The Best Gin in Canada
Don't know which gin brand to buy? Use our guide to buy from the best gin brands available in Canada.
About Gin
Ultimately, gin is vodka that has been redistilled with botanicals. The one botanical that simply must be there to call it gin is juniper.
Many others are used such as coriander, angelica root, citrus peels, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and countless others.
Most gins contain between 7 to 12 different botanicals, with more complex gins using as many as 47 different ingredients.
Beefeater London Dry Gin
- Owned by the Pernod Ricard Drink Industry
- 750ml at $24.99 CAD
- Country of Origin: United Kingdom
What makes Beefeater special?
Beefeater was one of the original gins produced commercial and remained family owned and operated from 1820 to 2005. The company has since sold to Pernod Ricard, but the gin continues to be made to an exceptional standard with Desmond Payne, the world’s most renowned gin producer as their head distiller.
The World’s Most Awarded Gin.
Despite the cheap price, Beefeater remains the world’s most awarded gin in blind taste tests, often beating gins that come in at double the price. It’s no surprise that Beefeater is the standard gin used in cocktail bars across the world.
Notes:
- Family owned and operated from 1863 to 2005
- The world's most awarded gin
- A quality gin sold for a quality price
Plymouth Gin
- Owned by the Pernod Ricard Drink Industry
- 750ml at $44.99 CAD
- Country of Origin: England
What makes Plymouth special?
Plymouth has been produced in Plymouth, England since 1793, making it one of the oldest gins available on the market today.
Both a Brand and Style of Gin.
Plymouth is both a brand and a style of gin that’s far less juniper-forward than the many London Dry gins that most people are familiar with when they think of gin. This gin works particularly well in crisp, refreshing, citrusy cocktails such as in a Gimlet or Bees Knees.
Notes:
- Black friars distillery is the oldest working gin distillery in england.
- Cardamom, angelica root, lemon, coriander
- A light, citrusy gin.
Hendrick's Gin
- Owned by William Grand & Sons
- 750ml at $54.99 CAD
- Country of Origin: Scotland
What makes Hendrick’s special?
Hendrick’s Gin is made with an unusual process which involves creating two separate gins produced through different stills and different botanicals before combining them into the gin we know and love as Hendrick’s–But not of course, before being combined with natural rose and cucumber essences.
What is Scottish Gin?
Although Scottish gins share many similarities with London Dry in the way that both are significantly juniper-forward. Scottish gins often showcase unique botanicals that aren’t found in your classic English gin.
Notes:
- Infused with specially selected cucumbers from only the finest producers.
- 11 botanicals with rose and cucumber.
- Floral, juniper, and citrus notes. Creamy texture.
Roku Gin
- Owned by Suntory Global Spirits
- 750ml at $50.99 CAD
- Country of Origin: Japan
What makes Roku special?
Roku was one of the first craft Japanese gins to hit the market and has been a favourite by bartenders ever since. It’s a unique gin that can add bright citrus notes to your cocktail without the heavy juniper-flavour found across London Dry gins.
Japanese Botanicals
Roku uses a unique blend of botanicals including yuzu, sakura flower, sencha, gyokuro tea, and sancha pepper. If you enjoy this style, another great option would be Nikka Coffey Gin.
Notes:
- Floral & citrus
- Traditional juniper base, with characteristic Japanese botanicals with yuzu as the top note. Smooth and silky texture
Empress 1908 Gin
- Owned by the Victoria Distillers
- 750ml at $51.99 CAD
- Country of Origin: Canada
What makes Empress 1908 special?
There’s something to be said about changing the colour of your cocktails, and Empress provides the perfect way to accomplish that. Not only is Empress Gin rooted in Victorian tradition, but it’s also the easiest and most delicious way to turn a French 75 purple, which will be sure to impress.
Naturally Coloured and Proudly Canadian
As the colour is achieved through the use of Butterfly Pea Flower, the gin doesn’t have any undesirable artificial ingredients. Still privately owned, Empress has become one of the top sold gins globally.
Notes:
- Coloured with butterfly pea flower and changes from purple to pink with the addition of citrus or tonic.
- Classic juniper notes with grapefruit, ginger, cinnamon and rose petals.
Monkey 47 Gin
- Owned by the Pernod Ricard Drink Industry
- 375ml at $54.99 CAD
- Country of Origin: Germany
What makes Monkey 47 special?
Monkey 47 is made with exceptional craftsmanship, featuring a whopping 47 botanicals to achieve a uniquely complex gin. Each and every botanical is picked by hand. This gin is produced through redistillation and maceration, making it arguably the most unique gin on the market.
Only Comes in 375ML Bottles.
As the production process is meticulous, Monkey 47 only comes in 375ml bottles, making it an expensive treat for gin lovers.