Gin is a popular alcohol which has a long history of consumption. Gin is made by distilling a base spirit, such as grain or malt, with botanicals, including juniper and other herbs and spices. There are a lot of types of gin which are available on the market, each has own specific flavor and characteristics.
In today’s article, we’ll explore the main types of gin, including London Dry, Old Tom, Plymouth, Genever (jenever), and New Western-style gin. We’ll also take a look at some of the other types of gin that are available, such as barrel-aged gin, sloe gin, and flavored gin. So, let’s dive in and discover the many flavors and styles of gin that are available to us.
London Dry gin
London Dry gin is basic gin that is dry, juniper-forward, and typically made with a neutral grain spirit. It is named after the capital city of England, London, and is one of the most popular around world.
London Dry is made by distilling a neutral grain spirit with botanicals, including juniper, coriander, angelica root, and other herbs and spices. The botanicals are typically steeped in the neutral spirit for a period of time before the distillation process begins, allowing the flavors and aromas of the botanicals to infuse into the spirit. After distillation, the London Dry gin is bottled at a strength around 40% ABV (alcohol by volume).
Juniper-forward flavor profile is achieved through the use of a high proportion of juniper berries in the distillation process. This gin could be used in a wide range of cocktails and mixed drinks, as well as enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Some of the most popular cocktails made with London Dry gin include the gin and tonic, the gin martini, and the gin fizz.
Popular brands of London Dry gin:
- Beefeater
- Bombay Sapphire
- Brockmans
- Gin Mare
- Hendricks
- Martin Miller’s
- Monkey 47
- No. 3 London Dry Gin
- Tanqueray
- The London Gin
- The London No.1 Gin
- The Oxley Gin
- The Silent Pool Gin
Old Tom gin
Old Tom gin was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries and has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity. It is named after the wooden plaques or “Old Tom” signs that were used to advertise gin shops in England in the 18th century.
Old Tom gin is typically made with a base of malt wine and is sweetened with sugar or other sweeteners, resulting in a sweeter flavor profile than other types of gin. Is typically made by steeping botanicals in the malt wine and then distilling the mixture to create the final gin. Old Tom gin is bottled at a lower strength than London Dry gin, around 35-40% ABV.
OTgin is known for its sweet, floral profile, which is achieved through the use of a high proportion of botanicals and sweeteners. Is a popular choice for cocktails that call for a sweeter, more balanced flavor, such as the Old Tom gin martini or the Martinez.
Popular brands of Old Tom gin:
- Hayman’s Old Tom Gin
- Ransom Old Tom Gin
- The Bitter Truth Old Tom Gin
- The Old Tom Gin Company
- The Original Gin
Plymouth gin
Is a style of gin that is made in the city of Plymouth, England. Is protected by a geographical indication, which means that it can only be produced in Plymouth and must meet specific production standards to be called Plymouth gin.
Plymouth gin are made with own blend of botanicals which including juniper, angelica root, coriander, and other herbs and spices. Base is from grain/malt spirit. Is distilled using a traditional copper pot still. Plymouth gin is bottled at a strength of around 41.2% ABV.
Plymouth gin is known for its distinctive profile that is characterized by its dry, juniper-forward flavor and a subtle sweetness. It is a great choice for cocktails that call for a more balanced, less juniper-forward gin, such as the Plymouth gin martini or the Pink Gin. If you’re a fan of dry, balanced gin, then Plymouth gin is a great choice for you to try.
Popular brands of Plymouth gin:
- Plymouth Gin
- Sipsmith Plymouth Gin
- The Plymouth Gin Company
Genever
Genever, also known as jenever. This type of gin is from the Netherlands and Belgium. Is made by distilling a base of barley, wheat, or corn with juniper and other botanicals, and it has a distinctive flavor profile that sets it apart from other types of gin which we described above.
Is typically made with a base of malt wine, which is a type of distillate made from malted grains. The malt wine is aged in oak barrels before being mixed with juniper and other botanicals and then redistilled to create the final genever. Genever is bottled at a strength of around 35-50% ABV so it could be stronger than others.
Genever is known for its rich, malty flavor and aromatic juniper-forward character. It could be popular choice for cocktails that call for a more robust taste, full-bodied gin, such as the genever martini or the genever sour. If you’re a fan of rich, malty gin, then genever is a great choice for you to try.
Popular brands of Plymouth gin:
- Bols Genever
- Boomsma Genever
- De Kuyper Genever
- Onder de Boompjes Genever
- Zuidam Genever
New Western-style gin
Also known as modern gin, this New Western-style of gin has emerged in recent years and is characterized by use of a wider range of botanicals and ingredients than traditional gins.
This style often using a base of neutral grain spirit and is distilled with a wide range of botanicals, including classic gin botanicals like juniper and coriander, as well as more unusual ingredients like fruit peels, spices, and herbs.
This new style is also known for unique flavor profiles, which depending on the specific botanicals and ingredients used in the distillation process. It is a popular choice for cocktails that call for a more unique and unusual gin, and it is often used in experimental and creative cocktails. If you’re a fan of innovative, contemporary gin, then New Western-style gin is a great choice for you to try.
Popular brands of New Western-style gin:
- Aviation Gin
- The Botanist Gin
- Death’s Door Gin
- Hendrick’s Gin
- Monkey 47 Gin
- The London No.1 Gin
Other types of gin
In addition to main types of gin discussed above, there are other gins available. These styles are typically variations on one of the main types of gin or are made with unique combinations of botanicals and ingredients. Some examples of other styles are:
Aged gin: Aged in oak barrels, similar to whiskey or other spirits, and is typically made with a base of grain or malt spirit. Aged gin has a complex, woody flavor profile and is a popular for cocktails which are more robust.
Flavored gin: It is made by adding different flavors such as fruit, herbs, spices or other ingredients. The flavored gin adds a unique taste to the cocktails. It is popular with people who like unusual flavors.
Navy Strength gin: Is named after the tradition of issuing gin rations to British Navy sailors. It is bottled at a higher strength (57% ABV or higher) than others types of gin.
Sloe gin: Is made by adding sloe berries, which are small, dark purple berries which are native to Europe. Sloe gin is sweetened with sugar and has a distinctive, fruity flavor profile.
Cask-aged gin: Aged in oak barrels, similar to whiskey or other strong alcohol. Is aged for a longer period of time than other types of gin. They have complex – woody profile.
Herbal gin: Is made by adding variety of herbs, such as lavender, rosemary, or thyme. It is made with a base of grain or malt spirit and is known for their aromatic and herb-forward profile.
Spiced gin: This type of gin is made by adding spices, like cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves. Is known for its aromatic, spice-forward flavor profile.
Fruit-infused gin: This is made by adding fruit flavors, such as citrus, berry, or tropical fruit. Is known for its fruity, aromatic flavor profile.
Gin liqueur: This type of gin is made with adding flavors and sweeteners, such as fruit, herbs, spices, or liqueur. Is bottled at a lower strength (around 20-30% ABV) than other types of gin.
