by that delicious juniper bite.

But where this really wins the day for me is the finish, which is medium in length with those dreamy lemon peel tones.

Team this with a Mediterranean tonic, a slice of orange and some juniper berries.

Master of Malt £37