How to Taste Gin Like a Pro

A Guide for Adelaide Gin Lovers

Tasting gin is more than just sipping and swallowing — it’s about slowing down, engaging your senses, and discovering the layers of flavour in every pour. Whether you’re new to gin or a seasoned connoisseur, this guide will help you unlock the finer details in your next G&T or neat sip.

At Flagship Distillery, we craft our small-batch gin with care, using high-quality South Australian botanicals. And while you can enjoy our award-winning gin at venues across Adelaide, from Henley Beach to the Hills, this post is all about the experience of tasting.

1. Start With the Look

Before you even smell or taste the gin, take a moment to look at it in the glass. A high-quality gin should be clear, with no cloudiness or sediment. Swirl it gently and notice how it clings to the sides — known as the “legs” — which can give you clues about the alcohol content and mouthfeel.

2. Engage Your Nose

Aromatics are a huge part of gin tasting. Swirl the glass and take a few gentle sniffs (don’t stick your nose in too deep). You might pick up on:

• Juniper – the signature note of any true gin

• Citrus – lemon, lime, grapefruit or orange peel

• Spice – coriander, cardamom, pepper

• Herbaceous – rosemary, basil, or native botanicals

• Floral – lavender, chamomile or rose

Each Flagship gin has its own scent profile. Some are crisp and citrus-forward, others have a warm, spicy finish — and your nose will help you spot the difference before you take a sip.

3. Taste in Stages

Take a small sip and let it move around your mouth. Gin has a range of flavours that reveal themselves in layers:

• Up front: Bright citrus or sharp juniper

• Mid-palate: Herbal, spicy or earthy notes

• Finish: The lingering sensation — it could be smooth, warm, peppery or even sweet

Pay attention to how the gin feels — is it silky, dry, oily, or crisp? The texture tells you just as much as the flavour.

4. Try It With and Without Tonic

Tasting gin neat helps you understand the spirit on its own. But try adding a splash of tonic or soda water and see how the flavour evolves. Some botanicals bloom when mixed, revealing new character that was muted on its own.

Pro tip: Use a neutral or premium tonic water without overpowering flavours so the gin remains the hero.

5. Cleanse Your Palate Between Tastings

If you're sampling a few different gins in one session (lucky you!), cleanse your palate with a sip of water or a bite of something neutral like unsalted crackers. This helps you reset and appreciate each gin individually.

6. Keep Notes and Explore

No two gins are the same. Keeping a tasting journal helps you remember what you enjoyed — and what you didn’t. Over time, you’ll begin to develop a clearer sense of your personal gin style, whether it’s bold and spicy or light and floral.

Taste Flagship Gin Across Adelaide

Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to taste Flagship Gin in the wild. You can find our handcrafted gin served at some of Adelaide’s best pubs, cocktail bars, restaurants, and coastal venues. Explore our Where to Drink Flagship Gin blog for a full list of local favourites.

Raise your glass to flavour, not just refreshment — and start tasting gin with intention.
Cheers from the team at Flagship Distillery.