Chloe: It's got a lovely nutmeg finish - which explains the slightly nutty taste. It doesn't seem like any of the other gins we've had so far. It would make a nice gift: Score: 8/10 This is the original Christmas gin, first produced by the distillers at Sacred Spirits in Highgate, London in 2010. The gin is made by macerating a Christmas pudding for three months, before being cold-distilled with juniper. The pudding is based on a family recipe of Sacred founder, Ian Hart. The gin has crisp, classic juniper on the nose with a rich, fruity spiciness. The texture is exceptional, accompanied by light buttery notes, vine fruit, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar, before an elegant, dry finish. This is a lovely all-rounder, but particularly superb in a Martini made with gin poured straight from the freezer. Insider tip: Complete your visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse or The Queen’s Gallery with homemade cakes and tea.

So as you can imagine, the competing gin companies have been racing against each other to bring the ultimate Christmas gin to the market, and grab a slice of that lucrative festive action before December 25.Robert: It's very strong (43%) so you definitely need a good slug of tonic. It smells like Christmas for sure, it's festive and spicy. Tastes pretty good as well. Score: 9/10 That’s why we invented our ‘Crimbo Limbo’ gin calendar, to help people navigate that curious gap in the year, when it’s okay to eat chocolates from a selection box for breakfast and lounge in your pyjamas all day. Whether you want something to add oomph to a mulled punch, a soothing spirit for a hot gin toddy, or a festive swap for your gin and tonic or Negroni go-to, the gin world has plenty of seasonal specialities at the ready. We have sampled a few of this season’s offerings to give you a sense of the variety on the market and, perhaps, introduce you to a new favourite. The results are highly regarded as they are independently audited by a panel of experts and judged live in a rigorously assessed blind tasting event. This festive gin made in Edinburgh is flavoured with frankinscense and myrrh. It also has "sweet orange notes and lingering spice from cinnamon and nutmeg."

Hidden Curiosities Aranami Strength Gin – citrus twist / sliced pear and a sprinkling of dried barberries / Japanese sour plum, strawberry, or golden kiwi / shiso leaf dusted with crushed sansho pepper In the highly sought-after taste competition, 11 Gold Medals were presented with Edinburgh Gin collecting two gold medals. Chair of the judging panel, Adam Hardie, Partner and Head of Food and Drink at Johnston Carmichael, said: “It continues to be a very tough and challenging year but many are not just surviving but excelling. The ultimate award, Scottish Gin Distillery of the Year, was presented for a second year in a row to North Uist Distillery. They also collected the award for Best New Product of the Year for their Downpour Coast & Croft Gin. As well as its signature London Dry gin, the limited-edition calendar includes exclusive festive flavours like Chocolate Orange and Spiced Pear & Cinnamon making this the ideal treat for any gin aficionado.

The LIVE virtual tastings are carried out in the last week of the month. Please keep an eye on our socials for confirmed dates! Almost 200 gins - all distilled in Scotland - were blind tasted this year and medals awarded in 11 categories.

Browse our exciting and unique craft gin flavours including wild organic gin, rose gin, & lavender gin. Whether you're looking to treat yourself with our unique botanic gin flavours, shopping for a luxury gin gift or gin hamper for a special someone, or looking for gin minatures as a perfect gin taster, we have the best luxury gin gifts for all occasions. East Princes Street will host market stalls selling arts and crafts and f estive food and drinksand the Christmas Market Palace of Holyroodhouse will offer festive events for adults and children through November and December. You can find here the details of the events. They will decorate apartments and the Royal Dining Room with flowers, wreaths and spires of faux candied sugared fruits.Hayman’s Family Reserve Gin– lime wedge Hayman’s London Dry Gin – lemon peel Hayman’s Old Tom Gin – wedge of lemon and lime