There’s something quite special about finally tasting a spirit that’s been years in the making.

I first had a conversation with the team behind Salford Rum many years ago about their plans to launch a gin. Even back then, you could tell it wasn’t going to be rushed. They were clear that if they were going to do it, it had to be done properly.

Fast forward to now, and that patience shows.

The new release from Salford Gin isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. It isn’t chasing trends. It isn’t trying to be the loudest bottle on the back bar.

Instead, it delivers something refreshingly confident: a very classic Manchester gin, executed beautifully.

If you’re searching for one of the best Manchester gins with a smooth, juniper-led profile — this deserves your attention.

The Bottle & Artwork

Before we even get to the pour, let’s talk about the packaging.

Salford Gin arrives in a striking green glass bottle that mirrors the aesthetic of their rum range. Wrapped around it is the now-signature illustrated artwork by Dave Draws — bold, detailed and instantly recognisable.

It’s distinctive without being gimmicky.

Their rum bottles are already permanent guests on my gin shelf (yes, I appreciate the irony), so seeing the gin join them feels like a natural evolution rather than a side project. The consistency in branding gives it proper shelf presence — whether at home or behind a Manchester bar.

It looks premium. It feels considered. And it absolutely holds its own among established UK craft gin brands.

Salford Gin Botanicals & Tasting Notes

Salford Gin is distilled with a carefully selected mix of:

Juniper

Willow bark

Citrus peel

Lemon balm

And that balance shows immediately.

On the Nose

The juniper sings.

It’s bold, clean and unmistakably classic from the first swirl. Alongside it, the citrus feels super fresh — bright rather than sharp — giving it lift without overpowering the traditional backbone.

It smells like proper gin should.

Neat

Tasted neat, the mouthfeel is one of its standout qualities. It’s incredibly smooth with a rounded, almost silky texture that coats the palate without feeling heavy.

The juniper remains centre stage, supported by gentle herbal notes from the lemon balm and a subtle dryness that hints at the willow bark. It’s balanced and mature, not flashy.

Classic doesn’t mean basic.

It means composed.

How to Serve Salford Gin

The G&T – Where It Comes Alive

While it’s impressive neat, it’s with tonic that Salford Gin truly comes alive.

The citrus brightens further, the juniper sharpens beautifully, and the herbal notes stretch out into a long, clean finish. With a quality Indian tonic and a simple citrus garnish, it becomes incredibly moreish.

No elaborate garnishes required.

Just good tonic, plenty of ice, and let the gin do the talking.

Martini Worthy?

Absolutely.

Its clean structure and confident juniper profile make it ideal for a classic stirred Martini. Ice cold, with a twist — and you have a serve that showcases exactly why this deserves recognition among the best Manchester gins for cocktail use.

Where to Buy Salford Gin in Manchester

Salford Gin is available via the brand directly and through selected Manchester stockists.

You’ll likely find it:

In independent bottle shops across Manchester

Behind the bar in city centre cocktail venues

Via the official Salford Gin website

If you’re building a collection of the best Manchester gins, this is one worth tracking down.

Is Salford Gin One of the Best Manchester Gins?

If you’re looking for:

A smooth Manchester gin

A juniper-forward classic

A beautifully designed green glass bottle

A gin that genuinely improves with tonic

Then yes — Salford Gin absolutely belongs in that conversation.

It isn’t experimental. It isn’t gimmicky.

It’s a confident, traditional gin that has taken its time — and that patience shows in every pour.

After years of waiting to see this project come to life, it feels like the right kind of release.

Sometimes simple is exactly what you want.

And when it’s done this well? It’s more than enough