READ ALSO: East African Cocktails Recipes
Gilbey’s Gin Review: A Classic London Dry Gin on a Budget
READ ALSO: How Is Gin Gilbeys Best Drunk?
Table of Contents
READ ALSO: Intro
GilbeyGin Review: Is Gibleys Gin?
Gilbey’s Gin is a well-known London Dry Gin with a history dating back to the 1870s.
Where Is Gilbeys Gin From?
Originally produced by the Gilbey brothers in England, it has since changed ownership and is now manufactured by Beam Suntory in the United States.
Despite its affordability, it has remained a staple in many home bars and cocktail recipes.
But how does it compare to premium gins?
This Gilbeys gin review takes a closer look at its taste, aroma, versatility, and overall value.
READ ALSO: Bombay vs Beefeater/Beefeater vs Bombay Sapphire
Gilbys Gin Review: Appearance & Packaging of Gilbey Gin
Gilbey’s Gin comes in a simple, straightforward bottle that reflects its no-frills approach.
The label design is classic, with red and white accents giving it a traditional, almost vintage feel.
While it may not stand out on a shelf alongside more premium gins with intricate bottle designs, its unpretentious presentation aligns with its budget-friendly price tag.
READ ALSO: Popular Tanqueray vs Gordons 2026 & More
Gilbey’s Gin Wikipedia: Aroma & Taste
As with any gin, the first impression comes from its aroma.
Upon opening a bottle of Gilbey’s Gin, you immediately get a strong hit of juniper, which is characteristic of London Dry Gins.
Beneath the juniper, there are subtle hints of citrus, coriander, and a slight peppery spice.
The aroma is not as complex as high-end gins, but it delivers the essentials expected from this type of spirit.
On the palate, Gilbey’s Gin has a straightforward juniper-forward taste with a dry, crisp finish.
The citrus notes, primarily from orange and lemon peels, provide some brightness, while botanicals like coriander and angelica root contribute to a mildly herbal undertone.
There’s also a subtle warmth from the cinnamon and nutmeg, adding a touch of spice.
However, some drinkers may find the alcohol bite to be slightly harsher compared to smoother, more refined gins.
It lacks the silky mouthfeel found in premium options, making it less suitable for sipping neat but perfectly acceptable for mixing in cocktails.
Is Gilbey’s Gin Reasonable for Cocktails?
One of the biggest advantages of Gilbey’s Gin is its versatility in cocktails.
Due to its strong juniper presence and dry character, it pairs well with tonic water, making it a solid choice for a classic gin and tonic.
When mixed, the citrus and spice notes become more pronounced, balancing out the sharpness of the alcohol.
Here are a few classic cocktails that work well with Gilbey’s Gin:
- Gin and Tonic – The bitterness of tonic water complements the dry, crisp nature of Gilbey’s, while a wedge of lime or lemon enhances its citrusy undertones.
- Tom Collins – When combined with lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water, Gilbey’s creates a refreshing, slightly tart cocktail.
- Negroni – While it may not be the smoothest gin for this cocktail, its bold juniper profile still holds up against the bitterness of Campari and the sweetness of vermouth.
- Martini – A dry martini with Gilbey’s Gin may not be as smooth as one made with premium gins, but with a generous amount of vermouth and an olive garnish, it remains an acceptable budget-friendly option.
Gilbey’s Gintypes
Gilbey’s is an established gin brand with a history dating back to 1857, when brothers Walter and Albert Gilbey founded their business in London, England.
The brand has several gin varieties and product formulations. However, the range is not identical in every country.
Some products are made for particular markets, and the alcohol strength and flavour profile can vary.
The main Gilbey’s varieties worth knowing about are:
1. Gilbey’s Special Dry Gin
This is the classic Gilbey’s gin sold in markets such as Kenya and East Africa.
Its flavour comes from a blend of 12 botanicals, including:
- Juniper berries
- Coriander
- Citrus
- Angelica
- Orange and other aromatic ingredients
It has a traditional dry gin character, with juniper, herbal and citrus notes.
It is particularly suitable for gin and tonic, Martinis and other classic gin cocktails.
2. Gilbey’s Mixed Berries Gin
Gilbey’s Mixed Berries is a flavoured gin introduced by Kenya Breweries Limited in 2021.
It combines the familiar Gilbey’s gin flavour with the sweetness and fruitiness of strawberries and raspberries.
Its main characteristics include:
- A berry-inspired flavour profile.
- A pink-coloured presentation.
- A sweeter, fruitier taste than the traditional dry gin.
- Suitability for mixing with tonic water and other cocktail ingredients.
It was introduced in 250 ml, 375 ml and 750 ml bottles. The Kenyan formulation was advertised at 37.7% ABV.
3. Gilbey’s London Dry Gin
Gilbey’s London Dry Gin is the traditional gin expression associated with the brand’s British heritage.
It has a juniper-led flavour, accompanied by citrus and herbal notes.
One interesting point is that the names Special Dry Gin and London Dry Gin can refer to closely related expressions of Gilbey’s traditional gin.
They should not automatically be treated as two completely different flavoured products.
Different markets sell Gilbey’s under different product names and formulations.
For example, the American version is listed at 40% ABV, while a Philippine retailer has listed a 1-litre version at 47.5% ABV.
4. Gilbey’s Premium Strength
Gilbey’s Premium Strength is another product name associated with the brand, particularly in the Philippine market.
It is important not to confuse it with the ordinary Gilbey’s Special Dry Gin or assume that every product carrying the Gilbey’s name is the same drink.
The Premium Strength product has been associated with a ready-to-drink formulation, rather than simply being another name for the conventional London Dry Gin.
I would treat its present availability separately from the current gin range because I cannot establish that it remains in regular production.
Comparing the Gilbey’s varieties
| Variety | Main characteristic |
|---|---|
| Special Dry Gin | Traditional dry gin |
| Mixed Berries | Fruit-flavoured gin |
| London Dry Gin | Classic juniper-led gin |
| Premium Strength | Separate product associated with the Philippine market |
Which Gilbey’s varieties are available in East Africa?
The East African range is particularly relevant because Gilbey’s is distributed in Kenya and Uganda, and its traditional gin is also listed in Tanzania.
- Kenya: Special Dry Gin and Mixed Berries.
- Uganda: Traditional Gilbey’s London Dry Gin.
- Tanzania: Gilbey’s Gin is listed in the Serengeti Breweries brand portfolio.
- Philippines: Gilbey’s gin products have included different strengths and the separately marketed Premium Strength product.
Photo credits: Wine & More