# Recommend me a martini gin. **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [August 13, 2017, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-martini-gin/793592 "2017-08-13T23:25:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2017, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-martini-gin/793592/1 "2017-08-13T23:25:32Z")
I have Bombay Sapphire on hand for gin & tonics. But my knowledge of gins these days is sparse and I’m getting the urge to make myself a proper martini when I make a vodka martini for the wife. Or maybe a Gibson, who knows? So gin drinkers, enlighten me - what’s your favorite martini gin, and why? ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2017, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-martini-gin/793592/2 "2017-08-13T23:26:20Z")
Beefeaters. Close thread. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2017, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-martini-gin/793592/3 "2017-08-13T23:29:46Z")
Hendricks. It’s got lovely floral notes that make a very nice tasting martini. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Burden](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/958977/32.png) [@Jack\_Burden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Burden)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2017, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-martini-gin/793592/4 "2017-08-13T23:29:49Z")
I favor Hendrick’s, with a cucumber garnish. ---
**Author:** ![Tinker\_Grey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tinker_grey/32/8136_2.png) [@Tinker\_Grey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tinker_Grey)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2017, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-martini-gin/793592/5 "2017-08-14T00:03:34Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > Hendricks. It’s got lovely floral notes that make a very nice tasting martini. > [@Jack\_Burden](#): > > I favor Hendrick’s, with a cucumber garnish. I don’t know how it would be in a martini–probably great–but I sure enjoy it for sipping. ---
**Author:** ![JKilez](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e5b9ba/32.png) [@JKilez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKilez)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2017, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-martini-gin/793592/6 "2017-08-14T00:06:09Z")
I stick with Bombay Sapphire because it has a taste that is both distinctive and familiar. It pleases my palate even if it is not the most expensive. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2017, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-martini-gin/793592/7 "2017-08-14T00:49:38Z")
I should have explained the Beefeaters recco: It’s the aromatics. Cheap gin is like kerosene. Sweeter gins like Bombay work very well with tonic, as the drink usually comes with a twist to offset the sweetness. [Here’s](https://www.thespruce.com/popular-brands-of-gin-to-try-4027227) a website with some recommendations, but it’s really a matter of personal taste. ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2017, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-martini-gin/793592/8 "2017-08-14T03:16:12Z")
i like Bombay Sapphire with a dash of grapefruit bitters. ---
**Author:** ![Defensive\_Indifference](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/defensive_indifference/32/6502_2.png) [@Defensive\_Indifference](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Defensive_Indifference)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2017, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-martini-gin/793592/9 "2017-08-14T03:25:30Z")
I like Sapphire for my martinis and Gibsons. Tanqueray sometimes. Hendrick’s is so lovely that I just pour it over ice with a slice of lemon. But, 90% of the time, it’s Sapphire Gibsons for me. ---
**Author:** ![Snarky\_Kong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2017, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-martini-gin/793592/10 "2017-08-14T03:44:31Z")
I make my own with Hendricks. If I’m out and they don’t have it, Beefeaters is the backup. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2017, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-martini-gin/793592/11 "2017-08-14T12:33:48Z")
Speaking of gin and tonic . . . Anyone tried **Shorts Brewing’s** _Melt My Brain_? This beer uses juniper berries in the recipe, then adds tonic water at some point. Interesting beer (category: experimental). I took a growler pontooning yesterday and it was easy to finish. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2017, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-martini-gin/793592/12 "2017-08-14T12:41:39Z")
Tanqueray Rangpur, if you like a bit of lime in your martini. ---
**Author:** ![Mollie\_Magill](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mollie_magill/32/20882_2.png) [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2017, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-martini-gin/793592/13 "2017-08-14T13:25:54Z")
**Mr Moto** recommended Citadell in a similar thread a few years ago. I’ve not used anything else since. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Mondegreen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/91b2a8/32.png) [@Lord\_Mondegreen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Mondegreen)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2017, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-martini-gin/793592/14 "2017-08-14T13:36:23Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > Beefeaters. Close thread. Sorry **Chefguy** , but I can’t agree. Of course it is subjective, but I find Beefeaters a very harsh gin. I prefer Tanqueray, with Bombay Sapphire a close second. Although I like Kendrick’s, it is a particular taste which won’t appeal to everyone. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2017, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-martini-gin/793592/15 "2017-08-14T13:39:59Z")
> [@Lord\_Mondegreen](#): > > Sorry **Chefguy** , but I can’t agree. Of course it is subjective, but I find Beefeaters a very harsh gin. I prefer Tanqueray, with Bombay Sapphire a close second. Although I like Kendrick’s, it is a particular taste which won’t appeal to everyone. I don’t like the citrus in Tanqueray, but apparently Tanqueray 10 doesn’t have that problem and is highly rated. Haven’t tried it. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Mondegreen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/91b2a8/32.png) [@Lord\_Mondegreen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Mondegreen)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2017, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-martini-gin/793592/16 "2017-08-14T13:42:45Z")
> [@Lord\_Mondegreen](#): > > Sorry **Chefguy** , but I can’t agree. Of course it is subjective, but I find Beefeaters a very harsh gin. I prefer Tanqueray, with Bombay Sapphire a close second. Although I like Kendrick’s, it is a particular taste which won’t appeal to everyone. Oh, I forgot Plymouth gin which is also very special, particularly if you can get your hands on the Navy strength ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Mondegreen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/91b2a8/32.png) [@Lord\_Mondegreen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Mondegreen)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2017, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-martini-gin/793592/17 "2017-08-14T13:51:25Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > I don’t like the citrus in Tanqueray, but apparently Tanqueray 10 doesn’t have that problem and is highly rated. Haven’t tried it. Yes, good point, and it highlights how subjective this is. I was lucky enough to try Tanqueray 10 in a British Airways First Class lounge. It was certainly better than normal gins, but for my less than refined palate it is not worth the premium. Of course I would never criticize anyone who can justify the extra expense - more power to them. ---
**Author:** ![Donegal\_Dragon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e47774/32.png) [@Donegal\_Dragon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Donegal_Dragon)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2017, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-martini-gin/793592/18 "2017-08-14T14:03:54Z")
For gin drinkers that would like something special, try Ransom Old Tom Gin. Very different from your standard London Dry types. Old Tom was popular in the mid 1800’s through the early 1930’s, before London Dry took over. It is making a come back, especially as a sipping gin. Unfortunately it tends to be a special order from your local package store, but is only about $38. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2017, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-martini-gin/793592/19 "2017-08-14T14:41:00Z")
> [@Lord\_Mondegreen](#): > > … how subjective this is. … Uh yeah. What are looking for in a martini? Juniper heavy or light on the juniper and with more complex herb profiles? What sort of vermouth do you pair it up with? ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2017, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-martini-gin/793592/20 "2017-08-14T15:55:07Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > I should have explained the Beefeaters recco: It’s the aromatics. Cheap gin is like kerosene. Sweeter gins like Bombay work very well with tonic, as the drink usually comes with a twist to offset the sweetness. [Here’s](https://www.thespruce.com/popular-brands-of-gin-to-try-4027227) a website with some recommendations, but it’s really a matter of personal taste. My favorite is the 6th on this list, Aviation. It’s a little lighter on the juniper and heavier on other aromatics, but without the sweetness of Bombay Sapphire. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-martini-gin/793592.md?page=2)