There are many different Gins, each with their own distinctive characteristics. From juniper to citrus, different botanicals are used to create unique flavours. Even the base of a Gin can have an impact on its final flavour. For example, London Dry is typically made with un-aged neutral grain spirit, but other variations may use barrel aged spirits or un-aged grape spirit instead.
In general, Gin is made by infusing neutral grain spirit with botanicals and a blend of aromatics and spices as part of a secondary fermentation process. A wide variety of natural oils also contribute to the character of each individual brand of gin.
London Dry Gin
The term “London Dry Gin” was coined in the 19th century and has since been used as a legal designation for a particular style of Gin. London Dry Gin is characterised by a bold juniper flavour, low sweetness, and a high degree of aromatic botanicals. London Dry Gin is typically made with a base spirit that is unaged, or aged for a very short period of time. It is then blended with a wide variety of botanicals, including juniper, coriander, orange peel, cardamom, and angelica root. The London dry Gin style is considered by many to be the “original” or “classic” Gin that was first produced in London during the 19th century.
Standard Gin
Standard Gin is another classic style, but with a lower level of juniper flavuor. It’s typically made with a base spirit that has been aged for at least two months. Standard Gin uses a similar blend of botanicals as the London Dry, but the juniper is often reduced by half or even more.
Navy or RN Gin
Navy Gin is a variation of standard Gin, and is said to have been a favourite of British sailors who made Gin part of their daily rations. Navy Gin was first produced in the United Kingdom in the mid-19th century. It’s typically made with a base spirit that’s been heavily spiced with coriander and caraway. The base spirit is then blended with other botanicals, including juniper, lemon peel, and orange peel. The use of spices like coriander and caraway give Navy Gin a peppery flavour.
Gin with Other Liquor
The term “Gin with other liquor” is often applied to Gin variations that have been blended with other types of liquor. This term encompasses a large variety of styles, including Genever, Schiedam Schnapps, and Malfruited Gin. Genève is a variation of Gin that’s been blended with a small amount of un-aged whiskey or other grain spirit. It’s similar to a “Reverse Gin”, a term that’s used for Gins that have been blended with a small amount of whiskey. Schiedam Schnapps is a variation of Gin that has been heavily spiced with coriander and caraway. It’s been blended with a small amount of Dutch gin and then flavoured with a variety of botanicals, including juniper, coriander, and caraway. Malfruited Gin is a variation of Gin that has been flavoured with juniper and a wide variety of other botanicals, including citrus, coriander, and cardamom. It’s then been blended with a small amount of fruit brandy.
Genever and Schiedam Schnapps
Genever and Schiedam Schnapps are two variations of Gin that have been heavily spiced with coriander and caraway. They’re typically made with a base spirit that’s lighter in colour and flavour than London Dry or Standard Gin. Genever is a variation of Gin that’s been blended with a small amount of un-aged whiskey or other grain spirit. Schiedam Schnapps is a variation of Gin that has been heavily spiced with coriander and caraway. It’s been blended with a small amount of Dutch gin and then flavoured with a variety of botanicals, including juniper, coriander, and caraway.
Organic Gin
Organic Gin is produced with a 100% organic base spirit that uses certified organic botanicals. It’s typically blended with a wide variety of organic spices, including juniper, coriander, and cardamom. Organic Gin is produced with the same fermentation process as standard Gin. It’s usually bottled at a lower proof, and has a noticeably higher level of sweetness than standard Gin.
What about our gin?
Our Classic Gin – We’ve taken a classic gin and made it better! Take the orange in our Classic Gin as an example; it is common to use dried orange peel, but we only want the flesh and the skin, no pith. To do this, we first remove the wax, then peel it to retrieve the flesh, and then we start the hard part of removing all the pith and zesting the skin. It takes time and effort but our attention to detail is what makes our Gins more enjoyable for you! Our Gin is then 6 times distilled and vapour infused to make it silky smooth. 40% ABV / 80% Proof. Juniper fore, full of citrus with a sweet crowning of saffron.
Navy Strength Gin – Wow this certainly does light the cannons! At 57% ABV / 114 Proof, it’s a full-bodied gin, made with the freshest botanicals and 6 times distilled. This is what the Navy drank back in the day to not only warm their bodies, but light the gunpowder! Get ready for an explosion of taste. Please drink responsibly. Juniper fore, warming peppery middle with a caramel-like finish.