Best Gins: How to Choose the Right Gin for You
When you’re looking for the best gins, you quickly realize there isn’t just one choice. Between different styles, botanicals, origins, and production methods, each gin can offer a completely different profile.
So, how do you choose the best gin?
More than just looking for a well-known brand, it’s worth understanding what’s inside the bottle: the botanicals used, the product’s identity, the balance of flavors, and how you intend to serve it.
In this guide, we show you some of the main aspects to consider before choosing your next gin.
What distinguishes the best gins?
A good gin starts with balance.
Juniper is fundamental to the identity of this spirit. In fact, according to European legislation, for a spirit to be called gin, it must be produced with juniper berries and have a predominantly juniper flavor.
European Regulation on Spirit Drinks
But it’s the combination of juniper with other botanicals that allows producers to develop different aromas, flavors, and identities.
This is where the difference begins between simply drinking a gin and finding a gin that truly matches your taste.
1. Pay attention to the botanicals
Botanicals are one of the first aspects you should analyze when looking for a good gin.
In addition to juniper, a recipe can include citrus, herbal, floral, or spicy ingredients.
Lemon, orange, coriander, cardamom, and various aromatic plants are just a few examples.
In Safe Place Gin, one of the botanicals that defines our identity is carqueja, a plant deeply connected to the landscapes and traditions of inland Portugal.
So, when comparing different gins, look beyond the bottle and try to understand which botanicals define each recipe.
2. Discover the gin’s origin
The origin can also tell a lot about what you’re about to taste.
Gins are produced all over the world, but if you’re looking for a Portuguese gin, it’s worth discovering brands that use production and ingredients to tell a story about the region.
It is precisely this connection that is at the origin of Safe Place Gin.
Ana, from Montalegre, and Luciano, from Gerês, created Safe Place out of a longing for home and a connection to their roots.
Gerês, Montalegre, nature, and carqueja are part of that identity.
3. Craft or large-scale production?
Another factor you can consider is how the gin is produced.
A craft gin often allows you to find recipes with a very unique identity, created around specific botanicals, regions, or concepts.
This doesn’t automatically mean that ‘craft’ is synonymous with ‘better’. Quality should be evaluated by the final product.
However, if you’re looking for something different from more mass-produced flavors, exploring craft Portuguese gins can lead you to interesting discoveries.
4. Think about how you’ll drink the gin
The best gin for you also depends on the moment.
Do you want to prepare a gin and tonic in the late afternoon? Are you looking for a bottle to give as a gift? Do you want to try new cocktails? Or simply discover a different Portuguese gin?
If you’re looking for a gin to prepare a Gin and Tonic, don’t forget that the tonic water and garnish can also significantly alter the final result.
In the case of Safe Place Gin, we recommend a simple preparation that allows the gin’s personality to be preserved.
How to Make a Perfect Gin and Tonic with Safe Place Gin
5. Don’t choose solely by the bottle
A good presentation catches the eye — and is part of the experience — but it shouldn’t be the only criterion.
Before buying, try to learn about:
- the botanicals;
- the origin;
- the production method;
- the aromatic profile;
- serving suggestions;
- the story behind the brand.
The more information you have, the easier it will be to understand if a particular gin matches your taste.
So, what is the best gin?
There is no universal answer.
The best gin will be the one that combines quality, balance, and a flavor profile that matches what you like.
For some people, it will be a more citrusy gin. For others, more herbal, dry, floral, or spicy.
Therefore, instead of just looking for “the best gin on the market,” try to understand what is the best gin for you.
And if you’re looking for a craft Portuguese gin?
Then we invite you to discover Safe Place Gin.
Inspired by the mountains of Gerês and Montalegre, Safe Place Gin is born from a story of longing for home, roots, and connection to the land.
Carqueja is part of its identity and helps transport a bit of the landscape that inspired its creation into each bottle.
100% Portuguese Soul.
Humble in elements. Majestic in flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Gins
How to choose a good gin?
Start by analyzing the botanicals, origin, aromatic profile, and how you intend to consume it. There isn’t one perfect gin for everyone or every occasion.
What differentiates a craft gin?
A craft gin tends to be produced with an approach more focused on the recipe, botanicals, and product identity. However, the term ‘craft’ alone does not guarantee that a gin is better than another.
What is the best Portuguese gin?
Portugal has different producers and gin styles, so the choice depends on your taste. If you value Portuguese production, botanicals with identity, and a story linked to the region, look for these elements before choosing.
Which gin to choose as a gift?
A bottle with identity, a good presentation, and an interesting story can be an excellent option. If the person values Portuguese products, a craft Portuguese gin is a choice to consider.
