Types of Gin

In recent years, gin has established itself as the spirit of the moment, with an explosion of new brands and distilleries around the world. Thousands of new labels have entered the market, reinforcing traditional categories while reviving historical styles and production methods from the past. At the same time, innovation has led to the creation of new styles that go beyond classical definitions.

However, regardless of experimentation and the creativity of producers, all gin must adhere to specific parameters—such as those defined in the EU Spirit and Drink Regulation (No. 2019/787 of April 17, 2019)—which outline essential characteristics and production methods to ensure quality and transparency in the market.

Let’s dive into the main gin types:

 

1. London Dry Gin

London Dry Gin is the most classic and recognizable expression of gin, and the most widespread style globally. Originating in the second half of the 18th century, it developed mainly in London, where most producers were based—hence the straightforward name "London Dry Gin."

However, despite the name, this gin does not need to be made in London or even in the UK. Today, “London Dry Gin” refers to any gin made according to strict production standards regulated by the European Union, covering distillation methods, ingredients, and purity of flavor, ensuring international quality and authenticity.

 

2. Distilled Gin

Distilled Gin is essentially similar to London Dry Gin, but with one key difference: additional flavorings can be added after distillation to enhance the sensory profile. This allows for the inclusion of more volatile and delicate aromas that wouldn’t survive traditional distillation, preserving their freshness.

The result is a more complex and often more expressive gin. A distinctive feature of Distilled Gin is the possibility of natural coloring. Since color compounds don’t carry over during distillation (as they’re too heavy to evaporate), post-distillation infusions of botanicals can give the gin natural hues—adding a creative, modern twist.

 

3. Old Tom Gin

Old Tom Gin dates back to 18th-century England, when distillation was still rudimentary and gin was often rough and low quality. To improve the flavor, producers sweetened it with licorice and fennel, creating a smoother, more aromatic style.

Considered a bridge between Genever and London Dry Gin, it's sweeter than the latter but lighter and less malty than the former. Today, its signature sweetness comes from sugar, honey, or other sweeteners—not to mask flaws, but to add roundness, making Old Tom ideal for classic cocktails.

 

4. Navy Strength Gin

The British Navy played a key role in the spread of gin across the UK, its colonies, and beyond. Sailors were enthusiastic gin drinkers, and many early distilleries emerged in port cities, with gin shipped and shared around the globe.

Navy Strength Gin doesn’t follow a fixed flavor profile but is defined by its high alcohol content—it must have a minimum of 57% ABV (100° UK proof) to be classified as such.

 

5. Compound Gin

This gin style stands apart from London Dry and other distilled gins because the botanicals and aromas are added directly to the neutral spirit without re-distillation. Flavoring is achieved through the simple cold blending of alcohol with botanical extracts and tinctures, without further distillation.

Also known as "Bathtub Gin", this method became popular during U.S. Prohibition, when people made gin at home—often in bathtubs—as makeshift maceration vessels (see our gin history page for more).

 

6. Sloe Gin

Sloe Gin is a gin-based liqueur, made by macerating wild sloe berries in gin and adding sugar to balance the berries’ natural tartness and astringency. It has a minimum alcohol content of 25% ABV, and its color ranges from pale pink to deep ruby red depending on the infusion time and production method.

It originated in 18th-century Britain, when farmers began steeping sloe berries in gin to create a more aromatic, drinkable spirit.

 

7. Genever

Genever, the Dutch precursor to London Dry Gin, is a juniper-flavored spirit made by blending malt wine and botanical-infused neutral spirit. It has a rich, malty profile with subtler juniper notes compared to modern gin.

There are two main types:

• Oude (Old)

• Jonge (Young)

Note: These terms do not refer to aging, but to the proportion of malt wine in the blend.

 

8. Cask Aged Gin

Cask Aged Gin is gin that’s aged in barrels before bottling—a historical practice from when barrels were the primary means of transport and storage.

Aging in wood adds roundness and aromatic complexity, with flavor nuances influenced by the type of cask used and what spirit was previously aged in it.

 

9. Flavored Gin Liqueurs

Flavored gin liqueurs are distinguished by their lower alcohol content compared to traditional gins and their sweeter, more approachable taste.

Thanks to their soft and aromatic profiles, they’re perfect served neat, over ice, or as a base for light cocktails. Many brands have responded to growing demand with a wide range of floral and fruity flavored gin liqueurs.