By Kelly Magyarics, DWS, CSX editor-in-chief

You can spot a gin fan a mile away. They’re the ones who always have olives, fresh lemons and good vermouth on hand, who will debate which artisanal tonic is best, and who may have a propensity towards cocktails that were invented before Prohibition when gin was king. Do you have a gin lover in your life? Then you can’t do any better this holiday season than these four bottles. Whether their tastes lean towards the traditional or contemporary, these gins fare well in the shaker (and look gorgeous on the shelf.)

Aviation American Gin

This modern-style gin from Portland, Oregon, just got spiffy new Art Deco-inspired packaging. No matter the bottle style, though, this is a really interesting spirit. Juniper plays a back seat to other aromatic ingredients like lavender, cardamom and sarsaparilla—all are intended to capture the feel of the Pacific Northwest. “Aviation American Gin is an ideal gift to suit a variety of audiences — it’s a perfect choice for both the spirits enthusiast and the cocktail novice,” says Alexandra Sklansky, a rep for the company. “Its hand-selected botanicals provide a well-balanced flavor profile, without the overbearing juniper notes of many London Dry gins.”
Best for: Open minded gin-drinkers who don’t need a spirit that packs a wallop of juniper.
Try it in: The classic Aviation, of course, with crème de violette, maraschino liqueur and lemon.

The Botanist Islay Dry Gin

Made in Islay, Scotland by the Bruichladdich Distillery (more famous for their whisky), this gin boasts 9 classic botanicals along with 22 locally foraged herbs and flowers. It’s slowly distilled in a copper pot, meaning the final product retains its botanical essence and its distinctly Islay character. “The profile is light and delicate, a nice introduction for a gin newbie,” says Erik Holzherr, the “Gintender” who owns three bars in Washington, D.C. and is a member of the CSX Tasting Panel. “The bottle shimmers with braille-like lettering that looks like fine china, and will stand out on any home bar shelf.”
Best for: Vodka fans who are ready to take a plunge into the gin category.
Try it in: The Islay Dry Martini, stirred with Noilly Prat Vermouth and garnished with a lemon twist.

Nolet’s Silver Dry Gin

Produced from a unique combination of botanicals, this gin from the Netherlands has delicate and distinctive notes of Turkish rose, peach and raspberry. It’s made at a distillery that dates back to 1691 and is one of the oldest continuously run family businesses, and packaged in a dark green bottle with the Nolet family crest engraved in silver. The gin is one of Holzherr’s favorite spirits (he doesn’t use that term often) which he calls “premium in every sense of the word.” Bill Eldien, president and CEO of Nolet Spirits USA concurs. “Inspired by nearly 325 years of distilling expertise and tradition, NOLET’S Finest Gins are the result of the Nolet family’s passionate pursuit of excellence.”

Best for: The true gin connoisseur who would love an impressive bottle front and center on their shelf.Try it in: The Nolet’s Silver Business, with honey and fresh lime juice.

Sipsmith London Dry Gin

The botanicals for this barley grain-based, small batch London Dry Gin are sourced from all over Europe, including Macedonian juniper, Bulgarian coriander and Seville orange zest. Blended with Lydwell spring water, it’s a particularly dry spirit with a zesty, citrus finish. “This spirit is perfect for the gin connoisseur who likes the bold juniper and dry finish,” suggests Holzherr. “This elegant creation stands tall and proud like the swan on the label (which is a reference to the one-of-a-kind still it is made from.”Company rep Katie Canfield says, “With its stylish label and commitment to quality, Sipsmith appeals to both the traditional gin drinker and fans of craft spirits. Its balanced use of botanicals make it a complex base for classic cocktails.”
Best for: Traditional gin fans looking for other brands to give them their juniper fix.
Try it in: A classic Gin & Tonic, with Fever Tree Tonic Water and a juicy lime wedge.

Browse CSX’s entire selection of gins HERE.

Kelly Magyarics, DWS, is CSX’s editor-in-chief. She can be reached by email at kelly@drinkCSX.com, or on Twitter and Instagram @kmagyarics.