A Guide to the 6 Most Popular Types of Gin
Gin is one of the most versatile spirits, making it flavorful and aromatic. With ingredients, production method, and geographic origins deeply influencing its taste. Even though all gin must contain juniper berries, drinkers can still experience it in a wide variety of styles and tastes.
In this blog, we’ll be discussing 6 distinct types of gin for drinkers who want to try it for the first time or just want to pick their next cocktail.
Table of Contents
1. Acronimo Gin
For those who want the best Mexican spirit, Acronimo Gin stands apart with its locally sourced botanicals from Sierra Tarahumara. This type undergoes a blending process that involves Sotol, which is a native spirit distilled in northern Mexico.
Key Botanicals
Acronimo gin uses a variety of botanicals that include citrus zest, black peppercorns, and cardamom. Moreover, botanical infusion is allowed for two weeks to create a deep and layered complexity.
Tasting Experience
Drinkers enjoy a bright, citrusy profile that is layered with warm spice and herbal undertones. Even with the presence of juniper, sotol also influences a touch of earthy minerality.
Recommended Use
Acronimo gin is an excellent choice for neat or spirit-forward cocktails like the Martinez or Gin Sour. Drinkers also pair it with dry tonics and grapefruit peel to highlight its spice and citrus character.
2. London Dry Gin
If you’re looking for the most “traditional” and legally defined gin, then London Dry is your new benchmark. However, despite its popular name, this type of gin is not specifically made in London. The name “London Dry” is a style and not a place of origin.
Production Standards
London Dry needs to be redistilled with natural botanicals. It does not include any artificial flavors or sweeteners, giving the base spirit the highest purity.
Tasting Experience
Drinkers should expect a crisp, dry profile that has a clear juniper berry dominance. London Dry is usually supported by:
- A citrus peel, often lemon or orange.
- Coriander seeds.
- Angelica root or orris root.
Recommended Use
London Dry is a perfect choice for anyone who wants a reliable and balanced gin for traditional drinks.
3. Plymouth Gin
Unlike London Dry, Plymouth Gin is produced by the one and only distillery in Plymouth, England. Even when it’s similar to London Dry, it has its own distinct profile and historical significance.
Historical Roots
Plymouth Gin has been hitting shelves since the late 18th century. It has been a staple of the British Navy and early American cocktail books.
Tasting Experience
Plymouth Gin is a softer and less dry style of gin than London Dry. It’s distilled with rooty and slightly sweet botanicals that feel smooth when drinking.
Recommended Use
Drinkers often try it in a Negroni or a Martinez, where its subtle richness and depth are enjoyable.
4. Old Tom Gin
This type is a revival of a 19th-century gin that bridges the gap between Genever and London Dry. Old Tom Gin has a slight sweetness that makes it a more approachable option.
Historical Roots
Old Tom is a popular pre-Prohibition era gin. It gets its name from the wooden “Old Tom” plaques used in British pubs. This was when people could anonymously buy gin through a slot.
Tasting Experience
Old Tom has a smoother and more full-bodied sweet taste than London Dry. Drinkers also find notes of licorice roots and citrus.
Recommended Use
Perfect for vintage-styled cocktails or those who think London Dry is too sharp for them.
5. Nordic or Alpine Gin
This type of gin is defined by the wild environment it comes from. Nordic or Alpine gins are typically distilled in Scandinavia or the Alps. They use local botanicals that reflect the cold climate and mountainous terrain.
Signature Botanicals
Distillers often use botanicals like spruce tips, pine needles, or arctic herbs. These are regional ingredients that offer a unique taste that differs from traditional gin profiles.
Tasting Experience
Drinkers often enjoy bright herbal notes with crisp acidity. These gins have a typical “green” forest-like flavor infused with delicate fruit or floral undertones.
Recommended Use
Perfect for minimalist cocktails that let the botanicals show their flavor. Common options can include gin and soda with a sprig of thyme.
6. Japanese Gin
If you want to experience “harmony and balance,” then Japanese gin is a perfect option for you. These gins are infused with traditional Japanese ingredients, known as Washoku Elements. These include:
- Yuzu
- Sakura (cherry blossom)
- Sanshō pepper
- Green tea
- Bamboo leaf
Philosophy
Japanese distillers are popular for their focus on purity and aesthetic experience along with a rich flavor. Their precision is also reflected in their branding and the vessels that are used to serve the spirit.
Tasting Experience
Like the Japanese culture, these gins are elegant and delicate. They often have a soft citrus and subtle herbal character. However, some distillers often infuse umami-rich botanicals to set a high bar for finesse.
Recommended Use
Ideal for drinking with chilled soda water and a yuzu peel garnish. Drinkers often enjoy them with tea-based cocktails or minimalist martinis.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes each type of gin different from the others?
These differences are defined by their botanical composition, distillation method, and alcohol content. For example, London Dry gin doesn’t contain any sweetener, but Old Tom is slightly sweet. Newer types like Acronimo Gin include regional spirits like Sotol to enhance its flavor.
2. Is there a “best” type of gin for cocktails?
That depends on the cocktail. London Dry is a versatile all-rounder perfect for classics like Gin & Tonic or Negroni. Old Tom works well in sours and Collins drinks.
3. Can you drink all types of gin neat?
Not all, but many. Navy Strength, Barrel-Aged, and craft gins like Acronimo Gin are often sipped neat due to their depth and complexity.
4. What’s the difference between craft gin and mass-produced gin?
Craft gin typically involves small-batch production, local ingredients, and more innovative botanicals. It may also reflect regional terroir or cultural techniques, like in Acronimo Gin’s use of sotol.
5. How should I store gin to preserve its flavor?
Store your gin in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. Unlike wine, gin doesn’t age once bottled, so it won’t improve over time.
Final Thoughts
Gin is now a reflection of innovation and regional storytelling. From sweet depth to dry coastal expressions, every type of gin has character to its taste. Drinkers can now find a gin style for every palate and purpose.
As the category grows, the best way to learn is to explore, taste, and let your preferences guide you.
