The best Australian gins are securing their place as some of the most clever, creative and refined sips on the global spirits stage.
But what makes a gin extra special? According to enthusiasts of the classic white spirit, a memorable gin involves a glorious mouthfeel, distinct flavour profile and the perfect balance of botanicals, herbs and citrus. It’s this harmony of elements that makes a gin sing … and makes fans keep coming back for more!
In this article, we’re shining a light on a curated selection of the best Australian gins. These are unique drops that are considered and appreciated. They also boast bottle designs that you’ll be itching to gift that special friend.
Features of a sensational gin
With abundant gins on the market in Australia, and many quite expensive, Aussies have earned the right to be picky about what they sip. These are some of the criteria enthusiasts look for in an elevated gin:
- Juniper as the hero ingredient – It’s what gin is renowned for after all, so a great gin should stay true to the spirit’s roots and ensure the formulation has a strong juniper presence.
- Smoothness – There’s no wincing wanted when sipping a great gin; it should go down smoothly with no sharpness in the picture.
- Balanced botanicals – The best Australian gins have mastered the art of balancing the flavour profiles of botanicals and other ingredients. This is something that sets a great gin apart from an ordinary one.
- Versatility – Because there’s extra value to a gin that is just as lovely with ice and tonic as it is in a range of cocktails.
12 Of The Best Australian Gins Available Right Now
Crisp and fresh, a beautiful gin is something to savour. Read on for our specially curated list of incredible Australian gins that have fans abuzz!
These products are hand-picked by our editorial team because we’ve tried and loved them, or other Australians have!
Archie Rose Signature Dry Gin, $65
Complex and exceptional, Archie Rose Signature Dry Gin contains an ethically sourced blend of Australian natives and botanicals. Expect to find juniper up front, with hints of apple, lime blossom, fresh pine and citrus notes in the mix. The winner of multiple domestic and international awards, this is a smooth beauty with a huge fan base.
- Bottle size: 700ml
- Alcohol volume: 42%
Hickson House Australian Dry Gin, $78
If you love a super-citrussy martini, this is the gin to reach for. Inspired by traditional London styles, Hickson House Australian Dry Gin is a true classic, featuring the flavour sensations of juniper, orris root, licorice root, orange, lime, angelica root, oolong tea, thyme, aniseed and of course, coriander seed. Earthy and complex, it’s a must-try.
- Bottle size: 700ml
- Alcohol volume: 42%
Belle & Blossom Craft Gin, $58.99
Once you stop gushing over the bottle, you’ll be gushing over the taste. Belle and Blossom Craft Gin combines the traditional flavours of juniper, coriander, orange and lemon myrtle. With a lovely touch of sweetness, this smooth sip makes a popular choice for floral G&Ts.
- Bottle size: 700ml
- Alcohol volume: 40%
Forty Spotted Classic Gin, $77
Proud winner of ‘Gin Of The Year’ at the prestigious 2024 China Wine and Spirits Awards, Forty Spotted Classic Gin is expertly distilled in Tasmania. Tasting notes include pepperberry, fresh makrut lime leaves, herbs and citrus, with fans calling it ‘phenomenal’ and the ‘best gin ever’.
- Bottle size: 700ml
- Alcohol volume: 40%
Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin, $80
A very proud Four Pillars call it the ‘best gin on the planet’ and many enthusiasts would agree. Rare Dry Gin is the brand’s original drop, combining Asian botanicals with Mediterranean citrus to thoroughly tantalise tastebuds. Spicey yet smooth, it’s no surprise this sip has picked up countless awards from around the globe.
- Bottle size: 700ml
- Alcohol volume: 41.8%
Fossey’s Navel Strength Gin, $97
At 57% alcohol volume, this is gin to sip slowly and moderately, savouring the flavours and mouthfeel. It has a smidge of ginger and is heavy on citrus, harnessing the glory of Navel Oranges – pith and all! Silky smooth, this award winner is character-rich and memorable.
- Bottle size: 700ml
- Alcohol volume: 57%
Ink Dry Gin, $90
If you like a bit of extra wow with your gin, look no further. With a 100% natural blue hue, Ink Dry Gin changes colour depending on what you mix it with. Add a splash of tonic and watch it turn pink! An award winner for good reason, it delivers notes of bold citrus, sweet orange, pepper berry and pea flower.
- Bottle size: 700ml
- Alcohol volume: 40%
The West Winds Sabre Gin, $42
It’s won more awards than we can list and has a fan base a mile long – The West Winds Sabre Gin stands out in the crowd. It boasts a solid juniper backbone and a welcome burst of citrus. Delightful notes of wattleseed round out this classic London-style dry gin that couldn’t be more perfect over rocks with a splash of quality tonic.
- Bottle size: 700ml
- Alcohol volume: 40%
Tread Softly Pink Gin, $60
Dry and delicate, Tread Softly is a gin to admire just as much for its superb flavour profile as it is for its bottle. It is slightly sweet and perfectly pink, but what many fans love about this particular drop is its smoothness and absence of any sharp ‘twang’. Tread Softly plants a native tree for every six bottles sold.
- Bottle size: 700ml
- Alcohol volume: 37%
Melbourne Gin Company Dry Gin, $72
It’s the classic gin with a twist of Melbourne, and fans love it! It is distilled with a winemaker’s approach in Victoria’s famous Yarra Valley and contains 11 botanicals, including local grapefruit peel and rosemary and exotic cassia bark and orris root.
- Bottle size: 700ml
- Alcohol volume: 42%
23rd Street Distillery Signature Gin, $75
Infused with 10 beautifully balanced botanicals including juniper, coriander and fresh mandarin, this is a drop to savour. It’s won multiple international awards and continues to win gin fans over with its smoothness and distinctive citrus notes. Stunning bottle artwork by Claire Ishino makes this a bottle you’ll want to show off.
- Bottle size: 700ml
- Alcohol volume: 40%
Ambersand Gin &, $39.99
At the lower end of the price range, Ambersand Gin & is proudly distilled locally but boasts a classic London flavour. Juniper blends with coriander seeds, cloves and the sweetness of orange. Whether you mix it with tonic or enjoy it over ice, fans say this is easily one of Australia’s ‘best’.
- Bottle size: 500ml
- Alcohol volume: 37.5%
Is there a gin you know and love that we haven’t mentioned? Let us know in the comments below!
Top image: Archie Rose
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