Gin Varieties: What Types of Gin Are There?
- The three main gin types: Dry Gin, London (Dry) Gin, and Distilled Gin.
- Classic gin: A classic juniper note, with flavor notes of coriander seed, angelica root, and fresh citrus fruits.
- Good gin: Defined by a prominent juniper flavor, a natural aroma profile, and above all high-quality base alcohol.
- Gin seminar in Nürnberg: Gelbes Haus offers an unforgettable gin seminar in Nürnberg where you'll learn all about the best gin varieties.
What began as Dutch genever has long since become one of the most exciting spirits in the world. Its base is always juniper, but only through the diversity of botanicals like coriander, citrus zest, or exotic spices does each individual gin variety get its own character. The wide range of gin flavors makes gin a true experience in a glass. Today there are not only classics, but also plenty of unconventional gin varieties that surprise with new aromas and ideas. But what actually makes a good gin, and what sets different varieties apart?
What are the three main types of gin?
The EU officially distinguishes three main types of gin, each with its own characteristics:
Gin type | Flavor | |
|---|---|---|
Dry Gin | Made from agricultural alcohol (usually grain), flavoring with botanicals is permitted. Artificial additives like flavorings and sugar up to 0.1 g per liter are allowed. | Distinct juniper note, predominantly classic and spicy in flavor. |
London (Dry) Gin | Botanicals are distilled together, with no flavoring added afterward. Sugar addition up to 0.5 g per liter is allowed. | Dry, intense, with a strong juniper and citrus note. Very purist. |
Distilled Gin | Distilled at least twice, botanicals are added during distillation. No flavoring allowed after distillation. | Classic or modern in style, often very aromatic, with a fine structure. |
Beyond these three main categories, there are several other exciting variations that delight gin lovers in their own unique way.
- Old Tom Gin brings a charming retro vibe to the glass with its slight sweetness, and is perfect for classic cocktails.
- With New Western Dry Gin, juniper deliberately steps into the background so that unusual botanicals like lavender, rosemary, or cucumber can take center stage.
- Sloe Gin gets fruity - a gin-based sloe liqueur that shines best neat or as an aperitif.
- Navy Strength Gin, with its high alcohol content of at least 57 percent, is the right choice for anyone who likes their glass a bit stronger.
What is classic gin?
These varieties are defined by a clear juniper note that dominates the aroma and creates the typical gin flavor. The botanicals used are deliberately kept minimal and carefully balanced with one another. Ingredients like coriander seeds, angelica root, and fresh citrus fruits are common here.
The goal is to create a good gin in which no single ingredient stands out too much. Classic gin varieties represent tradition and the origins of the spirit.
Classic gin varieties skip exotic experiments and modern flourishes. That's exactly what makes them the first choice for many when it comes to a special gin.
How do I recognize a good gin?
Not every gin on the shelf is automatically a good gin. But there are a few clear signs that tell you whether you're dealing with a high-quality gin - whether classic, modern, or one of the many special gin varieties.
Juniper takes center stage
A good gin is defined by a clear juniper note. It forms the base and should be noticeable, but not overpowering. Other botanicals like citrus, herbs, or spices round out the aroma without covering up the juniper.
Harmonious flavor profile
The best gin varieties win you over with a balanced interplay of all their ingredients. No single note should dominate.
Quality of the base alcohol
A neutral, clean alcohol is the foundation of every good gin variety. Only a pure base ingredient really lets the delicate aromas of the botanicals shine.
Natural aromas instead of artificial additives
High-quality gin varieties rely on real ingredients. The aromas come from herbs, fruits, or roots - not from a lab. Excessive sweetness or artificial notes are a no-go.
The distiller's signature
With truly good gin varieties, you can feel the idea behind them. The selection and combination of botanicals follows a concept that the master distiller brings to life with experience and instinct. This is where the exciting differences between gins come from, setting one variety apart from the next.
