The Cheap Aldi Gin That's Supposedly One Of The Best In The World

The warehouse giant Costco offers a sprawling lineup of popular, different liquors, like its smooth Kirkland Signature Vodka from France — which has topped even top-shelf vodkas in blind taste tests, per Buzzfeed. Some bartending experts have praised Trader Joe's easy-to-drink bourbon for its complex flavors and affordability, according to The Seattle Times. These are just two examples out of many which could indicate a rising trend: store-brand alcohols shocking experts for their unexpected quality. 

One of the most surprising examples of accomplished liquor lines coming from unexpected places is the success of Aldi's internationally award-winning gin. The German-based chain has already garnered popularity in the alcohol department for its affordable selection of wines, winning big in that category against top brands at the Melbourne International Wine Competition last month, per LAD Bible. As indicated by a 2017 graphic via the Aldi website, 24 of its wine varieties can be touted as award-winning. So while many chains have begun bringing real quality to their house alcohol, Aldi seems to be doing exceptionally well in that department. And if you're a fan of a quality gin & tonic, the International Wine and Spirits Competition highly recommends this gin from the chain. 

Aldi has much more to offer its customers beyond its drink collection. Sporting a well-rounded array of food items too, many people have become loyal Aldi customers. (One couple purportedly loved Aldi so much that they tied to knot in one of Aldi's store locations, per Today.) The chain recently won big at the Retail Gazette Awards for its quality selection, taking home the prize for best retailer over $500 million, according to the Retail Gazette. So what products are Aldi recognized for beyond its alcohol? A few, actually.

According to Supermarket News, Aldi has placed more than just its wine in the product of the year listings.  The chain took home seven of the 41 awards given out last year for its Stonemill Everything Bagel Seasoning, Friendly Farms Almondmilk Coffee Creamer, and White Cheddar Cheese Popcorn, among others. Apart from the hefty lineup of awards for products the chain already has on the shelves, many more potential contenders for best-of lists are coming our way. As Thrillist reports, the chain recently announced a slew of product releases for the end of 2022, including its seasonal candy cane almonds, caramel macarons, and even sweet potato crust pizza. But no matter the item, perhaps none can top the success of the chain's effortlessly smooth and affordable gin.

Per Good Housekeeping, Aldi's Oliver Cromwell London Dry Gin has long been one of the most successful liquor lines the big box chain offers. The spirit won a gold medal at the International Spirits Challenge in 2017, as Vinepair also notes. So what makes it so great? Well, for starters, the spirit costs only £9.99 in the U.K, according to Good Housekeeping – which, if you convert it to American currency, totals around $13 for each bottle. 

Aside from its affordability, the gin was chosen as the best in a blind taste test against other premium and well-known brands like Gordon's. If you're a reader in the U.K., you can pick up the drink at a location near you. Unfortunately, U.S. customers might be out of luck. The chain does not currently serve liquor in its U.S. locations, but American consumers are still welcome to its award-winning lineup of wines — or to a plane ticket if you're just dying for a taste of gin, courtesy of Aldi.