With the popularity of gin surging, there are lots of questions to be answered. And with hundreds of gin brands out there, it’s no wonder many newcomers are left scratching their heads when it comes to placing their bar order.
Do you want something delicious & refreshing? Perhaps you want the one sophisticated drink that’s good for sipping? Whatever you’re looking for, Gin Boss has you covered!
By the end of this article, you’ll understand what a rail gin is, questions to ask the bartender, and the best gin cocktail to order based on the rail gin being offered.
Let’s begin by defining: rail gin.
What is Rail Gin at a Bar?
Rail Gin is simply the bottle of gin that is the bartender’s go-to. The rail itself, is usually located behind the bar, somewhere near the taps, within easy reach of the bartenders. In most cases, customers cannot see the rail prior to ordering.
If certain brands of gin don’t agree with you, feel free to ask the bartender what brand of gin they’re using as their rail gin. If it’s not one you care for, ask for an upgrade.
Well Gin vs. The Rail Gin
Traditionally, the well and the rail are just different ways of saying “house gin.” For example: if your local bar uses Gordon’s as its well gin or rail gin, it means your gin cocktail orders will be made with Gordon’s unless you specifically order a different brand of gin.
In some places you may be given a choice of rail gins for the same price. If that’s the case, take advantage by ordering the best gin for the drink you’re going to order. I’ll help you with that a little later.
But before we get into the cocktails, let’s talk about what makes a good rail gin.
What is a Good Rail Gin?
A good rail gin is one that serves as a “happy medium” for both the bar patron and the bar owner. While price tends to be the driving factor, the gin’s versatility must also be considered.
At the very least, rail gins must be suitable for the most commonly ordered gin cocktails. That includes, the gin & tonics, gin & juices, sodas, sours, and of course, the gin martini.
While many bars keep thrifty gin brands on the rail; such as Fleishman’s or Gilbey’s, other establishments may elevate their rail gin offerings with Beefeater, and even Tanqueray.
Who’s Buying?
The target clientele can also help the bar owner in selecting the right rail gin.
For example: a corner bar, off the beaten track catering to locals, is more likely to have a very budget-friendly, low alcohol (ABV) rail gin. While hopping nightclubs with less thrifty patrons tend to have more expensive gin brands on the rail.
While it’s not likely you’ll find a specialty gin on the rail, it could happen in bars that charge a significant price for their cocktails.
The Most Popular Brands of Rail Gin
Here are some common gins found on the rail (in alphabetical order)
- Beefeater
- Burnett’s
- Fleishman’s
- Gilbey’s
- Glenmore
- Gordon’s
- Lord Astor*
- Seagram’s (Old Bumpy)
This is by no means exhaustive, but rather a compilation of the most common brands I’ve noticed throughout NY and in my travels across the States and abroad.
*Local Gins go on Local Rails
Rail Gins Could Also be Very Local – for instance, Lord Astor is easy to find throughout New York City where the distributor is located. If you’re a gin lover and find yourself in NYC, be sure to pick it up at Astor’s Wine. As of this writing, there is no other way to get your hands on it, unless you live in NY State.
Did you Notice Anything about the Rail Gin Brands? If you said “they’re all London Dry” you’d be right.
The vast majority of rail gins are likely to be London Dry style. That’s because London Dry is what most people are expecting and a rail gin is supposed to appeal to the masses.
Ok, now let’s get into what to order, based on the rail gin being used.
Best Rail Gin Drinks with a London Dry
We’ll get into the best cocktail for each brand, but first, the most common and best Rail Gin Cocktails are these classics:
- Gin & Tonic
- Gin & Juice
- Gimlet
- Gin Rickey
- Martini
- Negroni
- Tom Collins
Now, in my opinion, it’s a good idea to order your favorite cocktail based on the gin brand sitting in the rail. Even though the most common rail gins are all London Dry, each brand delivers completely different heat and flavor profiles.
Here are my thoughts and how I would order based on each brand.
Best Gin Rail Drinks to Order Based on Brand
| Rail Gin Brand | Reliable | Comments |
| Beefeater | Martini Neat | Nice, hot, finish |
| Burnett’s | Gin Rickey Gimlet Tom Collins | Like grapefruit? Ask for a Gin Paloma |
| Fleishman’s | Gin & Tonic Gin & Juice | Goes down easy |
| Gilbey’s | Gin Rickey Gin & Tonic | Very, very mild |
| Glenmore | Gin & Tonic Gin Rickey Gimlet | Goes down easy |
| Gordon’s | Negroni Martini | Good, heated, finish |
| Lord Astor | Martini | Ask for Dry Vermouth |
| Seagram’s | Gin & Tonic Gimlet | So smooth |
Of all of the above gins, I would be most excited to see Beefeater. Unless in NY, then it’s Lord Astor. And when in the mood, Burnett’s salty finish is a great time to enjoy a salty dog or gin Paloma.
Still Undecided? Here are Some Questions for Your Bartender
Do you have any special Tonics? If the bar is using a fun tonic such as Fever-Tree, Q, or Fentiman’s, the classic Gin and Tonic should serve you well!
Do you have any special simply syrups? Some bartenders makes their own, homemade, simple syrups with different infusions, If that’s the case, definitely take advantage! Order a Tom Collins or Gimlet
What If You Don’t Like any of the Rail Gins
Most places make it very easy. Simply look at the shelves of liquor behind the bar. Order your favorite gin drink and state your preferred Gin.
For instance, you can say “I’ll have a Gunpowder Gin & Tonic” or “I’ll take a Martini with The Botanist”
In Conclusion
Rail gin does not automatically mean bad gin. It’s simply the gin that the house decided to use unless you ask otherwise.
It’s perfectly acceptable to ask the bartender what the rail gin is, or the well gin…or the house gin.
However you say it, knowing what they’re serving can help you pick the best gin cocktail based on the brand.
If you’re lucky, they’ll have a couple of choices and you can pick the best option for your favorite gin drink.
Have fun, experiment and enjoy!
