Kirkland London Dry Gin

I've been on a Kirkland streak recently. Here we go... tasted neat The aroma is slightly sweet, piney, with a subtle hint of "aspirin" bitterness that is not at all unpleasant. There's a noticeable amount of ethanol, but again, this isn't objectionable. It's genuinely a solid gin aroma. Compared to Bombay Sapphire (a different style, I realize), it lacks complexity and has only a trace of floral elements. However, there's nothing here to make me hesitate. On the palate, it offers slightly less juniper than the aroma suggests. It's sweet and quite smooth with a quick finish and minimal complexity. This is a decent London Dry style, and nothing about it makes me wish I had chosen something else. My Monkey 47 is safe, but for the price, this is a strong contender. In comparison, the Sapphire is far more floral, intricate, and possesses a significantly higher level of complexity. This is exactly as anticipated. Considering my experiences with other budget gins, this is certainly a better option than G & J Greenall. It's both cheaper and better integrated. I've used the Kirkland in a Martini, 50/50, on the rocks, in a G&T, Negroni, and with soda. In no instance have I been disappointed. This is simply a reliable budget gin. It's approaching Beefeater quality for roughly half the cost, which is impressive. Yes, I will repurchase this. It's great for occasions when you want a gin for experimentation, very suitable for chilled or pre-mixed cocktails, a bargain when pouring for many friends, and overall just an excellent value. A quality average gin with above-average worth ($20 for a 1.75L bottle). Who could argue with that!

The juniper is very subdued, to the point where it's equally matched by the herbal, floral, and citrus notes, all of which are very light. This is surprising given its 88 proof. It's a "modern" gin with subtle flavors; it's inoffensive and should work well in a light cocktail. I tasted it neat and also in a G&T. Neat, it tasted like a lightly flavored vodka, and in a G&T, it vanished. It's smooth with minimal burn; there's nothing offensive about it, but I desire more character in my gin. It might be suitable for a house party, but you could get Gordon's for the same price and have something that actually tastes of juniper berries. If you want a modern gin with significantly reduced juniper taste, this could be a good choice.

This is one of Kirkland's top spirit purchases, right up there with their Blanco Tequila. It's a little too potent for drinking straight, but it works great mixed with vermouth or tonic. Flavor-wise, it's similar to Beefeater, though Beefeater is a bit mellower and this one is more perfumed. I've heard some say Kirkland's is like Gordon's, but I think Gordon's has a rougher edge. If gin is primarily for cocktails in your book, this is a fantastic, budget-friendly option. The container's design is very similar to Costco's Bombay Sapphire 1.75 liter, but DC Flynt MW Selections, the maker of Kirkland's Tennessee Bourbon and some of their wines, actually produces this one.

Smells great with scents of juniper, coriander, rose petals, cardamom, and lemon peel. The taste is led by rose and coriander, with hints of orange zest and more juniper. Cardamom reappears softly at the end. It has a smooth, slightly oily texture. The finish lasts a good while, full of spice but not much burn. 2.75/5.00 – Okay (neat)

It's unexpectedly good. Definitely a bit more potent and herbal than the delicate gins that are trendy now. Loads of juniper and a touch of citrus. It's rather smooth at the end, giving it a refined quality.

Tasting this against tanqueray and Bombay sapphire. It presents with less pine than tanqueray, showing great balance without any aggressive notes in taste or aroma