Van Gogh Gin - #5 of Top London Dry Gin Labels

Van Gogh Gin

Hailing from Holland, Van Gogh Gin is produced at the Royal Dirkzwager distillery. This historic facility dates all the way back to the 1600s. It was rebuilt in the early 1980s, however, and is now a family-run business dedicated to the crafting of fine spirits using traditional methods. Van Gogh Gin first hit the market in 1999. Joining the juniper berries -- gin's essential, characteristic flavor -- is an impressive assortment of botanicals including coriander, licorice, angelica, grains of paradise, almonds, lemon, cassia bark, cubeb berries, and orris root. Van Gogh Gin captures the essence of a traditional London dry-style spirit, but with a somewhat more citrus-forward profile than usual. Some tasters have described it as having distinct notes of cinnamon and toasted marshmallow, as well. It makes a good base for classic cocktails such as a martini or gin and tonic. The latter, in particular, is an excellent good match for Van Gogh Gin, as the liquor's citrus-y quality compliments the bitter quinine flavor of tonic water beautifully.