Gin is one of the world’s most versatile spirits, with a history spanning centuries. Today, enjoying gin is much more than just a G&T cocktail – it’s a true journey of discovery into a world of different flavors. Let’s explore the various types of gin and examine what makes each one unique.
London Dry Gin – The Classic Standard
London Dry is perhaps the most well-known gin style, setting a high standard for quality and flavor profile. Despite its name, it doesn’t necessarily have to be produced in London.
Main characteristics:
- Strong juniper berry flavor
- Dry and sharp profile, without artificial additives
- All botanicals are added during the distillation process
- Alcohol content of at least 37.5%
Post-distillation flavoring is not allowed in London Dry gin – all flavors must come from the distillation process. This results in a classic, clean, and sharp-tasting spirit that’s perfect for classic cocktails like Martini or Gin & Tonic.
Old Tom Gin – A Sweeter Intermediate
Old Tom gin is like a connecting link between modern London Dry and historical Genever. It was extremely popular during the 18th-19th centuries.
Main characteristics:
- Noticeably sweeter than London Dry
- Softer and rounder flavor
- Often lightly flavored with honey or sugar after distillation
- Ideal for classic cocktails like Martinez and Tom Collins
Old Tom gin has been regaining popularity in recent years as mixologists search for authentic ingredients to revive historical recipes.
Plymouth Gin – Soft and Smooth
Plymouth gin can only be produced in one distillery in the world – Black Friars Distillery in the city of Plymouth, England. It is one of the few gins with geographical origin protection.
Main characteristics:
- Softer and smoother than London Dry
- Slightly juicier and earthier taste
- Less sharp juniper notes
- Lightly flavored with fruity nuances
Plymouth gin is ideal for drinkers looking for a smoother profile gin, while still maintaining the traditional juniper character.
Navy Strength Gin – Powerfully Strong
Navy Strength gin refers to gin with higher alcohol content, typically 57% or more. Historically, its alcohol content was tested at sea in the navy by pouring it on gunpowder – if it ignited, the gin was strong enough.
Main characteristics:
- High alcohol content (at least 57%)
- More intense flavor profile
- Botanicals come through more powerfully
- Maintains its character even in mixed cocktails
Navy Strength gin is ideal for making cocktails where a strong gin flavor and character are desired even with strong mixers present.
Genever – The Gin Predecessor
Genever (or jenever) is the predecessor of gin, produced mainly in the Netherlands and Belgium. It is historically the oldest form of gin.
Main characteristics:
- Made from a malt-based spirit
- Flavor is closer to something between whiskey and gin
- Baked, grain, and nut-like tones
- Juniper berry flavor is not as dominant as in modern gins
Genever is often served as a cold shot or used in classic cocktails like the Holland House. The production process at Junimperium Distillery shows influences from this traditional approach, where adding grain is an important part of shaping the flavor profile.
Sloe Gin – Berry-like and Sweet
Sloe Gin is not actually gin in the traditional sense, but rather a liqueur made by steeping blackthorn berries (sloe berries) in gin.
Main characteristics:
- Sweeter and more berry-like taste
- Lower alcohol content (15-30%)
- Dark red or brownish color
- Deep and rich fruity notes
Sloe Gin is excellent for enjoying neat or in cocktails like Sloe Gin Fizz. It’s particularly popular during the autumn-winter period.
Flavored/Infused Gins – Endless Possibilities
Over the last decade, the gin world has seen an explosive growth in the popularity of various flavored gins, enriched with different fruits, berries, and other botanicals.
Main characteristics:
- Diverse flavor possibilities
- Often more colorful and attractive appearances
- May be post-flavored or infused
- Still maintain the base flavor of juniper berries
Flavored gins offer rich opportunities for both direct enjoyment and cocktail preparation. The Junimperium product range includes excellent examples:
Barrel Aged/Finished Gin – Matured in Casks
Barrel-aged gins are a fairly new phenomenon that combines traditional gin production with whiskey-like aging techniques.
Main characteristics:
- The oak barrel gives the spirit a golden or amber color
- Deeper and more complex flavor notes
- Depending on the barrel type, woody and smoky or sweet nuances
- Long and smooth aftertaste
Junimperium has created several barrel-aged gins, where unique flavors are achieved through barrel charring and previous barrel usage.
How Do Different Gin Production Processes Vary?
Different methods are used in gin production, which directly affect the taste of the final product:
- Distillation with botanicals – the classic method, where juniper berries and other plant components are added during the distillation process.
- Vapor infusion – botanicals are placed in a vapor chamber, where alcohol vapor passes through them, collecting flavors.
- Vacuum distillation – distillation at lower temperatures, which preserves more delicate flavors.
- Infusion – steeping botanicals in already distilled alcohol to add additional flavors.
Junimperium Distillery uses the steeping of botanicals (jenever berries, hops, etc.) before distillation, which allows them to achieve up to 85% alcohol content after the first stage, followed by dilution. For high-quality gins, the choice of production methods and raw materials is also important to maintain a unique flavor profile.
Which Cocktails to Use Different Gins In?
Different gin types are suitable for different cocktails:
- London Dry – classic cocktails like Martini, Negroni, Gin & Tonic
- Old Tom – Martinez, Tom Collins, Ramos Gin Fizz
- Plymouth – Gimlet, Pink Gin, Clover Club
- Navy Strength – Vesper Martini, Red Snapper, Alaska
- Genever – Holland House, Old Fashioned, Improved Gin Cocktail
- Sloe Gin – Sloe Gin Fizz, Charlie Chaplin, Blackthorn
- Flavored gins – modern cocktails or simply mixed with tonic or soda
- Barrel Aged – enjoy neat or with ice, or in a modern twist on an Old Fashioned
Exploring the world of gin is an exciting journey through flavors, traditions, and innovation. Whether your preference is classic London Dry or a more contemporary flavored variant, the world of gin has something for every taste. Try different types, experiment with cocktails, and find your favorite!
Discover Junimperium Distillery’s diverse gin selection and let yourself be taken on a rich flavor journey through today’s finest craft gins.