Thinking about the different kinds of gin? Let us take you on a fun journey that details the main types of gin! But what is the liquor to begin with? The most basic description of gin is a liquor that has been flavoured with various botanicals, including juniper berries. It is illegal to call a bottle of gin in the United States and many other nations that produce the alcohol "gin" unless it contains juniper. But gin is so much more! Curious to known more while sipping your third martini (we won’t tell!)? Keep reading to know the different types of gin!
Gin 101: How is it made?
Gin makers, however, have a plethora of leeway beyond this prerequisite. Its basic ingredient, like vodka, can be anything; however, fermented grains like wheat or barley are common. There is a tremendous amount of variation in the botanicals used to make the different kinds of gin! Gin can be bottled at an extremely high proof, sweetened or flavoured after distillation, or even aged in oak barrels, depending on the style. Gins made with malt spirits often use barley, sweet potato, rice, or sugarcane as their primary distillation ingredient. The distillers then use botanicals like juniper berries, local fruits, veggies, herbs, and spices.
The different kinds of gin often contain a variety of botanicals, although some of the more frequent ones include liquorice, angelica, citrus peel, star anise, and orris root. The number of botanicals used to make gin varies greatly; some include only a handful, while others comprise hundreds, giving them a wide variety of aromas and flavours, from pine to citrus to floral to earthy. Nonetheless, there are broader classifications of the different types of gin, like Plymouth, Old Tom, London Dry, and others which we will discuss now!
The different types of gin
Genever
Before you move on to the different kinds of gin, it’s best that you know the OG! This botanical malted grain alcohol contains juniper and gets its name from the Latin word for juniper berries. It's been described as a hybrid of gin and whisky. The national drink of the Netherlands and Belgium is the spirit, which is frequently spelt "jenever" in Dutch. The style of genever is typically thought of as distinct from gin, despite the fact that it is seen as the progenitor of gin. The scent and flavour of genever are not overpowered by juniper.
London Dry
The original recipe for London Dry Gin may be found in the city of London. The predominant herb, juniper, gives it its characteristically dry taste profile. Coriander, angelica root, citrus peels, and occasionally orris root are among the other typical botanicals included in London Dry Gin. London Dry Gin, despite its name, need not be produced in the capital. However, it must comply with stringent manufacturing standards, such as being distilled to an exceptionally high degree of purity and free of any artificial flavours or sweeteners. However, London is still home to the distillation of one dry ancient gin, Beefeater Gin, which was created there.
Plymouth Gin
One kind of gin has a protected geographical indication (PGI): Plymouth Gin. This particular kind of gin is produced just in the English city of Plymouth. It all started in the late 18th century; thus, it has its history and style. Plymouth Gin is known for its smoother, earthier taste profile and somewhat less dryness when compared to London Dry Gin. Its taste is often a little sweeter. It has a bigger body and a strong fruity taste, according to most people.
Uncle Tom
It is believed that Old Tom predates London Dry and is a sweeter kind of gin that is perfect for martinis. Old Tom gin was a popular ingredient in many cocktails made in the nineteenth century. The style fell out of favour in the decades that followed, but it made a triumphant return to the United States during the 2000 cocktail boom.
Flavoured Gin
Among flavoured gins, sloe gins—a combination of sugar and blackthorn berries—are likely the most well-known. Flavoured gins are often bottled with a little lower proof (about 30–35% ABV), sometimes with extra sugar or colour. In many countries, such as the United States, flavoured gin is really classified as gin liqueur since it does not contain enough alcohol by volume (ABV) to be labelled gin. Still, this look is making a comeback in the United States and England.
Japanese Gin
Japanese gin distinguishes itself from the new breed of gins due to its unique botanicals and its meteoric ascent to fame. Kyoto Distillery and other larger distilleries were the forerunners in Japan's gin industry, and they were responsible for creating KI NO BI Dry Gin, which has yuzu, shiso, sansho pepper, and green tea as its components. Gin manufacturing was soon to be investigated by other distilleries, the majority of which produced shochu.
Pink Gin
One truly unique kind of gin is pink gin. It's not a separate kind of gin but rather a variant that is often made pink by adding tastes or hues. Infusing gin with different fruits, herbs, or spices is one way to make it. Strawberry, raspberry, pink grapefruit, rose petals, and other botanicals are common components of pink gin. Take Beefeater Pink Strawberry Gin, for example. It's a bright pink colour that follows the same formula as London Dry Gin. However, instead of juniper and citrus, it's infused with real strawberries, giving it a delicate, delicious flavour.