The World’s Best Gin—According To The MicroLiquor Spirit Awards

LifestyleSpiritsThe World’s Best Gin—According To The MicroLiquor Spirit AwardsByBrad Japhe,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. You can find me at the confluence of food, beverage and travel.Follow AuthorMay 28, 2026, 06:09pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.SummaryThe MicroLiquor Spirit Awards, a competition exclusively for small-batch spirits, recently bestowed its coveted "Triple Gold" medal upon Quattro Gatti Gin Classico. This terroir-driven gin originates from Umbria, Italy, crafted by Australian expats, the Mordant family. Master distiller Angus Mordant adopted a "less-is-more" approach, utilizing fresh Italian juniper, Mediterranean citrus, and peperoncino to achieve a unique, full-bodied flavor profile with soulful bitterness and a spicy finish. Launched in 2022 and retailing around $35, this 86-proof gin is celebrated for its crisp, refreshing composition, ideal for sipping or mixing. The brand has since introduced Quattro Gatti Olive Grove, a savory, briny expression. Its recent designation as the official gin for the 2026 Venice Biennale highlights its rapidly rising prominence in the craft spirits market.Show More Quattro Gatti, an award-winning expression of Italian craft gin. Photo illustration: Brad JapheAs implied by the name, the MicroLiquor Spirit Awards are a competition designed specifically for small brands. In fact, they are one of very few organizations dedicated exclusively to craft expressions. The only companies eligible for entry are those selling less than 50,000 cases annually. To put that in perspective, Tito’s--the top-selling vodka in the US--offloads roughly 12 million cases each year. Needless to say, this merit of distinction can be a pivotal one for emerging upstarts. MLSA evaluates entries across all major categories of spirit. But right now we’re going to take a closer...