Review: Luxardo London Dry Gin (2026)

Technically Luxardo Italian London Dry Gin, this is the creation of the well-regarded maraschino producer. Nine botanicals are included in the botanical bill — juniper, coriander, iris, angelica, licorice, cinchona, cinnamon, cardamom, and bitter oranges — which are infused for 24 hours in alcohol (unstated in origin) before redistillation in copper pot stills. The recipe has been in production since the early 1900s.

We reviewed the gin in 2020 and are back again with a fresh look.

Luxardo London Dry Gin (2026) Review

Of the above listed botanicals, one really stands out: anise (or licorice), which is almost overwhelming on the nose with its pungent, fennel-laced overtones. If you gravitate to licorice tones in your gin, this is the selection for you. Time in glass helps some of that anise to blow off, lifting the juniper as well as some of the citrus in the infusion, sweeter here than was perhaps expected. Hints of milk chocolate and vanilla further a dessert theme, if subtly. Nevertheless, anise runs the show here, followed by earthy juniper elements.

The palate is brighter than expected given that setup, its greenery feeling fresher and less earthy than the nose telegraphs. Anise plays more of a supporting role here alongside cinnamon and cardamom, again with hints of orange, here with more peel, and studded with cloves. The finish remains earthy, maybe a little muddy, leaning into the more bitter elements in the mix. A quality tonic serves the gin quite well, coaxing out more citrus and spice and creating a clean little cocktail.

86 proof.

B / $35

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