Gordon's London Dry Gin — The World's Bestseller, Assessed Without Sentiment
Gordon's London Dry Gin is a London Dry gin made by Alexander Gordon / Diageo. ABV: 37.5% ABV. Key botanicals include juniper, coriander, angelica, liquorice, orris root. Our expert rating is 6/10. community average is 8.0/10 from 7 reviews.
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Nose
Juniper is recognisable but thin — a pale echo of what this gin once offered at its original 40% strength. Lemon and orange peel provide a modest citrus brightness. Angelica and coriander add a faint herbal dryness, though neither asserts itself with any real conviction. The overall impression is clean but rather muted, as though the botanical charge has been heard through a closed door.
Palate
Light-bodied and somewhat lean at 37.5%. The juniper is present but lacks the resinous depth one finds in fuller-strength London Drys. Coriander adds a touch of warmth, and the citrus peels contribute a pleasant but fleeting brightness. Liquorice rounds the mid-palate gently. The mouthfeel is noticeably thinner than it once was — a direct consequence of the reduced ABV in the UK and European markets.
Finish
Short and clean. The juniper fades quickly, leaving behind a mild citrus dryness and a faint herbal note. Functional rather than memorable.
Expert Review
6/10Alexander Gordon established his distillery in Bermondsey in 1769. More than 250 years later, his gin remains the world's bestselling London Dry. The question is whether heritage alone can sustain a reputation when the liquid has been quietly diminished.
Community Reviews
View All (7)No pretension, no gimmicks — just honest London Dry gin. The orris root and angelica provide that classic earthy backbone. At this price point, Gordon's remains the benchmark.
29 January 2026Gordon's has been making gin since 1769 for a reason. The balance of juniper, coriander, and liquorice root is timeless. Yes, I wish they'd kept it at 40%, but the recipe is still superb. A London Dry icon.
15 January 2026For the price, you genuinely cannot beat Gordon's. The juniper-forward profile with coriander warmth makes it a reliable G&T base. The short, clean finish is actually quite refreshing.
19 December 2025