Unusual Gin: Strange Botanicals, Bold Flavors, and What Makes Them Stand Out

When you think of gin, you probably picture juniper, citrus, and a classic G&T. But unusual gin, a category of craft spirits that break from tradition with unexpected botanicals, distillation methods, and regional influences. Also known as experimental gin, it’s not about what’s traditional—it’s about what surprises you. These aren’t your dad’s gin bottles. They’re made by small distillers who treat gin like a blank canvas—adding things like pine needles, seaweed, pink peppercorns, or even local wildflowers. The result? Drinks that taste like forests, coastlines, or midnight gardens.

Take Monkey 47 gin, a German craft spirit with 47 different botanicals and 47% alcohol by volume. Also known as Black Forest gin, it’s one of the most talked-about gins in the world—not because it’s cheap, but because it’s complex. You taste pine, cranberry, and something vaguely herbal you can’t name. Then there’s Kirkland gin, Costco’s budget-friendly secret that rivals premium brands in flavor. It’s not exotic, but it proves you don’t need a fancy label to make something worth sipping. These aren’t just drinks—they’re stories in a bottle. And if you’ve ever wondered why some gins cost $80 while others sit at $20, the answer isn’t just branding. It’s the ingredients, the process, and the courage to try something nobody else did.

Unusual gin isn’t for everyone. Some people want clean, crisp, and familiar. But if you’ve ever tasted a gin that made you pause, then ask, "What even is that?"—you’re already in the right place. Below, you’ll find real reviews, comparisons, and deep dives into the weirdest, most wonderful gins on the shelf. No fluff. No hype. Just what these bottles actually taste like, why they cost what they do, and who they’re really for.