🥃 Ginebra San Miguel

Ginebra San Miguel, known in the Philippines simply as GSM, is a gin brand whose history is traced back to 1834 in Manila. The classic version is 40% ABV, clear and distinctly juniper-led. It is made by Ginebra San Miguel Inc., part of San Miguel Corporation.

History. According to Cocktail Society, the spirit was first made at the Ayala distillery in Manila's Quiapo district. In 1924 the brand passed to La Tondeña, and in 1987 San Miguel Corporation acquired La Tondeña; the company has had its current name since 2003. Sources differ slightly on the dates of individual steps, so treat them as approximate.

How it is made. According to the same source, the base is neutral spirit from sugar cane rather than grain. The brand itself names only juniper and a "blend of other ingredients", so the full list of botanicals has not been disclosed. A slightly sweeter tone sets it apart from grain-based gin; the sweetness depends on the version and does not mean the same amount of added sugar.

Range. Besides the classic Red, there is a lighter GSM Blue and a Premium at 35% ABV; flavoured variants are also on the market. The versions differ in strength, so compare them only by the label.

Why this matters to you. Difford's Guide and Cocktail Society speak of the "best-selling gin in the world", but those figures are old and mostly concern sales in the Philippines. Strength differs between versions: check the label. The WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.