How To Choose The Right Gin For Every Kind Of Drink
Expert barman is making cocktail at night club.
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Gin is one of the most versatile spirits out there. It can be bracing and juniper-heavy, light and floral, or even rich and malty. But not all gin is created equal, and if you've ever wondered why one gin makes a great martini while another works better in a Tom Collins, it all comes down to style.
To make sense of the gin world—and to help you avoid putting the wrong gin in the wrong cocktail—here's a practical guide to the different types of gin and where they shine.
London Dry isn't necessarily made in London (though it can be). The term refers to a production style that results in a crisp, juniper-forward gin with no added sweeteners. This is the most common style of gin and the one you'll find in classics like Tanqueray, Beefeater, and Bombay Sapphire.
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London Dry is a workhorse. If you're building a home bar and can only have one gin, this is the one to start with.
Plymouth Gin is actually a protected designation, meaning it can only be made in Plymouth, England. It's similar to London Dry but has a softer, earthier profile with less of a juniper punch. That makes it a great option for people who like gin but don't necessarily want it to dominate their drink.
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Think of Old Tom as the missing link between London Dry and Genever (which we'll get to in a second). It's slightly sweeter than London Dry, with a richer texture. If you ever find a gin cocktail from the 19th century that calls for 'gin,' chances are it was referring to Old Tom.
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Before gin was gin, it was Genever. This Dutch spirit is maltier and has a more whiskey-like character due to its grain-forward base. While it still has juniper, it's not as dominant as in other styles.
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If you love whiskey but are curious about gin, Genever is the perfect gateway bottle.
Sometimes called 'contemporary gin' or 'modern gin,' this is a broad category for gins that step away from the traditional juniper-heavy profile. Brands like Hendrick's (with its cucumber and rose) or The Botanist (with its 22 botanicals) fall into this category.
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New Western gins are fun because they push the boundaries. They can be citrus-forward, floral, or even spice-heavy, making them great for experimentation.
Take a gin, put it in a barrel, and suddenly, you've got something entirely different. Barrel-aged gin picks up flavors from the wood, adding warmth and depth. This style is great for people who like whiskey but want to try gin.
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Brands like Barr Hill Tom Cat and Citadelle Réserve have made this category more popular, and if you haven't tried it yet, it's worth exploring.
Expert barman is making cocktail at night club.
getty
Here's the quick version:
Gin is one of those spirits that rewards exploration. If you're a gin and tonic drinker, try switching up your gin to see how the flavors change. If you love martinis, experiment with different styles to find your favorite balance.
And if you're not sure where to start, just grab a London Dry and go from there. It's hard to go wrong when the drink in your hand is crisp, refreshing, and packed with flavor.
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