Trader Joe’s is a treasure trove for value priced spirits. For under $15 they have multiple brands. But for under $10? They have Admiral Joseph’s Original London Dry Gin. There’s few better values in the world of gin than a London Dry Gin for as low as $8.99 (as of original purchase in February 2025).
The label is shy about production details aside from indicating it hails from Glen Catrine Distillers in the UK. This facility is now owned by Loch Lomond Group— perhaps best known for their Scotch Whisky.
Did you know Rear Admirals usually rank below Vice Admiral? Perhaps Trader Joe’s is leaving room for a product line expansion in the future…
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Clean, resinous, green juniper. Grapefruit pith and a touch of licorice. Warm with some heat and ethanol aroma as well.
Flavor: Rooty with quite a deal of licorice root. Coriander, pithy grapefruit, warm modicum of dark, somewhat resinous juniper fades into a warm, classically spice led finish with a hint of cassia, cardamom, and more rooty, earthy licorice.
Finish: Somewhat on the warm side, with a rooty, unctuous flavor. The mouthfeel is fairly astringent with a fair amount of raw ethanol character. In other words, as the flavors subside, you’re left with only the residual bitterness of ethanol.
Cocktails
At this price point, it’s an expectation that it works well in mixed drinks. I think it made a good, somewhat classic style gin and tonic that reminded me a bit of Tanqueray London Dry. It’s rather simple and straightforward. If you’re a gin and soda fan, I’d suggest going gin rickey, as the added fresh citrus will round out the somewhat harsh spirit that dominates the palate of Rear Admiral Joseph’s Gin.
In terms of cocktail craft, I’d look elsewhere. I’d avoid this gin in spirit-forward drinks like Martinis, Gibsons or Alaska Cocktails. You could probably mask some of its harsher qualities in a Negroni or White Lady; however, if you’re pairing a <$10 gin with ingredients that cost ~$30 or more?
Overall, Trader Joe’s Rear Admiral Joseph’s Gin
I never want to simply pan a gin for being affordable. For this price point? This might be the best gin you can buy for less than ten dollars for 750 ml. If that’s your goal— you’ve found your gin.
Judged as a product on its own merits, fans of classic juniper-forward gins will like the rather traditional flavor profile.
However, it pales in comparison to the next tier of gins. It’s harsher than Gordon’s and less balanced than Tanqueray.
Hot and ethanol forward, Trader Joe’s Rear Admiral Joseph Gin might be better describes as Midshipman Joseph’s Gin.