When you think of gins, British gin probably comes to mind. However, alcohol is a global beverage. In fact, there are more than 3,000 types of gins in the world. The best part? Gins come in almost every imaginable flavor imaginable. From fruity to bitter and spicy to floral, you can find a gingery gin just about anywhere.
Within Asia, however, there are some great gins that we’d like to introduce you to. These Asian gins are some of the best you’ll find outside of their country of origin (and many of them cost under $20).
Shochu Gin
Shochu is a type of alcoholic beverage made from fermented sweet potatoes. It is then distilled into a spirit and aged in used barrels. The taste of shochu is very distinct and the color is usually a pale straw color. Because of the distinct taste and color of shochu, it is often used to make cocktails.
We’ve seen shochu gins using the same type of shochu as a base. We’ve also seen them made using fruit or other botanicals as a base. So, why shochu gin?
Shochu is traditionally served cold, so it is the perfect base for a gin. Shochu also has a light sweetness, so it only needs to be lightly flavored with citrus to make a great-tasting gin.
Tonic Gins
Tonic gins are the perfect choice for summer. The best tonic gins are fresh and light. They taste like what they are – a light, fresh, and aromatic gin. Some of the best tonic gins come from India. We recommend the Bombay Dry Gin from India, Gee & Tillis from South Africa or the House of Commons Tonic Gin from England. There are many other great tonic gins, as well.
If you’re looking for a gin with a distinct flavor, tonic gin is for you. These gins are often made using an aromatic botanical as their base. Many people prefer them to vodka gins because the botanical enhances the flavor of the gin.
Shiso Gins
Shiso gins are some of the best gins around. The best shiso gins are light and aromatic. They are perfect for summer and refreshing cocktails. The best shiso gins have a citrus and herbaceous flavor.
They are usually made using Japanese or Asian botanicals as their base. The best shiso gins are light and aromatic. They are perfect for summer and refreshing cocktails.
Salty Gins
Salty gins are the Aisling sisters of India and Pakistan. Like shiso gins, they are aromatic and herbaceous gins. Unlike the Aisling sisters, they are a bit more sour than aromatic and are often served in saloon style. The best salty gins are robust and robust with a bit of salt. They are perfect for making classic cocktails.
Bitter gins
Bitter gins are the best way to end a burger and chips at the local pub. They are a bit more robust than other types of gins and are often served neat or on the rocks.
The best bitter gins are robust and robust with a bit of bitterness. They are perfect for making classic cocktails.
Fruity Gins
Fruity gins are the most recent type of gin to hit Asia. They are the perfect bridge between traditional gin and vodka. Fruity gins have a bit of citrusy and floral flavor with a botanical base. The best fruity gins are light and aromatic with a bit of a citrusy flavor. They are perfect for summer and refreshing cocktails.
Conclusion
Asian gins are some of the best you’ll find outside of their country of origin. They are great for making classic cocktails and refreshing drinks.
If you’re looking for a different type of gin, Asian gins are an excellent choice. They come in almost every imaginable flavor imaginable and offer a unique taste in comparison to other gins.
