The 2024 Bartender Spirits Awards showcase notable trends in gin production worldwide, emphasizing both global representation and innovation in botanical profiles and production styles. IWSR reported in June 2024 that “the premium-and-above gin segment is declining in core markets like the UK and Spain,” however, the segment “is expected to perform relatively well in countries including the US, France, Japan, and India.” 

The Awards uphold IWSR’s conclusions that “brands globally are taking inspiration from local flavours, as well as their surrounding culture, to lend products a sense of place” in gins.  Analyzing the judging results from the Spirits Awards, here are some key takeaways from the winning gins:

Image: Citadelle Gin Jardin d'Ete - Gin of the Year

1. Globalization and Diversity of Gin Production

The awards highlight gin's global reach, with winning entries from diverse regions, including France, the United States, India, Germany, Greece, and even less traditional countries such as Peru, Iceland, and Argentina. This global variety reflects the expansion of gin distillation beyond its historical centers like the UK and the Netherlands, showcasing a broader international appeal.

Citadelle Gin Jardin d'Été (France) and Monkey 47 Distiller's Cut (Germany) signal the prominence of European distillers who innovate while remaining rooted in traditional craft techniques.

The presence of gins from countries like India (Jaisalmer Gin Classic) and Greece (Merlin London Dry Gin) reflects a burgeoning gin culture in places where the spirit has gained popularity more recently.

Source: Bosque Gin

2. Innovative Botanical Profiles

Several of the awarded gins emphasize botanical diversity, integrating local and exotic ingredients to create distinctive flavor profiles. For instance:

Los Poblanos Botanical Spirits Western Dry Gin from the United States likely leans heavily into botanicals associated with its regional terroir, a common trend in modern craft gins.

Jaisalmer Gin Classic from India suggests a connection to Indian spice traditions, possibly incorporating indigenous botanicals that provide a unique flavor experience.

Andean Gin (Peru) and Bosque Gin Nativo (Argentina) likely include native botanicals from their regions, reflecting a trend where distillers use locally sourced ingredients to craft spirits with a sense of place. 

3. Focus on Premium and High-Quality Production

The high scores—ranging from 92 to 98 points—show that quality remains a top priority for producers. Double Gold Medals awarded to gins like Citadelle Gin Jardin d'Été and Los Poblanos Botanical Spirits Western Dry Gin reflect an emphasis on exceptional craftsmanship. Citadelle’s Double Gold winner was described as having a subtle start that soon turns to a solid botanical flavor profile, finishing notably bright. “Very mixable.” Los Poblanos earned accolades for a “bright, flavorful and a wonderful finish with a lot of versatility in flavor.” Such gins stand out in stirred as well as shaken cocktails. Brands such as Pernod Ricard (Monkey 47 Distiller's Cut) continue to lead with high-quality, limited-edition offerings, underscoring a focus on premiumization in the gin category. 

4. Navy Strength Gins

Image: Colombo No. 7 Gin - Navy Strength

The inclusion of Colombo No. 7 Gin - Navy Strength and Jones 1778 Navy Strength underscores the rising popularity of high-proof gins, which are appreciated for their bold flavors and versatility in cocktails. Navy strength gins typically have a higher alcohol content (around 57%), which appeals to bartenders and mixologists looking for spirits with more intensity and character. 

5. Flavor-Forward Expressions

Many gins lean towards distinct flavor experiences, as seen with gins like Malfy Gin Limone (Italy), which focuses on citrus-forward profiles. Indeed, the judges said, “lemon aromatics and citrus heavy” in giving it 92 points.  Volcano Etna Rose Gin (Italy) suggests floral notes, offering a softer, fragrant gin. The judges’ tasting notes confirmed that this gin “balanced juniper” with “bright citrus, and light berry on the nose,” including a “medium and complex body with the presence of pine notes, followed by a long-fading finish.” These expressions cater to consumers seeking variety beyond the juniper-dominated traditional gin profile. 

6. Local Identity and Craftsmanship

Several gins emphasize their local roots, with names that reflect their origins—Tasmania Gin (Australia), California Dry Gin (United States), and Xoriguer Mahón Gin (Spain). This trend demonstrates a connection between distillers and regional identities, appealing to consumers who value provenance and authenticity. 

7. Established and Emerging Brands

The list includes well-known gin producers like Monkey 47 and Malfy Gin alongside emerging or smaller craft distilleries such as Bosque Gin Nativo (Argentina) and Take Flight Spirits (United States). This mix highlights the coexistence of large, established brands with boutique distillers, reflecting a healthy competitive landscape in the gin market. 

In all, the 2024 Bartender Spirits Awards illustrate the innovation and diversity within the gin category, showcasing a range of international producers, innovative botanicals, and premium craftsmanship. From high-proof navy gins to flavor-forward expressions, the global gin market continues to thrive, with distillers emphasizing both traditional and novel approaches to satisfy a broad range of palates. 

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What Are the World’s Top Gins?

Here’s the list of the world’s top gins in 2024: all Double Gold or Gold Award winners. 

1. Citadelle Gin Jardin d'Été, Producer/Importer: Citadelle Gin Distillery, Country: France 

2. Los Poblanos Botanical Spirits Western Dry Gin, Producer: Los Poblanos, Country: United States 

3. Jaisalmer Gin Classic, Producer: Rampur Distillery, Country: India 

4. Monkey 47 Distiller's Cut 13th, Producer: Pernod Ricard USA, Country: Germany 

5. Merlin London Dry Gin, Producer: Lazaris E. Konstantinos, Country: Greece 

6. Colombo No.7 Gin - Navy Strength, Producer: Rockland Distilleries (Pvt) Ltd, Country: United Kingdom 

7. BeGin Gin, Producer: Edgemill Group Pty Ltd, Country: Australia 

8. Jones 1778 Navy Strength, Producer: The Copeland Distillery, Country: Ireland 

9. Islands8, Producer: Spirited Union Distillery, Country: Netherlands Antilles 

10. Tasmania Gin, Producer: Australian Distilling Co., Country: Australia 

11. Andean Gin, Producer: Don Michael SAC, Country: Peru 

12. Bosque Gin Nativo, Producer: Destileria Patagonica SAS, Country: Argentina 

13. Old Islandia Gin, Producer: Volcanic Drinks, Country: Iceland 

14. California Dry Gin, Producer: Storyhouse Spirits, Country: United States 

15. Gin Mare, Producer: Brown Forman, Country: Spain 

16. Take Flight Spirits Sasha Gin, Producer: Take Flight Spirits, Country: United States 

17. High Desert Gin, Producer: High Desert, Country: United States 

18. Xoriguer Mahón Gin, Producer: Glass Revolution Imports USA, Country: Spain 

19. Gin Nouveau, Producer: Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery, Country: United States 

20. Volcano Etna Rose Gin, Producer: Volcano SRL, Country: Italy 

21. Malfy Gin Limone, Producer/Importer: Pernod Ricard USA, Country: Italy 

As gin and innovative gin producers evolve, it’s clear that tradition coexists harmoniously with innovation, providing a treasure trove for bartenders. From the use of indigenous botanicals to the resurgence of high-proof navy gins, producers worldwide continue to push the boundaries of flavor, regional identity, and craftsmanship. This diversity reflects not only consumer demand for unique experiences but also the creativity of distillers in reimagining what gin can be. With 2024's top gins representing regions from Peru to Iceland and beyond, the future of the spirit looks bright, promising even more innovation and excellence in the years to come.

Header Image Source: Craft Gin Club

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