As a newbie, you may have assumed that all gin is the same: a gin. However, like how there are many types of beer, wine, and such, there are also different types of gin. And, as you would expect, different gins offer different tastes and experiences. So, if you're looking to enjoy the best out of the gin world, it is vital to know the different types!
Let's talk about the different types of gin there are:
What Is Gin?
To kick things off, let's talk about the original gin. The original gin style is what you think of when you picture a glass of gin in your mind: a plain drink. As a base, gin is made with some kind of grain and a series of ingredients like juniper berries and other spices.
That said, gin has evolved into many types, from London Dry Gin to Old Tom Gin.
What Types Of Gins Are There?
There are many types of gins out there, and here are some of the main ones:
1. London Dry Gin
The main differing factor that separates London Dry Gin from other gins is the botanicals that are added during the distillation process, all of which are natural and have little to no synthetic or artificial sweeteners or flavours added after.
It is often considered to be the best type of gin there is, and it is incredibly sophisticated to make. Also, fun fact, despite the name having London in it, it actually doesn't have to be produced in London to be called that. London actually refers to the production process.
2. Plymouth Gin
If you're interested in getting a taste of real Plymouth Gin, you'll need to head to England and visit Plymouth. Although most gins are distilled in the UK, Plymouth is the only place that can legally call itself the place of origin, and also where Plymouth Gin can have the name "Plymouth" in it.
During the distillation process, Plymouth Gin uses a combination of the following botanicals: Juniper Berries, Orris Root, Almond and Coriander Seed and Angelica Root, as well as citrus fruits, like Oranges and Lemons. More about the Juniper Berries, these berries are much subtler, allowing other things like Orris Root to take over the flavour.
3. Old Tom Gin
This gin style is a throwback to gin in the 19th century. Because of the lower ABV of Old Tom Gin (30% ABV as opposed to 47% ABV for London Dry), it was often mixed in cocktails or sugared for better taste. The botanicals and distillation processes are a lot the same as London Dry Gin.
However, despite the processes being similar, Old Tom Gin is much sweeter compared to London Dry Gin and also Plymouth Gin. This is perfect for those who want a sweeter edge to their cocktails, and the drink itself is a good link between modern gin and the traditional Genever, which is a Dutch distillate.
Conclusion
There are many gins out there that offer many different tastes and experiences. Although we've covered the main three types of gin, including several subtypes, there are still many gins that have their own twist. That said, feel free to try these gins as you please. In doing so, you better understand the nuances that make these drinks different, and it can also help you find your favourite!
Jim and Tonic is a gin distillery that offers an online gin shop along with three cocktail bars in London.
