Taste test: gin

Bombay sapphire £15
One of the most popular gins on the market, Bombay Sapphire fared less well than expected in this completely blind tasting-to the surprise of all and the disgust of one panelist who is a self-confessed fan of "the blue bottle".

One verdict was that it "tasted a bit artificial", others pointed to an overly sweet flavour, although one panel member described it as "perfect with tonic". 3 stars

Martin Miller's westbourne £25
"An exceptional gin" was the overall view of this premium gin. Our tasters picked up "strong, fresh and floral notes", with more than one claiming that it "tasted of the countryside".

One of the more unusual comments of the tasting was that the strong citrus perfume reminded one panel member of "a tart's boudoir".  Presumably in a good way. 5 stars

Gordon's special dry london £11
If gins were footballers, Gordon's would be a reliable, if unspectacular, midfielder. It was the most consistent performer in the tasting, but with few notes other than "one-dimensional juniper".  Comments tended to be along the lines of "the classic G&T."

Other comments ranged from "traditional" and "very conventional" to "a bit weak, but very easy to drink". 3 stars

Juniper Green Organic £12
The first organic gin on the market and currently riding the green-shopping wave with some aplomb, Juniper Green also scored well with our panel, who rated it's spicy, smooth taste and the "perfectly pitched, dry structure".

Although none of the panel picked it out as organic, one detected a gooseberry "cat's pee" aroma similar to that in some Sauvignon Blancs. 5 stars

Tanqueray No.10 £22
A popular gin in this blind tasting, this heavy hitter scored well for its "zesty, citrus peel flavour". More than one commented on it's strange sensation in the mouth, with one saying it "fizzed, even without tonic". A couple also commented on the good balance and spicy finish.

The contents were judged as "classy and well structured", which could also be said of its stunning bottle. 4 stars

Hendrick's £20
The little bottle with the big reputation didn't fare too well in this blind test: it was love or hate.  One taster noted a "faint citrus aroma". Another noted that it "improved when tonic was added". 

It got a positive response from one of the panel, who described its key taste as "cucumber peel." Other flavours included fresh limes and aniseed. It's a gin that dares to be different and won't always win friends. 3 stars