Gin is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed over ice, in a cocktail or with a mixer. You can sip it as a pre-dinner tipple, post-dinner drink or when relaxing and socialising with friends and family. As a result of its versatility, many new gin brands have launched, with a host of flavoured gins also being added to the market. This can make it complicated when deciding which gin to choose off the shelf. With some at a high price point, you may not want to risk buying it having not tried it before, which is where buying small bottles of gin can be useful.
Small bottles of gin are a great introduction to a new gin brand that you may have not tried before. It allows you to try something new without spending as much on a 70cl bottle. They also make great presents for friends (for non-alcoholic gifts, why not look into alcohol-free rums) who enjoy trying new gins and family members who consider themselves a gin enthusiast. Here we take a look at 10 top small bottles of gin for you to discover.
What classifies as small bottles of gin?
You might be wondering just what is a small bottle of gin, and – more importantly – what’s the point? Small bottles of gin are bottles that contain less than your standard 70cl. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and offer more than a taster, but less of a commitment than your regular size. (You may even call them a mini bottle of gin) Whether you’re looking to sample a new gin or give a gift that looks and tastes great (but has a smaller price tag than a full-priced bottle) it’s an effortless choice.
With not all brands producing small bottles of gin, below we have put a round-up together of some of our favourites for you to discover. Below are 10 small bottles of gin for you to discover.
10 small bottles of gin we are sure your will love!
The Botanist – Islay Dry Gin 20cl
When looking for small bottles of gin, The Botanist Islay Dry Gin should be on your agenda. It’s tasty, well-balanced and full of flavour. Whether you enjoy your gin neat or in a cocktail, the Islay gin is ideal for both. Coming in a 5cl, 20cl, 35cl or 70cl bottle, this 22 hand-foraged local botanicals gin is perfect for someone looking to try a new gin, a gin connoisseur and complete gin beginners.
Amazon.co.uk
£14.25
Nelson Distillery – London Dry NO.7 Gin 20cl
Using original botanicals such as lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves from Thailand, vanilla from Madagascar and cinnamon from Sri Lanka, this tasty London dry gin from Staffordshire is very drinkable. On trying you’ll find it’s very refreshing and smooth on your palette.
Try Nelson’s London Dry NO.7 gin over ice, or enjoy it with tonic water and a pink grapefruit garnish. It also goes well in a Negroni or a Martini.
thewhiskyexchange.co.uk
£18.25
6 o’clock Gin – London Dry Gin 35cl
Created in 2010, this London Dry Gin by 6 o’clock gin has risen through the ranks to win several awards. Bottled in its iconic Bristol-blue glass bottle, the gin is created from an old family recipe which has been adapted to what you enjoy now.
Expect a soft and citrusy flavour led by juniper, carefully balanced with coriander seed, angelica root, orris root, winter savoury, elderflower and orange peel. We love a glass of 6 o’clock London Dry Gin and hope you will too. If you haven’t tried it before, try one of their small bottles of gin first. 6 o’clock has a whole range of other gins for you to try as well.
Amazon.co.uk
£17.80
Brighton Gin – Pavilion Strength 35cl
Another award-winning gin on our list is Brighton Gin’s Pavilion Strength bottle. Made from botanicals that include lime, milk thistle and locally grown coriander seeds, you’ll find this gin is subtle and very refreshing. It’s a crowd favourite in Brighton and becoming more well-known as the years go by. Brighton Gin also have a navy strength gin of 57% for those of you who like a stronger gin! Both come as small bottles of gin as well as miniature and larger 70cl bottles.
Amazon.co.uk
£22.00
Porthilly Spirit – Cornish Coastal Gin 20cl
This Cornish gin has been crafted in handmade copper stills using 100% British sugar beet and Cornish spring water. It’s very smooth and goes well with a twist of grapefruit, a sprig of rosemary or a slice of orange. Over the years Porthilly Spirit Distillery has been working on the recipe leading them to win a number of awards. They also produce their own rum and Cornish vodka that go down very smoothly and taste great too.
Amazon.co.uk
£17.00
Sipsmith – London Dry Gin 35cl
Inspired by the idea of bringing gin production to London, Sipsmith London Dry Gin is made using traditional copper pot distillation and a generational recipe. The flavour is bold, complex and aromatic, mixing nicely in a cocktail or enjoyed over ice. Try in a Martini or a negroni when you next fancy a cocktail. Sipsmith’s have many different flavoured gins for you to try, ideal for the summer months that are to come.
Amazon.co.uk
£17.80
Roku Gin – Japanese Gin 20cl
Treat your palette to the exquisite taste of Roku, a Japanese gin made with six botanicals. Using only the highest quality, uniquely Japanese ingredients, it’s an artisanal tipple that is designed to delight with every sip. The 20cl bottle is an ideal choice as a gift, to get a taster or if you’re on a quest to create the perfect gin and tonic. Note the scents of Cherry blossom and green tea that are complemented by crisp Japanese sansho pepper for a slightly spicy finish.
thewhiskyexchange.co.uk
£12.25
Edinburgh Gin Double Gift Pack 20cl
This Edinburgh Gin Gift pack features two small bottles of gin for you to enjoy. Inside you can find a 20cl Edinburgh Gin Classic and a 20cl Rhubarb and Ginger Gin. The Edinburgh Gin Classic is a version of a standard gin, whereas the Rhubarb and Ginger Gin is a flavoured gin with a warm spiciness and tangy sweetness. This makes a perfect gift for a gin enthusiast or someone who wants to be introduced to Edinburgh Gin. If you enjoy these gin and want to try some other flavours, Edinburgh Gin has a whole plethora of options for you to try.
edinburghgin.com
£22.00
Koval – Dry Gin 50cl
Enjoy Koval’s dry gin, a gin made with unique organic grains and signature “heart cut” techniques. Founded in 2008, this dry gin has been entered into many international awards and won plenty of accolades. With its dry yet vibrant taste and wildflowers scent, you can enjoy this as a G&T or within a variety of cocktails. Koval also produces a number of whiskys and liquors for you to try if you enjoy this dry gin. Buying a mini bottle of gin from Koval is a great introduction to the brand.
Amazon.co.uk
£40.00
Hendrick’s Gin – Half Bottle 35cl
Crafted using eleven fine botanicals, this delicious gin tastes light but intriguingly complex at the same time. It is infused with rose and cucumber to create a unique flavour that is favourable and distinctive on the palette. When used to make a G&T, mix with tonic water and garnish with a cucumber or a sprig of thyme. We love a Hendricks gin mule if you fancy a refreshing cocktail and want to try something different.
thewhiskyexchange.co.uk
£20.95
Our tips on buying small bottles of gin
- It can be hard when deciding what small bottles of gin you should order. If you are unsure, you could order a sample so that you can taste it before committing to a bottle.
- Think about the type of cocktails you would like to make with a mini bottle of gin. Some gins are more suited to certain cocktails than others.
- Look at the reviews of the mini bottles of gin before ordering and order the one that has the most positive feedback.
Out of the above ten small bottles of gin, have you tried any of them and which one is your favourite? Will you be ordering one in after reading this article or is there a bottle you think should be included? Let us know in the comment box below.
Great fan of Brighton Gin when in UK. Unfortunately, it is not available in Texas yet. That Japanese gin sounds intriguing so will search the local liquor store shelves and give it a try.