I tested supermarket gins – the winner was a bargain that tastes just like a top brand
A REFRESHING gin and tonic is definitely one of Britain's most loved drinks.
But the cost of the juniper-based spirit has risen by five percent in 12 months.
The increase is due to the increase in excise duties and higher overhead costs for producers.
And thanks to 'gin inflation', the average price of a bottle is now £17.
But there are plenty of supermarket own versions you can try for a bargain.
Drinks expert Helena Nicklin gives her opinion and gives a mark out of five.
Aldi, Greysons London Dry £11.99 (70cl), 37.5%
★★★★☆
IF you squint, you can pretend this is a much more expensive competitor to Gordon.
What Aldi's better option doesn't quite deliver in terms of balance and mouthfeel, it makes up for in price.
9
And it's perky and spicy enough to feel like you have a decent drink in your hand.
Combine it with a dash of Indian tonic for a classic G&T.
Lidl, Hortus Artisan London Dry £15.49 (50cl), 40%
★★★☆☆
THIS stylish looking bottle has a higher ABV, which also means a higher price.
But it's still much cheaper than most big name gins, with a well-structured, fuller mouthfeel.
9
Very citrusy and fresh with notes of green herbs and lots of juniper.
Just a light alcohol burn tempered by a tonic.
Perfect for a spicy G&T.
Aldi, Haysmith's London Dry £15.49 (70cl), 40%
★★★★☆
WITH its sophisticated packaging and higher ABV you can taste that this is Aldi's premium London Dry.
Very well balanced with a strong juniper flavor, it doesn't take much to make it shine.
9
Great with mixers or in cocktails, it's a little more expensive than the other option in the store, but still cheaper than big brands.
Worth the extra money.
Sainsbury's London Dry £11.99 (70cl), 37.5%
★★☆☆☆
A CHEAP and cheerful, lighter gin that isn't so heavy on the botanicals and a little rough around the edges.
Comes in a no-frills bottle, but if it's just the contents that matter, you can't argue with the price.
9
Ideal for heavier cocktails such as a Negroni, where it is mixed.
The accompanying vermouth and Campari will counteract the heaviness.
Tesco London Dry £13 (70cl), 37.5%
★★★★★
FANS of the popular but pricey Gordon's gin will be impressed with this supermarket version, as it comes quite close in flavor profile.
With its slightly lighter ABV and impressive smoothness, plus a blend of citrus, juniper and a hint of coriander seed, this is a fantastic spirit at a great price.
9
Makes a mean Martini with a twist.
Asda London Dry £13 (70cl), 37.5%
★★★★☆
GIN lovers will find this a solid buy and a real pound-saving, fresh competitor that delivers on taste and offers good value for money.
There's a lot of botanical flavor in this spirit and while it's a bit more subtle than others, it still slides down very easily with ice and a slice.
9
Finish it off with Indian or flavored tonic.
M&S London Dry £14 (70cl), 37.5%
★★☆☆☆
Do you prefer a less juniper flavor to your gin?
Then you will probably like this budget bottle from M&S.
9
Light in mouthfeel and taste, it is a very zesty and lemony spirit.
Good value, but would definitely be better mixed with a fruity flavored tonic such as rhubarb or elderflower, rather than drinking straight Indian water.
Morrisons London Dry £13 (70cl), 37.5%
★☆☆☆☆
The label may say London Dry, but this supermarket's own drink is unfortunately not a classic.
With a strong burn of alcohol there is a distinct chemically lemony note that keeps it from being a delicious drink.
9
Very unfortunate, because it is a good price.
Stick to mixing in sweet cocktails.