Gilbeys vs Gordon’s Gin & 5 Other Popular Gins Go Head-To-Head

Gilbeys Gin advert

READ ALSO: Tanqueray No 10 vs Bombay Sapphire & Other Gin Comparisons

Gordon’s vs Gilbeys Gin/Gilbey’s Gin vs Gordon’s Gin/Gilbeys vs Gordon’s Gin

Gordon’s and Gilbey’s are both popular brands of gin, but they have some differences in terms of their history, production process, and flavor profile.

Gordon’s is a British gin brand that has been around since the late 18th century. It is known for its classic juniper-forward flavor profile.

Gordon’s is made using a unique distillation process, where the botanicals are added to the neutral grain spirit before distillation. This process allows the flavors to meld together and create a smooth and well-balanced gin.

Gilbey’s, on the other hand, is an American gin brand (although it also originated in England) that was established in the mid-19th century.

It has a slightly sweeter and less juniper-forward flavor profile than Gordon’s, with notes of citrus and spice. Gilbey’s is made using a more traditional distillation process, where the botanicals are added to the still during distillation.

In terms of popularity, Gordon’s is perhaps more well-known and widely consumed globally, while Gilbey’s is more commonly found in the United States.

Ultimately, the choice between Gordon’s and Gilbey’s comes down to personal preference and what flavor profile you prefer in your gin.

Boodles Gin vs Bombay Sapphire

Boodles Gin and Bombay Sapphire are both popular brands of gin, each with its own distinct characteristics.

Boodles Gin:

  1. Boodles Gin is a British gin brand with a long history, dating back to the mid-19th century.
  2. It is known for its traditional London Dry style, which emphasizes a balanced blend of botanicals with a focus on juniper.
  3. Boodles Gin is named after the Boodle’s gentleman’s club in London, which was frequented by prominent figures.
  4. It has a smooth and crisp profile, with juniper being the dominant flavor accompanied by citrus and herbal notes.
  5. Boodles Gin is often praised for its versatility and suitability for classic gin cocktails like the Martini or Gin and Tonic.

Bombay Sapphire:

  1. Bombay Sapphire is another well-known gin brand, produced by Bacardi Limited.
  2. Unlike Boodles, Bombay Sapphire is known for its distinctive blue bottle and its contemporary take on gin.
  3. It features a more complex botanical blend, including ingredients like juniper, coriander, lemon peel, grains of paradise, cubeb berries, and almonds.
  4. Bombay Sapphire has a lighter and more floral profile compared to traditional London Dry gins, with a prominent citrusy and aromatic character.
  5. It’s often favored by those who enjoy modern-style gin cocktails and experimental mixes, thanks to its versatile and approachable flavor profile.
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In summary, while both Boodles Gin and Bombay Sapphire are gin brands, they offer different experiences to the consumer. Boodles leans towards a classic London Dry style with a focus on juniper, while Bombay Sapphire offers a more contemporary and botanical-forward profile. Ultimately, the choice between them comes down to personal taste preferences and cocktail preferences.

Gilbeys Gin (Gilbey Gin)

Gilbeys Gin is a classic juniper-led London Dry Gin from Gilbey’s.

The brand was founded in London in 1857 by brothers Walter and Albert Gilbey in the basement of a retail shop on Oxford Street. Gilbeys vs Gordon's Gin

What Does Gilbey’s Gin Look & Taste Like?

Gilbeys Gin is crystal clear with light, floral aromas of juniper along with hints of sweet orange.

The palate is clean, light, and dry.

Gilbey’s gin is assertive and sharp, flavored by botanicals such as  juniper, coriander, lemongrass, orange peel, kalamansi, angelica root, cinnamon and nutmeg.

The finish is moderately long with lingering citrus notes. The gin is distilled from grain neutral spirits along with 12 other botanicals.

How Is Gin Gilbeys Best Drunk?

Gilbeys has a reputation of being an inexpensive gin. It may be enjoyed on its own, as part of a mixed drink, or as a base for cocktails.

READ ALSO: Tanqueray No 10 vs Bombay Sapphire & Other Gin Comparisons

Gilbey’s Gin vs Beefeater

Gilbey’s is a lighter gin than Beefeater. Starting with each gin’s alcohol content: Gilbey’s Gin is 37.5% ABV while Beefeater is 40-47% ABV depending on which market you drink it in.

As I mentioned above, Gilbey’s Gin has light, floral aromas of juniper along with hints of sweet orange while Beefeater Gin has big juniper character and strong citrus notes.

From personal experience, Gilbey’s Gin has a bit of a forgettable taste in the mouth while Beefeater is bound to make a stronger impression, be it positive or negative, depending on your personal preferences.

Is Gilbeys Gin Good?

Gilbey’s Gin is known for its smooth and balanced flavor profile, making it a suitable choice for classic gin cocktails like the gin and tonic or the martini. However, taste preferences can vary among individuals, so what one person considers good may not be the same for another.

Gilbey’s Gin is often regarded as a mid-range gin option that offers decent quality at an affordable price. It is distilled using a blend of botanicals, including juniper berries, coriander, and citrus peels, which contribute to its characteristic flavor.

See also  Beefeater Gin Country of Origin & More

Ultimately, whether Gilbey’s Gin is good or not depends on your personal taste preferences. If you enjoy a well-rounded, versatile gin that can be used in various cocktails, it may be worth trying. However, if you prefer gins with more pronounced flavors or a higher level of complexity, you may want to explore other options in the market.

Beefeater vs Bombay Sapphire/Bombay Sapphire vs Beefeater/Bombay vs Beefeater: What Does Bombay Gin Taste Like?

My experience of these two gins is that they have quite similar characters. Perhaps the reason for this is that the version I have tasted of both these gins is the stronger US version which are both 47% ABV.

What that tastes like on the palate for one’s usual mix of gin and tonic is a more pungent (almost bitter) gin and tonic.

Furthermore, Bombay Sapphire is made with 10 different botanicals and Beefeater is made with 9, seven of which they share in common: juniper berries, coriander seeds, liquorice or liquorice root, almonds, lemon peel, orris root, and angelica root.

Bombay Sapphire Gin vs Gordons Gin/Gordons London Dry Gin vs Bombay Sapphire

If you would like to know what I think about Bombay Sapphire vs. Gordon’s gin, click here.

READ ALSO: Who Owns Beefeater Gin & More

Beefeater or Gordons: What is Gordon’s Gin?

Gordon’s gin is the world’s number one best-selling (and my favorite) gin. It has been made to the same recipe since the late 18th century.

Gordon’s gin is the only gin to display the royal coat of arms on its bottle, by appointment of Her Majesty the Queen of England.

Tasting Notes
Nose: Fresh, with juniper and citrus
Palate: Dry and fresh, with juniper and citrus
Finish: Short and light, with juniper and citrus
The makers of Gordon’s gin recommend that it be drunk in a gin and tonic, served with a wedge of lime—first squeezed into the cocktail and then dropped in.

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Gordons or Beefeater: My Personal Take on Gordon’s Gin vs Beefeater

If you ask me which gin I would like in a gin & tonic, my default response would be Gordon’s gin. If that were not an option, I would then request for Hendrick’s, especially if I could have cucumber in my G & T.

Hendrick's Gin and Tonic with Cucumber

Although I do find Beefeater an aromatic gin, at 47% alcohol by volume, it is a bit too strong for me.

That 7% difference between Beefeater and Gordon’s is not only one I can taste but also one I can feel quickly, even after one drink, so I definitely prefer Gordon’s vs Beefeater.

Readers Weigh in on Gordon’s vs Beefeater

Matthew D. Erulkar, a reader, had this to say about the two gins:

I have drunk Gordons and found it tasting either oily or like paint thinner. Gilbey’s really does not have a pronounced character of any sort, but I prefer that to the citric tones of Beefeaters.

Gordon's vs Beefeater: Gins on a shelf

VaSlim, another reader, had this to say:

Hey, without question; different gins for the two very differed different drinks……….

1. Gilbey’s for a martini if you can’t afford Beefeater,

2. Burnett’s for a gin & tonic if you can’t afford Tanqueray.

But Gordon’s is one gin that can do both!!! Besides, if it was good enough for 007 (although it was 94 proof in the day vs. the present 80), surely it is good enough for us mere mortals!!!”

London Dry Gin vs Bombay Sapphire

Bombay Sapphire is also a London Dry gin.

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London Dry gins don’t have to be made in London, rather the name refers to a style of gin.

A London Dry gin is a type of gin that doesn’t use any artificial ingredients.

To make a London Dry Gin, distillers balance piney juniper notes with a dealer’s choice of botanicals and spices.

Bombay Sapphire East Difference

The difference between regular Bombay Sapphire and Bombay Sapphire East is only two botanicals added to the latter.

On top of the ten botanicals used to make regular Bombay Sapphire gin, Bombay Sapphire East is also made with Thai lemongrass and Vietnamese black pepper.

Here’s a short video telling you more about that.

What does that translate to on the palate though?

On the palate, Bombay Sapphire East has a stronger black pepper taste than regular Bombay Sapphire.

It shines particularly in a gin and tonic because the original thinking behind Bombay Sapphire East was to create a gin that stood up better in a gin and tonic to increasingly sweeter tonic water brands.

Gilberts Gin

Gilbert’s Gin is a Zimbabwean London Dry Gin made by African Distillers Limited.

It’s a delicate blend of 12 natural ingredients giving it a smooth refreshing taste with a hint of citrus.

Believe it or not, the world’s most popular gin is one that you probably have never heard of before (at least I hadn’t ever heard of it until I sought to answer this question). It is Ginebra San Miguel, a gin made in the Philippines.

Ginebra San Miguel is the most popular gin in the world by volume, having sold 31.2 million cases in 2020.

Second to Ginebra San Miguel comes Gordon’s Gin (my favorite gin), which in 2020 sold 6.7 million cases of gin.

The next most popular gins by volume are Bombay Sapphire, Tanqueray, Beefeater, Seagram’s, Larios, and Hendrick’s (my second favorite gin), in that order.

Photo Credits: Gilbey’s Kenya, Foreedontz MIU, Private Bar, Haute Apple Pie

33 comments

  1. Hehe, personally I tend to lay off the spirits, they make me too sick! And it all started with that sapphire pictured there! The horror I went through! LOL!

    I’m thinking of starting a review website, and I would love your input in it, seeing as how your blog is absolutely fantastic. If you’re interested do let me know and we’ll discuss.

    cHiArZ!!

    1. Hi Loco,

      Welcome to ChickAboutTown!

      Bombay Sapphire – say no more!:-) Though I am an avid gin drinker, there is something about Bombay Sapphire that I just can’t stand – that’s despite it supposedly being a very good quality gin.

      Thanks for the kudos on this site. I’d definitely love to hear more about the review website you would like to start. Tell me more by email. My address is simply: [email protected]. I look forward to hearing more from you.

      Biche

      P.S. I just visited your blog, and I love that poetry entry from April 19. 🙂

  2. Biche,
    I have never compared Gordon’s and Gilbeys, as I am a sporadic gin drinker. And when I do, it’s usualy a Uganda Waragi( a drink that I shan’t rubbish for purely sentimental attachment reasons). And then one day, one fateful day, I had a gin and tonic made with Bombay Sapphire. A party in my mouth is what I can only describe it as. Wonderful taste, smell and with the crispness(is there such a word?)of the tonic, I was in heaven. Since then, I have been experimenting throwing all kinds of herbs, Rosemary, Mint, lemon rind into my waragi bottle for a few days. It’s not quite Bombay Sapphire but it does hold its end as a one-off drink, boutique Waragi I call it. To the next few drinks at Dar-alive…Citizen of the World

    1. Hi Citizen of The World!

      How great it is to see you, here on ChickAboutTown. Welcome!

      Seeing your choice of handles, I must ask: are you now back safely at home? Or are you still gallivanting the world? 🙂 (Gosh, I dreamed of your Easter Sunday Dinner/Lunch all day that day and would have loved to be nowhere else more than hanging out at your place! I hope it was as fabulous as it sounded when you were planning it! :-))

      Speaking of boutique Waragi (a drink definitely NOT to be rubbished – I tell you Tanzanian Konyagi can’t even begin to hold a candle to it!), I’ve had some of your wonderful Waragi on occasion. Remember the weekend I was in town and you had limes from your home country? Yummy! Rosemary, mint, lemon rind? Why Citizen – your just so creative! That should make sense though because gins differ simply because of the flavoring added to the base spirit. Which flavor have you liked most?

      But that’s where our agreement comes to an end. Despite Bombay Sapphire being a supposedly really good gin, it’s the one gin that I categorically don’t drink. To me it tastes horrendous. Mais comme ils disent, les goûts et les couleurs ne se discutent pas. 🙂

      Thanks for sharing. I look forward to hearing more from you on ChickAboutTown.

      Big Hugs,
      Biche

  3. I have to say that I have recently had to ask myself what my favourite drink is – Gin does not do it for me anymore… (as such I am not able to comment on the debate raging here :-)) One of the commentators said Bombay Saphire setting off a party in his/her mouth – I’d be hard pressed to say that about any one alchoholic drink!! :-/

    1. Hi Cons!

      Welcome back here. I haven’t seen you here in a while. It’s a great pleasure!

      By Gin not doing it for you anymore, are you referring to waragi? Chica, how can you sell out? 😉

      So what seems to be taking its place? For me, someone recently mixed me a vodka and Krest Bitter Lemon, and to quote Citizen, that set off a party in my mouth! Yummy!

      Talk to me.

      Biche

  4. Gilbey’s… definitely. it gets better mixed with tonic i think. the one i would not recommand is larios, which tastes quite acid lol. Shame i can’t find some gilbey’s in my small french town anymore, not even the blue saphirre (but i couldn’t afford the blue one lol)

  5. Hi Zelou and Richard,

    To both of you, welcome to ChickAboutTown!

    Zelou, thanks for weighing in about which of these two gins you prefer. I have never tried Larios but I will keep my eye out for it (out of curiosity). By blue sapphire did you mean Bombay Sapphire? That has to be my least favorite gin ever!

    Richard, I have heard good things about Tanqueray, but I don’t think I’ve ever had some myself. Thanks for weighing in too!

    Biche

  6. Love Bombay Dry London Gin, but couldn’t afford it this weekend and opted for Gilbey’s because it is cheaper. I have drunk Gordons and found it tasting either oily or like paint thinner. Gilbey’s really does not have a pronounced character of any sort, but I prefer that to the citric tones of Beefeaters. So far, Gilbey’s is not bad. I detect some juniper and other aromatics but nowhere near the complexity in Bombay’s gin’s. BTW Biche, Bombay Sapphire is as characterless as any poor gin I’ve drunk. Not too impressed with Tanqueray, either.

    1. Hi Matthew,

      Welcome to ChickAboutTown! Thanks for your feedback on your experience with Gilbey’s–you seem to be quite the gin connoisseur! 🙂

      Biche

  7. I’ve always liked Gilbey’s for a cheap gin. I just moved in with my girlfriend, and she bought Gordon’s by accident. I’ll see how the unintentional taste test goes tonight.

      1. I’m not trying to negate your opinion, but your must realize Gordons is a dry gin designed for the Martini, and Gilbeys is an aromatic gin designed to mix with tonic to release it’s pungency and aroma. Their design is intended to serve an entirely different purpose.

  8. I came here because I wanted to learn more about Gilbey’s. I’d never heard of it before I saw it in a store today. Gordon’s is my usual dry gin and I love it. Now I know that, although it’s cheaper, Gilbey’s isn’t worth the risk.

    Great site! East Africa is such a fascinating part of the world.

    1. Hi Ewan,

      Welcome to ChickAboutTown!

      It’s not that there’s really any risk to Gilbey’s, it’s just that it’s not the same great taste as Gordon’s.

      Thanks for the kudos on my blog. I am glad you are enjoying East Africa!

      Biche

  9. Which do you prefer is a silly question…with it’s automatic distinctive juniper flavor, Gilbeys is clearly a divinely flavored gin intended to savor and mix with tonic, whereas Gordon’s, the polar opposite, a well blended biting and very dry gin, is a must for the martini.. I would never make a martini with Gilbeys, nor a gin and tonic with Gordons, but in implementing them for the purpose they were designed for, they are second to none.

    1. Hi Jeff,

      Welcome to ChickAboutTown! That’s such an interesting thing to point out. I would have NEVER thought to consider that the two gins were designed for different purposes…but then again, I don’t drink Martini cocktails. The only time I ever tasted a martini cocktail (at a Ritz-Carlton in the US), I spat it out immediately and asked the waitress for a Martini Bianco which is what I had really meant to order when I asked for a Martini.

      Thanks for teaching me something new!

      Biche

  10. Hi Biche and Jeff!

    Firstly Biche, my company has done all the Spurs and Panarottis in Tanzania. My last project was Akemi on the 21st Floor in Dar.

    My favorite place though,is at the Karambezi in the Sea cliff,sipping a Dry Martini, as the dhows sail past!

    Speaking of Martinis, this is it for me; two tots Gilbeys, one tot Martini Dry Vermouth. Mix with crushed ice and pour over ten small Manzilla Olives. DO NOT turf the ice….. Heaven on Earth!
    I call it the Millionaire’s Martini!

    Now Jeff I have been tasting Gins for years. For me Gilbeys has the cleanest purest flavor of the lot. The botanicals are all there but subtle.
    I love Gordon’s in G&T but for the subtle mix of Gin, Vermouth and Manzilla Olive and Brine, the Gilbeys is clean and super dry!

    Roger…….live life to the max!

    1. Hi Roger,

      Welcome to ChickAboutTown! Before I say anything about gin, let me first say: hats off to you for the design of Akemi! It is gorgeous! (I wish the food lived up to the decor and the view though…but that’s a subject for another day.)

      Yes, Karambezi epitomizes some of the best things Dar has to offer. When I first moved here, I would go there every weekend.

      Now on the subject of gin and gin cocktails: that Millionaire’s Martini sounds exciting. Since I have only ever had a Martini cocktail once in my life (and I didn’t like it), I think it’s high time I try it out again. I’ll get back to you on that!

      Thanks for leaving me a comment.

      Biche

  11. This is very fascinating, You’re a very skilled blogger.
    I’ve joined your rss feed and look ahead to in search of
    extra of your fantastic post. Additionally, I have shared your site in my social networks

    1. Hi FreeCinemaMovies,

      Welcome to Chick About Town, and thank you for the compliment.

      Thank you too for joining my RSS feed and sharing my site on your social networks. I truly appreciate it!

      Biche

  12. Hey, without question; different gins for the two very differed different drinks……….

    1. Gilbey’s for a martini if you can’t afford Beefeater,

    2. Burnett’s for a gin & tonic if you can’t afford Tanqueray.

    But Gordon’s is one gin that can do both!!! Besides, if it was good enough for 007 (although it was 94 proof in the day vs. the present 80), surely it is good enough for us mere mortals!!!

    1. Hi VaSlim,

      Welcome to Chick About Town. Thanks for weighing in on the subject.

      I have never tried Gilbey’s in a martini, and I have never had Burnett’s at all. Thanks for tips…I’ll try them out.

      Biche

  13. Greetings all. I live in Colorado but recently travelled in East Africa and really enjoyed it. Burnetts is the best cheap American gin ( I’m drinking some right now). Thin on the finish but otherwise quite palatable. Beyond that I just move up to Sapphire or Tangueray. Maybe the choice of vermouth affects the martini? We are recently having a big to-do over Deep Eddy’s and Tito’s vodka. Is vodka supposed to taste oily?

    1. Hi Phil,

      Welcome to Chick About Town! Thanks for your comment.

      I’ve never had Burnetts, nor have I seen it in liquor stores in East Africa. I will have to look more closely.

      To the best of my knowledge, vodka is not supposed to taste oily. I don’t even know how Vodka could taste that way. 😆

      Do you think one of the two vodkas you mention tastes that way? Which one?

      Biche

  14. I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the
    page layout of your site? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
    But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with
    it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having
    one or two pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?

  15. When I compared Gordons to Gilbeys side by side I didn’t see any difference. I wondered if it was the same gin in 2 different bottles. Its more money but I like Boodles gin when I can find it. Or Bulldog gin is another favorite.

    1. Hi Stevey,

      Welcome to Chick About Town! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on different gins. I’ve never heard or seen either Boodles gin or Bulldog gin before. What country do you normally find them in?

      Biche

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