Gin

Types of Gin

This refers to the specific type of gin. Though gin categories are generally not classified as precisely as wine or whisky, there are a few overall groupings a given bottle might belong to:

Traditional / London Dry: The most common category, traditional or London Dry gins are generally considered the safest for mixing with many other types of beverages.

Genevere: Genevere gin has a slightly malty taste that makes it more similar to whisky than other types of gin. Also, genevere gins tend to have a lower ABV.

Modern: Modern gins are gins that depart from traditional distillation processes, typically by adding unique or uncharacteristic ingredients. Selecting a modern gin presents a bit of a risk because of its unique flavor, but it can pay off if you find a bottle you really like.

Sloe: Sloe gins are usually made by infusing sloe (or blackthorn) berries with a gin base. This type of gin tends to have a red hue, as well as a slightly lower ABV than that of traditional gin.

Aviation (Genevere)

With its clean, neutral profile, this graceful gin works well with just about anything, from Aviation cocktails (natch) to bone-dry Martinis. On the palate, look for bewitching hints of caraway, juniper, grapefruit and a dry, faintly spicy finish.

• Juniper is the base ingredient that exists in all gins. It is also the ingredient that gives Gin its name.
• Orange Peel is used by gin producers to add a sweet and citrusy flavor to the spirit.
• Coriander Seed is not used often in gin production. It adds complex earthy notes to the spirit.
• Cardamon is a spice that is derived from seeds of several plants. It adds spicy notes to the spirit.
• Aniseed is a flowering plant that is native to the Mediterranean. It infuses the spirit with flavors similar to liquorice.

Bols Genevere

Juniper is the base ingredient that exists in all gins. It is also the ingredient that gives Gin its name.

Bombay Sapphire (Traditional / London Dry)

Sweet, mild, clean fragrance of lemon, juniper and licorice. This is a complex gin; more flavors can be detected with each sip: cinnamon spice, astringent pine needles, a touch of lime zest and, finally, a big licorice finish comes singing through. Slightly oily feel. Great for a gimlet or martini with a lemon twist.

• Juniper is the base ingredient that exists in all gins. It is also the ingredient that gives Gin its name.
• Almond is rarely used in Gin production. It infuses the gin with a smooth, nutty flavor.
• Angelica Root adds a musky aroma to the spirit. Its aroma is often compared to that of juniper.
• Liquource is a legume native to southern Europe, India, and parts of Asia, it is often used to add complex sweetness to gin.
• Coriander Seed is not used often in gin production. It adds complex earthy notes to the spirit.
• Lemon Peel is used to infuse spirits with a sweet citrus flavor and aroma.

Corsair (Modern)

Light, warm Dutch licorice comes through on the nose and palate, lightened by cardamom and a sweet lemon zest note. Spicy and intriguing. Made in Nashville, Tennessee.

• Juniper is the base ingredient that exists in all gins. It is also the ingredient that gives Gin its name.

Few American Gin (Traditional / London Dry)

Almost reminiscent of genever, this robust, earthy gin has a lick of licorice on the aroma, plus fruity notes that evoke banana and red vines. The banana note is echoed on the palate, plus juniper and a very spicy finish that highlights cinnamon and cayenne.

• Liquorice is a legume native to southern Europe, India, and parts of Asia, it is often used to add complex sweetness to gin.
• Coriander Seed is not used often in gin production. It adds complex earthy notes to the spirit.
• Lemon Peel is used to infuse spirits with a sweet citrus flavor and aroma.
• Citrus Peels are added to infuse the spirit with rich sweet citrus flavors.

Hendricks (Modern)

Some might expect a more concentrated rosewater-cucumber profile, but it’s relatively subtle, with just a hint of cucumber mingling with juniper in the aroma, and white pepper, citrus and floral notes on the lingering finish.

• Rose Petal is added to spirits to add color as well as sweet floral notes.
• Cucumber infuses a spirit with hints of fresh sweetness.

New Amsterdam (Modern)

For those who prefer a sweet cast to their gins, this one is a winner. The grapefruit-like, almost candy-like scent leads into pleasantly sweet and citrusy flavors, which finish with a faint floral note. Blends particularly well into lightly fruity and citrusy cocktails and gin-based punches.

• Juniper is the base ingredient that exists in all gins. It is also the ingredient that gives Gin its name.
• Citrus Peels are added to infuse the spirit with rich sweet citrus flavors.

Tanqueray (Traditional / London Dry)

Inside the recognizable green bottle, look for bold juniper plus notes of anise, lemon peel, and a faint white-floral touch, laced with black pepper heat. Overall, a clean, classic profile that’s just the ticket for gin & tonics.

• Juniper is the base ingredient that exists in all gins. It is also the ingredient that gives Gin its name.
• Angelica Root adds a musky aroma to the spirit. Its aroma is often compared to that of juniper.
• Coriander Seed is not used often in gin production. It adds complex earthy notes to the spirit.

The Botanist Islay Dry Gin (Modern)

The Botanist Gin is a progressive exploration of the botanical heritage of our Isle of Islay. 22 hand-foraged local botanicals delicately augment nine berries, barks, seeds and peels during an achingly slow distillation. This first and only Islay Dry Gin is a rare expression of the heart and soul of our remote Scottish island home.

The taste is rich and mellow; cool on entry then as it reaches the back palate you can feel the warmth and absolute purity of slow unhurried distillation. This is a bewitching, delectable and luxurious gin; its citrus freshness excites and stimulates the taste buds allowing you to experience a star-burst of flavours as they explode across the palate.

Find out A LOT more about this gin at their website.