FIVE OF THE BEST: GINS FOR CHRISTMAS

From limited-edition seasonal specials to fruity sloe gins and aged expressions, there are plenty of reasons for gin lovers to discover new bottles at Christmas…

1 Boatyard Sloe Boat Gin

£28.95-£35.99/70cl Donard Wines, Fairley’s, KWM, The Good Spirits Co, The Whisky Exchange This dangerously drinkable sloe gin is made by Boatyard Distillery in Northern Ireland, steeping its signature gin in wild-harvested sloe berries for six months to create a fruity gin with aromas of plum, cranberry and spice. Bright red berry fruit – strawberries and cranberries – plus plum and mellow spice on the palate. Enjoy it neat or in a Charlie Chaplin: shake 30ml Sloe Boat Gin, 30ml apricot brandy and 25ml fresh lime juice with ice and strain into a Nick & Nora glass. Alcohol 29.8%

2 Eden Mill Red Wine Cask Gin

£40/70cl edenmill.com

Made in St Andrews, Scotland. Senior distiller Andrew Walker uses a base of Eden Mill Original Gin, which is aged in Amarone casks for 500 days. With a warm amber colour, this has a classic juniper nose, edged with brown spices and red berries. Creamy palate with mellow, earthy spices, ripe red berry notes and fresh juniper character. The peppery finish is laced with baking spices. Makes a distinctive G&T. Alc 42.5% 3 Edinburgh Gin Christmas Gin

£29.10-£35/70cl edinburghgin.com, Amazon UK, Craft56, Distillers Direct, Master of Malt, The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky World

Just like the three kings, this Scottish gin comes with frankincense and myrrh – botanicals that lend an exotic spiciness. They’re complemented by notes of sweet orange, ginger and baking spices (especially nutmeg), along with classic juniper. Garnish with a slice of orange for a festive G&T. The Edinburgh range also includes a Mulled Gin Liqueur (Alc 20%, £16.50) that you can pair with orange juice and sparkling wine for a twist on a Christmas Day Bucks Fizz. Alc 43%

4 Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin

£35-£40.95 Amazon UK, Master of Malt, The Gin Box Shop, The Whisky Exchange, Waitrose Cellar

Australian distiller Four Pillars makes a range of excellent products and this expression is based on its classic Rare Dry Gin, which has been steeped in local Shiraz grapes from Yarra Valley for eight weeks. With sweet red fruit notes, it’s one for fans of sloe gin (and red wine). Try it neat over ice with an orange slice or with bitter lemon in a long serve. Also look out for Four Pillars Spiced Negroni Gin (Alc 43.8%, £37.95 The Gin Box Shop), with botanicals including ginger and cinnamon: perfect for your festive Negronis. Alc 37.8%

5 Silent Pool Albury Winter Gin

£26/70cl silentpooldistillers.com

Made by top Surrey distiller Silent Pool, this seasonal gin features botanicals including tonka bean, chestnut flour, toasted ginger root and maple syrup. The nose is very aromatic, with Christmas spices, fruity cherry notes and freshly baked pastries. Layered, creamy and elegant palate, with notes of panettone, ginger and cherries, plus plenty of earthy depth and warming spice, along with a brisk juniper character. Alc 42% D