Christmas is fast approaching, while some people would argue it's not been Halloween yet, there aren't all that many paydays left between now and December 25.
Which means it's not the worst idea to start picking up some bits for your Christmas parties now.
For those who indulge in alcohol (please drink responsibly and only of legal age), there's one particular spirit that remains massively popular: gin.
Whether it's glittering bottles filled with gold flakes, Sloe gins that look beautiful in a glass or just a classic for your guests, it's a staple at any Christmas party.
With so many to pick from it can be hard to figure out which ones you should actually pick up.
Luckily over at The Reviews Club, we've been looking for the best ones so you know what to get.
Hernö Sloe Gin
RRP £39.95. 30% ABV. At time of writing available on Amazon and Master of Malt for just £37.42
Hernö Sloe Gin is fruity and rich, I found it to taste just like Christmas.
There was a distinct spice to the gin with I found warming and I can see this going down a treat.
The flavour is gentle which I'm a big fan of as I find some spirits can be slightly overpowering.
I think if you're having a Christmas party, Sloe gin is an essential and Hernö's is my personal favourite.
Rating: 5/5
Hernö Old Tom Gin
RRP £34.95. 43% ABV. At time of writing available on Amazon and Master of Malt for just £32.67
I'm a big fan of flavoured gins, I often find that I reach for them sooner than I do for classic London dry gins.
Hernö Old Tom Gin has a lot of the same notes as a classic gin, but there's an additions of honey that elevates the floral notes.
I was pleasantly surprised with the flavour of this one with it actually being really enjoyable for someone who almost exclusively opts for flavoured gins - it was very smooth even with the high alcohol volume.
This is a great gin for those trying to expand their palette.
Rating: 5/5
Infusionist Gold Flake Gin Liqueur - Blackberry
RRP £13.99. 20% ABV. Available to buy from November 1
I love sweet drinks, my go to mixer is lemonade as I find tonic can often not be sweet enough so I was surprised to find myself actually thinking this was too sweet.
When drinking neat it's very thick and almost syrup-like, if you're a fan of this type of texture then it could be a winner.
It definitely needs a tonic mixer to cut through the sugar but I think it's a nice choice for a Christmas party since the bottle lights up - if you don't want to fork out a full £20 for the M&S bottles, this is a similar option at a lower price.
Rating: 3/5
M&S Light Up Snowglobe Gin Liqueur - Spiced Plum
RRP £20. 20% ABV. Available in a prosecco gift set to order online or it by the case.
In a world of flavoured Christmassy gin liqueurs that hit you on the head with their scented flavours, M&S's spiced plum version is a little bit different.
When you smell it or drink it neat over ice there is a much more traditional botanical gin feel to it, but as soon as you add a mixer the plum end notes really come through adding a sweetness and warmth that stays - just - the right side of too sweet.
Rating: 4/5
M&S Light Up Snowglobe Gin Liqueur - Clementine
RRP £20. 20% ABV. Available in a prosecco gift set to order online now or buy it by the case.
This gin smells and tastes like Christmas. It is very sweet and drinking it neat it feels a bit cloying on the teeth, but with a mixer in a long drink it is delicious and incredibly festive even before you factor in the light up bottle and gold leaf sparkles.
Rating: 5/5
Pomegranate & Raspberry LUXLO
RRP £30. 20% ABV. Available on Amazon
This is the one gin brand me and my friends always find ourselves talking about.
It seems quite bold to say it's the best you can buy, but I wholeheartedly believe it is.
It's sweet and the flavour comes through even with a single serving - I choose to mix with lemonade (from a can specifically).
It's delicious, as is the Passion Fruit flavour, and if you're only going to buy one bottle of gin for your Christmas party I'd make it this one.
Rating: 5/5
Opihr Gin Arabian Edition
RRP £26. 40% ABV. Available on Amazon or Master of Malt
This zesty gin kicks back a little, there's strong notes of pepper that I think are perfect if you don't have too much of a sweet tooth.
This pairs well with chilli or coriander, which makes it great for homemade cocktails.
If you're looking for something less sweet then this is the way to go.
Rating: 4/5
