What is New Western or American gin?
New Western Dry gin is a modern style where juniper is less dominant and more inventive botanicals define the flavor. Cocktail Society describes the term as loosely defined and invented in 2006 by Aviation Gin's founders. Example brands include Hendrick's, Tanqueray Ten, Roku, Aviation and Brockmans. It is not a legal category, and it is not tied to the western US.
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What is New Western gin?
New Western Dry gin is a style where juniper is less dominant, so other botanicals lead. Producers often use local herbs, plants, fruits and spices. Cocktail Society says the term was invented in 2006 by Aviation Gin’s founders and is loosely defined. Contemporary and New Age are also used, because the word Western suggests a place that does not apply to every brand.
How does it differ from London Dry?
London Dry has legal rules: at least 37.5% ABV, very low sugar, no added color and a dominant juniper flavor. New Western gins usually meet the first three, so the difference is mostly taste. Some are close to traditional gin, and others are so far from it that they are compared to vodka. Some overlap with London Dry.
| London Dry | New Western | |
|---|---|---|
| Juniper | Dominant | Present, not dominant |
| Other botanicals | Supporting | Lead the flavor |
| Legal status | Defined style | Informal term |
Which brands are examples?
Cocktail Society lists Hendrick’s, Tanqueray Ten, Roku, Aviation, Brockmans, Iron Balls and Bobby’s, and notes Roku is made in Japan. Not every gin fan agrees on which brand belongs in the style, and this is not a ranking.
Is American gin the same thing?
Not exactly. Many American craft gins fit the style, but the name is not tied to a place, and a gin made in the US can also be a traditional style.
How should you drink it?
- Neat or with large, clear ice.
- In a gin and tonic; the article prefers a Mediterranean-style tonic with these gins.
- Avoid very fruity versions in a bone-dry Martini.
- The article suggests berry-forward Brockmans for a Bramble.
How do you choose?
Read the botanical list on the label or maker’s website, and pick by the flavor you want: citrus, floral, herbal or fruity. Check the ABV too.
People also ask
What is New Western gin?
A gin style where juniper is less dominant, so other botanicals lead the flavor.
Who invented the term New Western Dry?
Cocktail Society credits Aviation Gin's founders, in 2006. It is a loosely defined term, not an official category.
Which gins are New Western?
Examples named include Hendrick's, Tanqueray Ten, Roku, Aviation and Brockmans.
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