Gin is a spirit that captures the essence of botanicals, primarily juniper berries. Think of it as a blank canvas where the artist (the distiller) can layer different flavors to create a unique masterpiece. Here's a breakdown of the main styles:
London Dry Gin: This is your classic gin, known for its crisp, dry character and prominent juniper notes. It's highly versatile and shines in cocktails like the Martini, Gin & Tonic, and Negroni.
Plymouth Gin: Hailing from Plymouth, England, this style is similar to London Dry but tends to be slightly softer and more earthy, with a subtle sweetness. It's excellent in a classic Martini or a Gimlet.
Old Tom Gin: A sweeter style of gin with a richer mouthfee. Its sweetness balances the tartness of citrus in cocktails like the Tom Collins.
Navy Strength Gin: This bold gin packs a punch with its higher alcohol content (57% ABV or higher). It delivers an intense juniper flavor and a robust finish, perfect for a bold Gimlet or a Navy Strength Gin & Tonic.
Contemporary Dry Gin: This modern style of gin shifts the focus from juniper to other botanicals, resulting in a wider range of flavors. You might find floral notes, citrus peel, or even spices like cardamom or coriander.
Flavored Gin: These gins are infused with additional flavors after distillation, such as fruits, flowers, or herbs. They offer a fun and approachable way to explore different flavor combinations in cocktails or simply enjoy on their own
Beyond these main styles, you'll find even more variations, like aged gin, genever (a malt wine-based spirit), and sloe gin (a liqueur made with sloe berries).
The world of gin is vast and diverse, offering something for every palate. Whether you prefer a classic juniper-forward style or a more modern, botanical-driven expression, there's a gin out there waiting to be discovered.
