What are the differences between London Dry gin and other types of gin?

Gin is a spirit that has been around for centuries and continues to be one of the most popular drinks today! It can come in many different styles, ranging from the classic London Dry Gin to the sweet and fragrant Old Tom Gin. So, what are the differences between these two styles of gin?

London Dry Gin is a type of gin that is made with juniper berries as its main flavor. It is usually distilled with neutral grain spirits and must not contain any additives or flavorings. This type of gin is known for its dry, crisp flavor and strong juniper notes.

In contrast, Old Tom Gin differs from London Dry in that it has a sweeter taste due to the addition of sugar or other sweeteners. This type of gin also typically has more botanicals than London Dry, which gives it a more complex flavor profile. Additionally, Old Tom Gin has a softer mouthfeel than London Dry as a result of its added sweetness.London Dry Gin is a type of distilled gin made without any added sweeteners. It gets its name from the gin-producing region of London, England, where it was first produced in the early 18th century. London dry gin is made by distilling a blend of botanicals, such as juniper berries, coriander, angelica root, lemon and orange peel. These ingredients are steeped in neutral grain spirits before being heated in a still and distilled to create the final product.

London dry gins must adhere to certain standards set by law. For example, the spirit must be bottled at a minimum strength of 37.5% ABV (alcohol by volume) and must not contain any added sweeteners or flavoring agents. This results in a dry, crisp style of gin that is often used as the base for cocktails like martinis and gimlets.

London dry gins are some of the most popular types of gin available today, and can be found in bars and liquor stores around the world. Popular brands include Tanqueray, Beefeater and Hendricks.

The Distillation Process of London Dry Gin

The production of London Dry Gin begins with the maceration process, which involves steeping the botanicals in a neutral grain spirit. The botanicals used can vary from juniper berries, angelica root, orris root, coriander seed, citrus peel and other herbs and spices. The maceration process is done to infuse the flavor from the botanicals into the spirit. After that, it is time for distillation.

London Dry Gin is distilled in either a pot still or a column still. The type of still used to distill the gin will affect its flavor profile and character. In a pot still, the distillate is heated until it vaporizes and then condensed back into liquid form. This process of distillation happens multiple times to ensure that only pure alcohols are present in the end product. On the other hand, column stills are used to continuously distill alcohols at different temperatures and pressures. This results in an even purer spirit than that produced by pot stills.

Once distillation is complete, it’s time for blending. Gin makers will blend their gin with water to reduce its alcoholic content and give it a smoother finish. They may also add additional botanicals for flavoring or sweetness prior to bottling. Once all of these processes are complete, London Dry Gin is ready to be enjoyed!

Characteristics of London Dry Gin

London Dry Gin is a type of gin that has a distinctively crisp and dry flavor profile. It is made from a base of grain alcohol and flavored with juniper berries, citrus peels, and other botanicals. The final product is then distilled to produce a spirit with no added sugar or other sweeteners. London Dry Gin is often used in classic cocktails such as the martini and the gin and tonic. Its high proof (usually 40% alcohol by volume) makes it a popular choice for mixed drinks.

London Dry Gin has specific production requirements set out by the European Union in order to be labeled as such. These regulations dictate that it must be produced solely from ethanol derived from agricultural products, such as grains, potatoes, or sugar beet molasses, with no added sugars or sweeteners. The fermentation process must also adhere to certain regulations in order to qualify as London Dry Gin.

The flavor profile of London Dry Gin is characterized by its use of juniper berries and other botanicals. Juniper berries are the main ingredient responsible for imparting its unique flavor, but other botanicals such as orange peel, coriander, angelica root, cardamom, and licorice can also be used to enhance the flavor profile. These ingredients are typically macerated in the spirit before distillation takes place in order to extract their flavors more effectively.

London Dry Gins are typically quite light on the palate with a crisp dry finish due to its lack of sweetness. It has a clean aroma that can range from being herbal and zesty to having more intense notes of citrus or spice depending on the specific botanicals used during production. The strength and complexity of London Dry Gins make them an excellent choice for use in classic cocktails as well as modern creations.

Types of Gins Beyond London Dry Gin

Gin is one of the most popular spirits, and London dry gin is one of the most recognizable types. But there are many different types of gins, each with their own unique flavor profiles. Some of the other varieties include Plymouth gin, Old Tom gin, Navy Strength gin, Genever gin, and flavored gins.

Plymouth gin is a type of gin that can only be made in Plymouth, England. It has a slightly sweeter flavor than other types of gins and has a slightly lower alcohol content. Old Tom gin is an older style of gin that was popular in the 18th century and has a sweet taste due to the addition of sugar or syrup during the distilling process.

Navy Strength gin is a higher proof version that was created for use by British sailors who needed to have an alcohol content they could rely on while at sea. Genever is a Dutch style of gin that uses juniper as its base flavor but also includes malt wine and other spices to provide additional complexity. Finally, flavored gins are those that have been infused with botanicals or fruits to create interesting and unique flavor combinations.

Sloe Gin – A Refreshing Summer Drink

Sloe gin is a delicious and refreshing summer drink. It is made with sloe berries, which are a tart berry similar to a plum, and gin. Sloe berries are usually picked from hedgerows in the autumn months and then steeped in gin for several months. This produces a rich, sweet-tart flavour with strong notes of almond, blackberry and juniper. The result is an incredibly refreshing summer drink that can be enjoyed either on its own or as part of a cocktail.

What Makes Sloe Gin Unique?

Sloe gin has a unique flavour that sets it apart from other spirits. It has a tartness that comes from the sloe berries, but also has sweetness and depth from the gin. The combination of these flavours make it an ideal summer drink – not too sweet but still full of flavour. Sloe gin can also be used to make some amazing cocktails, such as sloe gin fizzes or sloe gin sours.

How to Make Sloe Gin

Making your own sloe gin is surprisingly easy! All you need is some sloe berries (or other tart fruit such as plums or cherries), some sugar and some good quality gin. Simply mix the fruit with the sugar and leave to steep in the gin for at least two months, stirring occasionally. Once ready, strain off the liquid and enjoy your homemade sloe gin! It can be served neat over ice or used to make delicious cocktails.

Overall, sloe gin is an incredibly refreshing summer drink that has a unique flavour. Whether you choose to enjoy it on its own or as part of a cocktail, it’s sure to add something special to any occasion!

History

Old Tom Gin is a style of gin that was popular in England during the 18th century. It is a sweetened form of gin, made from grain spirit that has been flavoured with juniper berries and other botanicals. It is said to be the precursor to London Dry Gin. Old Tom was an important ingredient in many classic cocktails, such as the Martinez and the Tom Collins. The popularity of Old Tom significantly declined in the early 20th century, but it has seen a resurgence in recent years as craft distilleries have started to produce their own versions.

Production

The production process for Old Tom Gin is similar to that of London Dry Gin, with some notable differences. Instead of redistilling the spirit with juniper berries and other botanicals, it is flavoured with sugar or other sweeteners. This gives it a sweeter flavour than London Dry Gin, although there can be considerable variation depending on the specific recipe used by each distillery. The alcohol content of Old Tom can also vary greatly, ranging from 40% to 57%.

Flavour Profile

Old Tom Gin has a distinctive flavour profile that sets it apart from other gins. It has a pronounced sweetness from the added sugar or sweetener, balanced by the juniper and other botanicals. It also has notes of citrus and spice, which can vary depending on which specific botanicals are used in its production. The flavour profile makes it ideal for use in classic gin cocktails such as the Martinez and the Tom Collins.

History of Genever Gin

Genever gin is a traditional Dutch style of gin that dates back to the 16th century. It is made from a combination of juniper, malt spirit and other botanicals. The name Genever is derived from the Dutch word for juniper, jenever. Genever was first popularized in Holland in the 1600s, though it has been produced in various forms since the 14th century. It was initially used as a medicinal remedy and eventually became popular as an alcoholic beverage.

Types of Genever Gin

There are two main types of Genever gin: oude (“old”) and jonge (“young”). Oude Genever is aged in oak barrels for at least 12 months and has a more robust flavor profile than jonge. It is typically served neat or on the rocks with a slice of orange or lemon peel. Jonge Genever is unaged and has a lighter flavor profile that is more reminiscent of London dry or Plymouth gins. It can be served as an accompaniment to tonic water or mixed into cocktails such as martinis, Negronis and gimlets.

Flavors & Characteristics

Genever gins are known for their distinct flavor profiles that are based on the juniper berry and malt spirit used in the production process. Oude styles have an earthy, spicy flavor profile with notes of clove, cinnamon, citrus peel, coriander and angelica root while jonge styles tend to be more herbal with notes of juniper, citrus peel, coriander seed, almond and licorice root. In addition to its unique flavor profile, Genever also has a higher proof than most other gins—around 40-50%. This makes it perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks but also adds complexity when used in cocktails.

What is Navy Strength Gin?

Navy Strength Gin is a type of gin that has a higher ABV (alcohol by volume) content than the standard gin. It is the same type of gin used by the British Royal Navy to make cocktails during their long voyages. Navy Strength Gin has an ABV of 57%, which is higher than the standard 42% ABV for regular gins. The higher alcohol content gives it a stronger flavor and aroma, making it ideal for use in cocktails and other drinks.

History of Navy Strength Gin

Navy Strength Gin has its origins in the British Royal Navy of the 18th century. During this time, sailors would take a few bottles of gin on board their ships to help stave off scurvy and other ailments caused by long voyages. To ensure that they were getting enough alcohol, they would measure out the gin’s strength using gunpowder, which had an ABV of around 57%. If the gunpowder still lit up when mixed with the gin, it meant that it was strong enough to be used as “navy strength.”

Uses for Navy Strength Gin

Navy Strength Gin is most commonly used as an ingredient in cocktails and mixed drinks. Its strong flavor and high ABV make it ideal for drinks such as Martinis, Negronis, and Gimlets. It can also be used as an alternative to vodka or whiskey in many traditional cocktails such as Manhattans or Old Fashioneds.

Navy Strength Gins are also great for making tinctures and infusions. Its high alcohol content helps extract flavors from herbs and spices quickly, making it easy to create flavorful infusions that can be added to other drinks or enjoyed on their own.

Conclusion

In conclusion, London Dry Gin is a unique and widely popular type of gin. It has a distinctive dry, juniper-forward flavor that sets it apart from other gins. London Dry Gin is usually made with juniper berries, coriander, and citrus peel, although some manufacturers may use additional ingredients as well. London Dry Gin typically contains fewer botanicals than other types of gin, and the distilling process is designed to produce a clear gin with a bold flavor profile. London Dry Gin must meet certain criteria set forth by the European Union in order to be labeled as such, but other types of gin can vary widely in terms of ingredients and production processes.

Ultimately, when selecting a gin for your favorite cocktail or other libation, it’s important to consider the type of gin you’re using and how it will affect the taste of your drink. Whether you prefer London Dry Gin or another type of gin, there’s no wrong answer: it all comes down to personal preference!