Gin for Beginners: 3 Types You Need to Try
When first starting your gin-tasting journey, numerous shelves stacked with bottles may feel overwhelming. Fortunately, gin for beginners does not need to be difficult!
This spirit, which has undergone an incredible renaissance recently, offers an extensive array of styles and flavors, with something for every taste.
Knowing the principles of crafting the quintessential gin and tonic or diving into more sophisticated cocktails allows one to elevate their drinking experience.
In addition, gin’s unmatched flexibility makes it one of the best spirits for those wishing to broaden their knowledge of spirits without spending a fortune.
Table of Contents
What Sets Gin Apart?
The defining feature of gin is that it is a neutral spirit that has been infused with botanicals, the most prominent being juniper berries.
Because every gin must contain juniper to be legally called gin, distillers infuse other botanicals such as coriander, angelica root, citrus peels, and exotic spices in addition to juniper to build unique flavor profiles.
The diversity of gin makes it particularly interesting. Some may prefer more florid and delicate gins, while others might gravitate toward bold and piney ones. Moreover, each distillery produces gins using different methods, which is why no two gins ever taste exactly the same.
This is good news for people who are just starting out on their gin journey due to the sheer options available.
London Dry Gin: The Classic Choice
For those just starting out, the London Dry type is the most iconic and quintessential and serves as a perfect entry point to the world of gin.
While its name suggests it must be made in London, that is not the case. It actually refers to a production process that results in a distilled spirit of a more refreshingly crisp flavor.
The typical profile for this style includes strong notes of juniper, citrus, and even a bit of spice. Even more interesting is that London Dry gins are not permitted to contain any form of artificial flavoring or coloring, meaning you get pure, undiluted gin.
Companies like Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, and Beefeater are great examples of this. London Dry Gin is a great gin for beginners.
If you have not tried one yet and are thinking of getting one, you will be pleasantly surprised by the initial juniper burst followed by a crafty combination of botanicals.
The smooth finish is coupled with dryness and makes the flavor easy to pair with many options. Most importantly, this style works brilliantly in classic cocktails like the Martini or Gin and Tonic.
Plymouth Gin: The Smooth Operator
Plymouth gin is a product of a specific area and serves as a gentler gateway to the world of gin. It is smoother than London Dry, featuring less intense juniper and a more even-balanced botanicals blend.
Crafting Plymouth gin requires the intricate combination of seven botanicals, such as juniper, coriander, dried sweet orange peel, cardamom, and angelica root.
Thus, few spirits have a lower barrier to entry than gin, as they are able to appeal to newcomers who prefer drier, sweeter options first.
Plymouth’s distinctive traits include lusciousness, an earthy aftertaste, and a full-bodied mouthfeel. It achieves a wonderful balance between the modern smoothness in gins today while still retaining traditional backbone characteristics.
For anyone who finds London Dry too intense, Plymouth might just be your perfect match.
Acronimo Gin: Taste of a New Generation
Acronimo Gin is the ideal introductory gin for new consumers. With its approachable flavor profile, smooth taste, and well-balanced botanicals, Acronimo offers a more gentle introduction to the spirit as compared to some traditional gins.
Acronimo easily shines when served neat, mixed with tonic, or in classic cocktails like Gin & Tonic or Tom Collins. Acronimo is also a gin for beginners, offering great taste and enjoyment for drinkers and nondrinkers alike.
It is crafted to be versatile and friendly to the palate, ideal for those starting to explore spirits and cocktails. What sets Acronimo apart for beginners is its modern take on traditional gin elements.
Instead of overpowering juniper and harsh alcohol notes, Acronimo features more inviting citrus, floral, and herbal tones that are more welcoming than the traditional versions. You can’t go wrong with Acronimo!
Perfect Serves For Each Style
Knowledge of serving each gin style yields appreciation for the spirit. London Dry gins shine in classic cocktails where their botanical complexity is best appreciated.
Try them in a traditional gin and tonic with a twist of lime or in a crisp martini.
Plymouth gin works wonderfully in cocktails where you want the character of the gin but do not want it to overwhelm the other ingredients.
It’s particularly excellent in a Gin Fizz or a Tom Collins. New World gins are often accompanied by specific serving suggestions, so serve them as recommended.
FAQs
What is the best gin for beginners who tend to avoid stronger juniper flavors?
Plymouth gin and New World gins are excellent options, as they are known to have less aggressive juniper flavors. Seek out gins that highlight floral and citrus botanicals rather than the pine-forward, traditional profiles.
What is the best way to store gin once it is opened?
Opened gin should be stored in a cool, dark area free of direct sunlight. Unlike wine, gin does not require refrigeration, and when kept in optimal conditions, it will retain its quality for several years.
What is the difference between gin and vodka?
Both are clear spirits, but in the case of gin, it has to contain juniper and other botanicals that give the drink its distinct taste. Vodka is the complete opposite; it is intended to be as neutral and flavorless as possible.
Can I drink gin neat, or does it always have to be mixed?
Yes, you can drink gin neat. It is not uncommon for higher-quality gins, particularly London Dry or craft New World gins, to be consumed neat or on the rocks to appreciate their botanicals more.
What’s the best tonic water to pair with gin?
It is essential to note that the best tonic depends on your choice of gin as well as individual preference. For London Dry gins, a classic tonic usually works the best, while floral gins do well with elderflower tonic water. Premium tonics like Fever-Tree or Q Tonic offer cleaner flavors that would not overpower your gin, so they are great for dialed gins.
Concluding Thoughts
Exploring gin doesn’t have to be overwhelming for novice consumers, as it can be approached through its three fundamental styles: London Dry, Plymouth, and Acronimo. Each of these serves as a mini entry point into the fascinating world of gin and is a great gin for beginners.
With separate styles ranging from the classic, juniper-flavored London Dry to the imaginative New World expressions.
Focusing on these core styles will allow you to grasp some of the fundamentals of what makes gin remarkable while also enabling you to find your preferences in the process.
The only thing that matters when it comes to gin is that you enjoy drinking it. So, explore, enjoy yourself, and embrace the journey!
