Gin is a spirit that has long been enjoyed by many across the globe. This versatile drink can be enjoyed in various ways, such as in a classic gin and tonic, a martini, or a gin-based cocktail. However, the types of gin available can be overwhelming, making it difficult to choose the right one. To help, here is an overview of the different types of gin and their characteristics.
London Dry Gin
London Dry Gin is the most popular type of gin. It is made from a neutral grain spirit and flavoured with juniper, citrus, and other botanicals. London Dry Gin has a dry, herbal flavour and is often used in classic gin cocktails such as the martini or G&T.
Dry Gin
Dry Gin is similar to London Dry Gin, but it is not limited to a particular flavour profile. Dry Gin is made with various botanicals, such as herbs, spices, and fruits, and can be used in a range of cocktails.
Plymouth Gin
Plymouth Gin is a distinct type of gin that is produced only in Plymouth, England. It is made with a blend of seven botanicals, including juniper, coriander, angelica, or orris. Plymouth Gin has a slightly sweet flavour and is often used in classic cocktails such as the French 75 and the Aviation.
Old Tom Gin
Old Tom Gin is a type of sweetened gin that was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is made with a mix of botanicals, including juniper, coriander, angelica root, and orris root, and is sweetened with either sugar or liquorice. Old Tom Gin is often used in classic cocktails such as the Martinez and the Tom Collins.
Japanese Gin
Japanese Gin is a type of gin that is made in Japan and is characterised by its unique flavour profile. It is made with a combination of botanicals, including juniper, yuzu, shiso, and sansho pepper, and is often distilled with rice. Japanese Gin is often used in cocktails such as the Tokyo Mule and the Sake Martini.
Reserve Gin
Reserve Gin is a type of gin that is made with rare and unique botanicals. It is typically distilled in small batches and is made with a mix of rare ingredients, such as spices, herbs, and fruits. Reserve Gin is often used in cocktails such as the Negroni and the French 75.
Navy Strength Gin
Navy Strength Gin is a type of gin that was created to meet the high standards of the British Royal Navy. It has an alcohol content between 57% and 60%, making it one of the strongest gins available today. This higher proof allows for more intense flavours, such as juniper, citrus peel, coriander seed and angelica root. Navy Strength Gins are often used in cocktails like The Last Word or Aviation Cocktail.
Sloe Gin
Sloe Gin is a sweet liqueur made with sloes (a small fruit related to blackthorn) steeped in neutral grain spirit along with sugar syrup and other botanicals, including almond extract and cassia bark oil. Sloe gin typically has an ABV ranging from 15-30%. Its flavour profile includes notes of cherry and plum jammy fruits combined with subtle bitterness making it perfect for sipping neat or incorporating into classic cocktails such as Negronis or Brambles
To Sum Up
Gin has come a long way since it was first invented hundreds of years ago. Today, there are many different types of Gin, each with its own unique flavour, aroma, and characteristics. From London Dry to Old Tom, from Sloe Gin to Navy Strength, each type of gin has its own distinct flavour and aroma, making it perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated and complex flavour, a smooth and light gin, or something that packs a punch, there is a gin perfect for you. So go ahead and explore the wonderful world of Gin to find the perfect one for you.
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