The Many Different Styles of Gin
Many gin lovers tend to gravitate towards the same flavor profile when ordering a gin cocktail at the bar. Some prefer dry gins while others like fruit-forward profiles and notes of citrus. What makes this spirit so unique is that unlike the other neutral grain spirit vodka, gin is steeped with botanicals and redistilled. Botanicals can also be added to gin through vapor (much softer) and some add the essences after. The flavors that come out of these processes are incredibly unique and give off distinct characteristics. So, what exactly are the different significant styles of gin? Read on to learn more about this versatile spirit below.
London Dry
One of the most iconic and recognizable types of gin is London Dry. Even though this style of gin can be produced almost anywhere, it originated in London which is where it got its name. This style tastes like juniper with hints of citrus and is amazing as the spirit of choice in a dry martini. Some popular brands of London Dry Gin that you’ll find in almost any bar include Beefeater, Tanqueray, and Bombay Sapphire. According to Bon Appetit, some London Dry gins steep fresh citrus peels or dried peels before distillation and that gives them a bright, citrus flavor.
Old Tom
Another well-known gin type is Old Tom, which eater.com describes as a bridge between London Dry and the scotch-like Genever. This style of gin was popular back when gin was incredibly pungent and made from overpowering ingredients in the 18th and early 19th centuries. There are many legends as to where Old Tom got its name and the most outlandish is that a cat fell into a vat of gin at an unnamed distillery and gave the spirit a peculiar flavor. Old Tom gin is great in cocktails and is even known as the namesake for the classic Tom Collins.
Genever
Genever is the original style of gin and dates back to 16th-century Holland. MasterClass describes the flavor as richer than typical gins with a savory, earthy, malty flavor. Because it is distilled using malt wine spirits rather than neutral grain spirits, Genever is a very complex style of gin and makes a great addition to hearty cocktails like an Old Fashioned.
Navy Strength
Navy Strength is a strong gin type with 57% alcohol that drives a punch. It gets its name from British naval soldiers who would douse gunpowder with the spirit and then try to light that gunpowder on fire. The flavor profile for Navy Strength is quite similar to London Dry but because it is so strong, it makes the perfect addition to intense cocktails like the Negroni.
A look at the distinctive Mahón gin
We couldn’t talk about gin styles without mentioning the delicious Mahón gin. This grape-based gin is one of the most unique spirits available with bold juniper flavors. The Juniper berries used to make Mahón gin are sea-salt air aged for up to 4 years in open crates at the distillery. Additionally, Mahón gin is the only gin in the entire world with its own EU Designation of Origin, meaning it can only be made in that one location using the same ingredients and methods. These distinctive traits come together to deliver a smooth gin, ideal for upscale gin cocktails.
Other notable types of gin listed are flavored gin which has many variations including the popular sloe gin, and new wave gin which is known for having an emphasis on aromatics like floral botanicals and cucumber. At Glass Revolution we specialize in importing the finest spirits from across the globe to the United States including Mahón gin. Click here to find out where to buy a bottle of your own and make sure to sign up for our newsletter to be the first to learn about new spirits coming to the US, exclusive virtual tastings, and more.