Did you know that gin must legally have juniper as its predominant flavour? Or that Navy Strength gin earned its name because it wouldn’t prevent gunpowder from igniting if accidentally spilled on a ship? The world of gin is rich with history, distinctive production methods, and fascinating flavour profiles that go far beyond the simple G&T.
Whether you’re mixing your first martini or considering yourself a seasoned gin connoisseur, understanding the distinct types of gin can elevate your appreciation of this versatile spirit.
The Essence of Gin
At its core, gin is a distilled alcoholic beverage that derives its character from juniper berries. According to EU regulations, juniper must be the dominant flavour in any spirit calling itself gin, while in the USA, gin must be bottled at minimum 40% ABV (80 proof) with its main characteristic flavour derived from juniper berries.
Typically sold between 35% and 47% alcohol by volume, gin’s versatility comes from the wide range of botanicals that can complement its essential juniper character. Let’s explore the main gin classifications and what makes each one special.
London Dry Gin
Despite its name, London Dry doesn’t have to be made in London. Instead, it refers to a specific production method and quality standard that represents the most tightly regulated gin style.
Key characteristics:
- Must be produced exclusively from ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin
- Flavours must be introduced exclusively through distillation with natural botanicals
- The resulting distillate must contain at least 70% alcohol by volume during production
- Cannot contain added colours
- Cannot be sweetened beyond 0.1 grams per litre
- Minimum bottling strength of 37.5% ABV
According to Everglow Spirits, these strict regulations ensure consistency and quality in every bottle bearing the London Dry designation.
Typical botanicals: Juniper (dominant), coriander seed, angelica root, citrus peels, orris root
Tasting notes: Clean, crisp with pronounced juniper and citrus notes, dry finish
Cocktail recommendations: Perfect for classic cocktails like Martinis, Negronis, and Gin & Tonics where the gin’s character should shine through
Plymouth Gin
Once a geographically protected designation (though this protection has since lapsed), Plymouth gin refers to gin made in Plymouth, England, historically by only one distillery.
Key characteristics:
- Slightly sweeter than London Dry
- Earthier, more rounded flavour profile
- Typically bottled at 41.2% ABV
Typical botanicals: Juniper, coriander seed, orange peel, lemon peel, angelica root, cardamom, orris root
Tasting notes: Soft, slightly fruity with earthy undertones and less pronounced juniper
Cocktail recommendations: Excellent in a Gimlet or Pink Gin, works beautifully in cocktails that benefit from a softer gin profile
Old Tom Gin
The missing link between genever and London Dry, Old Tom gained popularity in 18th-century England and played a crucial role in the first golden age of cocktails.
Key characteristics:
- Sweeter than London Dry
- Often slightly aged in barrels
- Historical significance as the gin of choice during the first cocktail era
Typical botanicals: Similar to London Dry but with added sweetening
Tasting notes: Slightly sweet, mellow juniper notes, subtle spice
Cocktail recommendations: Ideal for classic cocktails like the Martinez and Tom Collins, which were originally created with this style
Navy Strength Gin
Originally supplied to the British Royal Navy, this high-proof style carries both historical significance and a powerful flavour impact.
Key characteristics:
- Bottled at minimum 57% ABV
- More intense flavour concentration
- Named because spilled gin of this strength wouldn’t prevent gunpowder from igniting on naval ships
As noted by Difford’s Guide, Navy Strength gins typically range in the high forties to 50% ABV, delivering remarkably concentrated flavours.
Typical botanicals: Similar to London Dry but with more concentrated flavours
Tasting notes: Bold, intense juniper and botanical flavours with noticeable heat
Cocktail recommendations: Makes for robust cocktails with strong flavours that stand up to the high alcohol content; excellent in a Gimlet or a Navy Grog
Genever (Jenever)
The ancestral precursor to modern gin, originating in the Netherlands and Belgium, genever offers a completely different experience from its English descendants.
Key characteristics:
- Made from malt wine (moutwijn) base
- Often aged in barrels
- Less juniper-forward than English gins
- Malty, whiskey-like character
Typical botanicals: Juniper, coriander, angelica, caraway, and other herbs
Tasting notes: Malty, sometimes slightly sweet with subtle juniper, more reminiscent of unaged whiskey than modern gin
Cocktail recommendations: Best enjoyed neat or in simple cocktails that highlight its unique character, such as a Kopstootje (traditional Dutch serving with beer)
Contemporary/New Western Gin
A modern interpretation that emerged in the early 2000s, pushing the boundaries of traditional gin profiles while still respecting the essential juniper character.
Key characteristics:
- Juniper may take a back seat to other botanicals
- Often features unusual or locally sourced ingredients
- More experimental approach to flavour profiles
- Less bound by traditional production methods
Typical botanicals: May include anything from cucumber and rose to lavender, tea, seaweed, or exotic spices
Tasting notes: Widely varied; can be floral, fruity, spicy, or herbaceous with juniper as a supporting rather than dominant note
Cocktail recommendations: Often excellent in modern craft cocktails or signature serves that highlight their unique botanical profiles
Flavoured Gin
While not a traditional category, flavoured gins have become increasingly popular and represent a significant segment of the modern market.
Key characteristics:
- Traditional gin base with added natural or artificial flavours
- Often lower in alcohol (30-37.5% ABV)
- May contain sweeteners
- Designed for accessibility and easy mixing
Typical additions: Fruits (strawberry, rhubarb, blood orange), flowers (rose, violet), or spices
Tasting notes: Pronounced flavour of the added ingredient, often with sweetness and reduced juniper notes
Cocktail recommendations: Simple serves like with tonic or soda, or as components in fruit-forward cocktails
How Gin Types Affect Your Cocktails
The gin style you choose can dramatically impact your cocktail experience:
London Dry provides a classic, juniper-forward foundation that cuts through mixers, making it the backbone of many traditional cocktails. Its crisp, clean profile allows other ingredients to shine while contributing essential gin character.
Plymouth offers a smoother alternative that works beautifully in more delicate cocktails where London Dry might dominate. Its subtle earthiness pairs particularly well with herbal ingredients.
Old Tom adds historical authenticity and subtle sweetness to vintage cocktails, often requiring less added sugar or sweet liqueurs to achieve balance.
Navy Strength intensifies flavour and alcohol content, standing up to bold mixers and creating cocktails with remarkable depth and complexity that might otherwise become diluted.
Genever brings malty depth and historical context to traditional recipes, though it often requires different treatment than English-style gins due to its distinctive character.
Contemporary/New Western gins allow for creative experimentation, often inspiring new signature cocktails that highlight their unique botanical blends.
Flavoured gins simplify mixing, often requiring fewer additional ingredients and making home cocktail creation more accessible to beginners.
Serving Recommendations
Different gin styles call for different serving approaches:
London Dry: Classic G&T with a wedge of lime or lemon; perfect for a dry Martini with just a whisper of vermouth
Plymouth: Excellent in an Aviation or Clover Club where its subtle character balances well with fruit and floral elements
Old Tom: Try in a Martinez with sweet vermouth and maraschino, or in an authentic Tom Collins for a taste of cocktail history
Navy Strength: Makes a bold Negroni with remarkable depth and stands up beautifully to bitter components
Genever: Sip neat in a tulip glass or try in a traditional Dutch Kopstootje alongside a small beer
Contemporary: Experiment with garnishes that complement unique botanical profiles; many work beautifully in modern takes on the Martini
Flavoured: Often best with simple mixers that don’t mask their distinctive character; try with soda water and a complementary garnish
Explore Gin Varieties at Junimperium
At Junimperium, Estonia’s first dedicated gin distillery, we craft a range of gins that showcase different styles and botanical expressions. From our Junimperium Blended Dry Gin that pays homage to the London Dry tradition to our Navy Strength edition that carries the historical torch of this bold style, our distillery offers a journey through gin’s diverse landscape.
Visit our gin collection to discover our interpretations of these classic styles, or join us for a distillery tour in Tallinn’s Telliskivi quarter to deepen your understanding of gin production methods and sample our award-winning spirits firsthand.
Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just beginning your gin journey, understanding these different styles will enhance your appreciation of this remarkably versatile spirit. The best gin for you is ultimately the one you enjoy most—so don’t be afraid to experiment across styles to discover your personal preference.