Whitley Neill London Dry Gin - #5 of Top Gin Brands

Whitley Neill London Dry Gin

As an award-winning African gin made in England, Whitley Neill London Dry Gin certainly covers the continents, but also adds a twist that invokes the spirit of the Dark Continent. The usual botanicals are there: juniper, coriander, orange peel, cassia, angelica root, lemon peel and orris. However, the introduction of two African botanicals, the baobab fruit and physalis, completely changes the equation to offer a balanced gin that goes down smooth. That choice was a personal nod to the creator's South African wife. The innovative use of exotic botanicals is in contrast to the old-style distillation process that offers small batches from an antique copper pot. Such batches bring out an intersection of fruits and spices when it comes to taste, and the finish is a long one that's distinct in nature. While it's worthy of having straight up, it's even better as part of a gin and tonic.