Paul Kushner
When it comes to luxury spirits, there is a niche market for high-end, exclusive gins that cater to the most discerning of palates and collectors. These rare and expensive gins often feature unique botanicals, intricate distillation processes, and exquisite packaging that make them highly sought after by connoisseurs around the world. The most expensive gins can fetch prices that rival those of fine wines and rare whiskies, with some bottles selling for thousands of dollars.
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From limited edition releases to gins that are aged in rare barrels, the world of high-end gin offers a glimpse into the creativity and craftsmanship of distillers who are pushing the boundaries of what this beloved spirit can be. Whether enjoyed in a classic cocktail or sipped neat, these luxurious gins are a testament to the artistry and dedication that goes into creating truly exceptional spirits.
Cambridge Distillery Watenshi
Cambridge Distillery’s Watenshi gin costs the same as a down payment on a reasonably-priced car. Named the world’s most exclusive (and expensive) gin, Watenshi provides plenty of bang for your buck. Watenshi manages the impressive feat of capturing the angel’s share, which is the very small measure of gin that escapes distillation. Each rum distillation yields 15 milliliters of gin. Filling a Watenshi bottle requires 50 distillations. The dry Japanese gin is smooth, medium-bodied, and wholly unique, with rich juniper and sansho taste on the tongue.
Nolet’s Reserve Gin Modern
Carolus Nolet, Sr. spent more than 40 years developing the recipe for Nolet’s Reserve Gin. Each 700-dollar bottle uses Nolet’s Silver gin as a foundation. The distillers add a copious measure of saffron and verbena to the spirit. Saffron runs a pretty penny, elevating the price tag considerably. Nolet’s Reserve is earthy, with light citrus tones.
Anty Gin
Vegans will want to skip Anty Gin. However, those with no ethical aversion are certain to savor the rich and unusual taste of the world’s most innovative gin. Cambridge Distillery employs a unique method of pest control. The company distills its ants into premium gin. Anty Gin requires 62 redwood ants per bottle. Each 258-dollar bottle captures the uniquely tangy wood ant taste. Hand-forged botanicals round out the flavor profile.
Monkey 47 Distiller’s Cut
Monkey 47 Distiller’s Cut is rare and limited. The “47” in the German gin’s name refers to two things: the number of botanicals in the spirit and the abv. Monkey 47 Distiller’s Cut contains woodruff, a botanical that requires an extensive drying process to attain the perfect flavor. The gin contains lingonberries and has a pleasant vanilla base. Each bottle runs for about 80 dollars.
Forager’s Clogau
Royal weddings call for special gins. Forager’s Clogau rose to the occasion, crafting this limited spirit in 2018 to celebrate the royal nuptials. Of the 440 bottles created, only 250 were released for public purchase. The distillers crafted the gin from indigenous Welsh botanicals. The 160-dollar-per-bottle spirit tastes strongly of citrus and berries.
Spring Gin Gentleman’s Cut
Gentlemen, ladies, rascals, and everyone in between are certain to enjoy Spring Gin Gentleman’s Cut. Made in Flanders, Belgium, the spirit has a powerful citrus taste and a high alcohol content. The 48.8 percent abv gin costs 83 dollars per bottle. Bay leaves, rosemary, and thyme work together to round out the flavor profile.
Ferdinand’s Saar Dry Gin Goldcap
Ferdinand’s Saar Dry Gin Goldcap carries a hefty price tag but eliminates the need to choose between gin and wine. The award-winning spirit combines riesling with its unusual gin recipe. Ferdinand’s subverts the typical gin botanicals expectations. The recipe uses pears, acacia shoots, and cocoa beans. Moreover, it also includes Mirabelle plums which are banned in the United States. The German gin costs 168 dollars per bottle. The pear flavor dominates, with subtle hints of juniper.
Buton Dry Gin
Italy’s Buton Dry Gin is a rare spirit, mostly available via auctions. Most bottles date back to the 1950s or ’60s. Buyers primarily purchase Buton Dry Gin for a collection. The price ranges from 60 dollars to 260 dollars, depending on the website. Little is known about the actual taste; the bottles are for collecting, not drinking.
Jam Jar Gin Morus LXIV
The Morus distillery works hard for every drop of Jam Jar Gin Morus LXIV. The single-batch gin uses mulberry leaves hand-harvested from the same ancient tree. The London-based distillery uses legacy botanicals grown over generations. Most of us would need to dedicate a couple of months’ salary to purchase a single 7,050 dollar bottle. However, the distinctive, savory gin is designed for savoring and should last a while.
