What Type of Gin Suits Your Taste?
The type of gin you choose is as distinct as choosing between styles of whisky or rum. Gin is often a misunderstood spirit, despite its wide array of flavors and rich history. This guide will introduce readers to gin’s unique flavor profiles, production techniques, and different styles. By understanding these aspects, readers will be able to identify their preferred gin style. Additionally, we will explore why gin requires a higher proof to maintain clarity.
In this Article
What is Gin?
At its core, gin is a neutral spirit infused with botanicals, predominantly juniper berries. The distinct aroma and taste of gin come from carefully selected botanicals—plants, spices, fruits, and herbs—that give each gin its unique character. Through the distillation process, these botanicals impart flavor notes that can range from floral and earthy to citrusy and spicy. Producing gin requires skillful craftsmanship to achieve the ideal balance of ingredients, resulting in flavors suited to a variety of palates.
Why Gin Needs a Higher Proof
Gin typically requires a high proof, around 40% ABV or higher, to maintain clarity. Cloudiness in gin, often referred to as “louching,” occurs when oils from botanicals like juniper and citrus separate when water is added. The higher alcohol content stabilizes these oils, ensuring that the gin remains visually clear and that its flavors remain crisp.
Louching (pronounced LOO-shing) is a phenomenon often observed in spirits like gin, absinthe, and some anise-flavored liqueurs. It occurs when essential oils from the botanicals—particularly oils from juniper and citrus in gin—become visible in the drink, giving it a cloudy or milky appearance. This happens when water or ice dilutes the alcohol content, causing these oils, which are soluble in alcohol but not in water, to separate and become suspended in the liquid.
What is Louching
In high-proof spirits, alcohol acts as a solvent that keeps botanical oils dissolved, maintaining the gin’s clarity. When water is added, the alcohol concentration decreases. At a certain point—typically below 40% alcohol by volume—the water can no longer hold the oils in solution, causing them to “louche.” This effect is particularly notable with absinthe, where adding water causes a dramatic, milky transformation.
In gin, louching is usually more subtle but can still affect the drink’s visual appeal and mouthfeel. The cloudiness isn’t harmful or indicative of poor quality; rather, it reveals the high concentration of flavorful essential oils.
Louching and Flavor
When louching occurs, the release of oils changes the drink’s texture and may even alter its flavor perception. For some spirits, like absinthe, this effect is desirable and part of the traditional tasting experience. With gin, however, louching is generally avoided, as it can interfere with the drink’s crisp, clean presentation and flavor.
In short, louching is an intriguing chemical reaction that adds complexity to understanding spirits. With gin, the high proof ensures clarity and flavor balance, preserving the careful botanical infusion crafted by distillers.
Styles of Gin
Gin styles vary greatly, based on both production techniques and flavor profiles. Each type offers a unique experience, appealing to different tastes and preferences. Here are some of the most popular styles:
- London Dry Gin – London Dry Gin is renowned for its crisp, clean, and juniper-forward profile. Though it originated in London, this style can now be produced globally. Its production requires a strict distillation process that forbids artificial flavors or sweeteners after final distillation. The result is a bold gin, where juniper is front and center, complemented by subtle hints of citrus and spices.
- Plymouth Gin – With a softer, earthier flavor profile, Plymouth Gin offers a smoother experience than London Dry. Made in the Plymouth region of England, this gin holds a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, meaning it can only be produced in this area. Plymouth Gin is less focused on juniper, offering instead a balanced, gentle profile.
- Popular Brand: Plymouth Gin
- Ideal For: Negroni, Gimlet, and other cocktails where a mellow flavor is desired
- Old Tom Gin – Known as the “missing link” between London Dry and Genever, Old Tom Gin carries a touch of sweetness, either from added sugar or botanicals. This subtle sweetness rounds out the flavor, making it an excellent choice for classic cocktails.
- Popular Brands: Hayman’s Old Tom, Ransom Old Tom Gin
- Ideal For: Tom Collins, Martinez
- Genever – Genever, the original form of gin, originated in the Netherlands. Distilled from malted grain spirits, Genever has a malty, almost whiskey-like flavor and may be either aged or unaged, adding complexity to the spirit.
- Popular Brands: Bols Genever, Ketel 1
- Ideal For: Sipping neat or in cocktails like the Improved Holland Gin Cocktail
- New American (or Modern) Gin – This contemporary style places less emphasis on juniper and highlights various other botanicals. Often, these gins focus on floral, citrus, or herbal notes, creating diverse flavors.
- Popular Brands: Aviation Gin, Hendrick’s, St. George Terroir
- Ideal For: Experimenting in cocktails or enjoying neat to experience the full range of botanicals
- Navy Strength Gin – Navy Strength Gin, with an ABV of around 57%, emerged during the British Navy era. This high alcohol content ensures robust flavors, perfect for cocktails that require intense, balanced flavors.
- Popular Brands: Plymouth Navy Strength, Sipsmith V.J.O.P.
- Ideal For: Bold cocktails, especially those balanced with citrus or other potent mixers
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Choosing Your Preferred Style
Understanding gin’s distinct flavors helps narrow down a preferred style. For those favoring robust, juniper-dominant flavors, London Dry or Navy Strength may be ideal. A softer, slightly sweet gin experience may make Genever or Old Tom a better choice. Those seeking a more adventurous, contemporary taste may find New American Gins more appealing, as these gins feature innovative botanicals and new takes on gin’s traditional flavor profile.
Pairing Gin with Mixers
Each gin style interacts uniquely with mixers. For example, London Dry pairs well with tonic water, where its bold juniper notes shine. Plymouth or New American Gins often complement delicate mixers, allowing their complex botanicals to emerge. Experimenting with various gin styles and mixers allows one to discover new and enjoyable ways to savor gin.
Top 5 Most Popular Gin Cocktails
Classic Gin Martini
A timeless cocktail that showcases gin’s depth and sophistication.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz London Dry gin
- 0.5 oz dry vermouth
- Lemon twist or olive for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add gin and dry vermouth.
- Stir well for 30 seconds to chill and dilute.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or an olive.
2. Negroni
A balanced, bitter cocktail perfect for gin lovers seeking a strong, flavorful drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
- Stir until well chilled, about 20 seconds.
- Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
3. Tom Collins
A refreshing, sparkling gin cocktail ideal for warm weather.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- Club soda to top
- Lemon wheel and cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
- Top with club soda and stir lightly.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a cherry.
4. Gimlet
A crisp, refreshing cocktail with a tart edge.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
Instructions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add gin, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass or martini glass.
5. Aviation
An elegant gin cocktail with floral and citrus notes.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz gin
- 0.5 oz maraschino liqueur
- 0.25 oz crème de violette
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- Cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and lemon juice.
- Shake until chilled, about 15 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a cherry.
These cocktails highlight gin’s versatility, from the bitter richness of the Negroni to the crisp refreshment of the Tom Collins. Enjoy exploring these classic recipes!
Final Thoughts on Learning About Different Types of Gin
Gin offers something for every taste. From the classic, juniper-forward profile of London Dry to the innovative botanical blends of New American, gin’s flavors are waiting to be explored. Whether enjoying a strong Navy Strength cocktail or a mellow Old Tom mix, gin offers an endless range of possibilities. Dry, the historical charm of Genever, and the creativity of New American gins ensure that there’s a gin style to match every taste preference. Whether sipping a bold Navy Strength cocktail or enjoying a mellow Old Tom mix, exploring the different styles of gin opens the door to a world of flavors waiting to be discovered.