Exploring the Different Types of Gin: A Guide from Dunrobin Distilleries

Gin, with its rich history and diverse flavour profiles, has become a beloved spirit worldwide. As an esteemed alcohol distillery based in Canada, Dunrobin Distilleries is passionate about sharing our knowledge and appreciation for this versatile spirit. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different types of gin, their unique characteristics, and how they can be enjoyed in various cocktails. We’ll also highlight Dunrobin’s own award-winning Earl Grey Gin with Butterfly Pea Extract, a gin that magically changes colour when acidic mixers are added.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Gin
2. The History of Gin
3. Key Botanicals in Gin
4. Types of Gin
   • London Dry Gin
   • Plymouth Gin
   • Old Tom Gin
   • Genever
   • New Western or Contemporary Gin
   • Navy Strength Gin
5. How to Enjoy Gin
6. Dunrobin’s Award-Winning Earl Grey Gin
7. Conclusion

1. Introduction to Gin

Gin is a distilled alcoholic beverage that derives its predominant flavour from juniper berries. Beyond juniper, gins can include a variety of botanicals, such as coriander, citrus peel, angelica root, and many others, which contribute to the complex and diverse flavours found in different gins.

2. The History of Gin

The origins of gin can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with the earliest references to a juniper-flavoured medicinal drink in the Netherlands. By the 17th century, gin had become popular in England, leading to the infamous "Gin Craze" period. Over time, gin evolved, and regulations improved its quality, giving rise to the various styles we enjoy today.

3. Key Botanicals in Gin

While juniper berries are the primary botanical in gin, many other botanicals contribute to its distinct flavor profile. Some common botanicals include:

• Coriander Seeds: Adds a spicy, citrusy flavor.
• Angelica Root: Provides earthy, herbal notes and helps to bind other flavors.
• Citrus Peels: Such as lemon, lime, and orange peels, add bright, zesty notes.
• Orris Root: Imparts floral and woody flavors, and also helps to stabilize the other botanicals.
• Cardamom: Adds a warm, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor.
• Licorice Root: Contributes a sweet, anise-like flavour.

4. Types of Gin

London Dry Gin

Characteristics: London Dry Gin is perhaps the most well-known type of gin. Despite its name, it does not have to be made in London. The term "dry" refers to the lack of added sweeteners. This style is characterized by its strong juniper flavor, balanced with other botanicals.

London Dry Gin must adhere to specific production methods. The botanicals must be distilled with the spirit, and no artificial flavors or colors can be added after distillation. This ensures a clean, crisp, and aromatic profile that has made London Dry Gin a favorite among gin enthusiasts.

Popular Brands: Beefeater, Tanqueray, and Bombay Sapphire.

Cocktail Suggestions: London Dry Gin is perfect for classic cocktails like the Martini, Gin and Tonic, and Negroni. Its strong juniper backbone provides a solid foundation for these iconic drinks, allowing the other ingredients to shine through without overpowering the gin's own flavour.

Plymouth Gin

Characteristics: Plymouth Gin is a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) and can only be produced in Plymouth, England. It is slightly less dry than London Dry Gin and often has a more earthy and full-bodied flavor profile.

Plymouth Gin tends to have a smoother, creamier mouthfeel compared to London Dry Gin, with a hint of sweetness. The botanical blend is generally more balanced, allowing the earthy and citrus notes to complement the juniper without being overshadowed.

Popular Brands: Plymouth Gin (the only brand producing this style).

Cocktail Suggestions: Plymouth Gin works well in cocktails such as the Pink Gin and the Gimlet. The Pink Gin, traditionally made with Plymouth Gin and a few dashes of Angostura bitters, showcases the gin's smoothness and subtle sweetness. The Gimlet, a mix of gin and lime cordial, highlights Plymouth Gin's balanced botanical profile.

Old Tom Gin

Characteristics: Old Tom Gin is a sweeter, more rounded style of gin that dates back to the 18th century. It bridges the gap between the dry London style and the malty Genever. Old Tom Gin often includes a touch of sugar or botanicals that impart a natural sweetness.

Historically, Old Tom Gin was produced using a variety of methods, some of which involved adding sugar or sweet botanicals to mask the harshness of poorly distilled spirits. Modern Old Tom Gins, however, are crafted with care, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable drinking experience.

Popular Brands: Hayman's Old Tom, Ransom Old Tom Gin, and Tanqueray Old Tom.

Cocktail Suggestions: This gin is ideal for classic cocktails like the Tom Collins and the Martinez. The Tom Collins, a refreshing mix of gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water, benefits from Old Tom Gin's sweetness. The Martinez, a precursor to the Martini, combines gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters, allowing Old Tom Gin's rich flavour to shine through.

Genever

Characteristics: Genever, the precursor to modern gin, originates from the Netherlands and Belgium. It has a maltier flavor profile due to the use of malt wine in its base, making it more akin to whiskey in taste. Genever can be aged in barrels, adding further complexity.

There are two main types of Genever: Oude (old) and Jonge (young). Oude Genever has a higher percentage of malt wine and a richer, more complex flavor, often with a hint of sweetness. Jonge Genever, on the other hand, has a lighter, cleaner taste with less malt wine content.

Popular Brands: Bols Genever, Boomsma, and Zuidam.

Cocktail Suggestions: Genever is traditionally enjoyed neat or in cocktails such as the Holland House and the Dutch Negroni. The Holland House, a blend of Genever, lemon juice, dry vermouth, and maraschino liqueur, highlights the spirit's unique flavor profile. The Dutch Negroni, a twist on the classic Negroni, replaces gin with Genever, creating a richer, maltier version of the cocktail.

New Western or Contemporary Gin

Characteristics: New Western or Contemporary Gin is a modern take on gin, where the juniper flavor is often toned down to allow other botanicals to shine. This style of gin showcases creativity and innovation in the use of botanicals.

Distillers of New Western Gin experiment with a wide range of botanicals, including florals, herbs, spices, and fruits, to create unique and distinctive flavor profiles. This style of gin often appeals to those who appreciate a more nuanced and less juniper-forward spirit.

Popular Brands: Hendrick's, Aviation Gin, and Monkey 47.

Cocktail Suggestions: These gins are versatile and can be used in a wide range of cocktails, including the Cucumber Cooler and the Elderflower Collins. The Cucumber Cooler, made with gin, cucumber, mint, and soda water, is a refreshing and aromatic drink. The Elderflower Collins, a twist on the Tom Collins with the addition of elderflower liqueur, highlights the floral notes of New Western Gin.

Navy Strength Gin

Characteristics: Navy Strength Gin is a high-proof gin, typically bottled at around 57% ABV. This style originated from the British Royal Navy, where the gin needed to be strong enough to light gunpowder if spilled. Navy Strength Gin is bold, intense, and robust in flavor.

The higher alcohol content in Navy Strength Gin amplifies the botanical flavors, making it an excellent choice for cocktails where a strong gin presence is desired. Despite its potency, quality Navy Strength Gins are crafted to be smooth and balanced.

Popular Brands: Plymouth Navy Strength, Sipsmith V.J.O.P., and Pusser's Gunpowder Proof.

Cocktail Suggestions: Navy Strength Gin is ideal for strong cocktails like the Gimlet and the Corpse Reviver #2. The Gimlet, a simple yet potent mix of gin and lime juice, benefits from the boldness of Navy Strength Gin. The Corpse Reviver #2, a complex cocktail with gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, and a dash of absinthe, showcases the gin's robust botanical profile.

5. How to Enjoy Gin

Classic Cocktails

Gin's versatility makes it a staple in many classic cocktails. Some timeless favorites include:

• Martini: A sophisticated blend of gin and dry vermouth, garnished with a lemon twist or an olive. The Martini is a testament to gin's elegance, allowing its botanical complexity to shine through.
• Gin and Tonic: A refreshing combination of gin, tonic water, and a lime wedge. The simplicity of this cocktail highlights the gin's botanical profile, with the bitterness of the tonic complementing the juniper.
• Negroni: A balanced mix of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, garnished with an orange peel. The Negroni's bitterness and sweetness create a perfect harmony with the gin's botanicals.

Modern Cocktails

Modern mixologists have embraced gin's botanical complexity to create innovative cocktails. Some contemporary favorites include:

• Cucumber Cooler: A refreshing mix of gin, cucumber, mint, and soda water. This cocktail is perfect for hot days, with the cucumber and mint providing a cooling effect.
• Elderflower Collins: A floral twist on the classic Tom Collins, using elderflower liqueur and lemon juice. The elderflower adds a delicate sweetness that enhances the gin's botanicals.

Neat or On the Rocks

High-quality gins, especially those with unique botanical blends, can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks to fully appreciate their nuanced flavors. Sipping gin neat allows you to savor the intricate balance of botanicals, while serving it on the rocks slightly dilutes the spirit, opening up its flavors.

Pairing with Food

Gin's diverse flavor profiles make it a versatile companion for food pairing. Consider pairing gin with seafood, light salads, and citrus-infused dishes to enhance your dining experience. The herbal and citrus notes in gin complement the freshness of seafood, while its botanical complexity can elevate the flavours in salads and citrus dishes.

6. Dunrobin’s Award-Winning Earl Grey Gin

At Dunrobin Distilleries, we take pride in creating unique and exceptional spirits. Our award-winning Earl Grey Gin with Butterfly Pea Extract is a testament to our commitment to quality and innovation. This gin offers a distinctive flavor profile, combining the aromatic notes of Earl Grey tea with the floral and earthy tones of butterfly pea extract.

Unique Feature: One of the most captivating aspects of our Earl Grey Gin is its color-changing property. The butterfly pea extract gives the gin a natural blue hue, which transforms to a light pink when acidic mixers, such as lemon juice or tonic water, are added. This magical transformation not only adds a visual appeal but also enhances the sensory experience of your cocktail.

Flavor Profile: The gin boasts a harmonious blend of botanicals, with the bold, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea complemented by the subtle, earthy flavors of the butterfly pea. The juniper provides a classic gin backbone, while the additional botanicals create a well-rounded and complex profile.

Cocktail Suggestions:

• Earl Grey Gin and Tonic: Watch the color change as you mix our gin with tonic water and a slice of lemon. The transformation from blue to light pink adds a visually stunning element to this classic cocktail.
• Butterfly Pea Martini: A stunning cocktail that changes color with a twist of lemon peel. The color change adds an element of surprise, making it a great choice for special occasions.
• Earl Grey Sour: A refreshing and visually captivating drink with lemon juice, simple syrup, and our Earl Grey Gin. The sourness of the lemon juice enhances the gin's citrus notes, while the butterfly pea extract provides a beautiful color change.

7. Conclusion

Gin is a fascinating and diverse spirit with a rich history and a wide range of styles. From the classic London Dry to the innovative New Western gins, each type offers unique characteristics and flavors. At Dunrobin Distilleries, we celebrate the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating exceptional gin. Our award-winning Earl Grey Gin with Butterfly Pea Extract exemplifies our dedication to quality and innovation, providing a unique and enchanting experience for gin enthusiasts.

By understanding the various types of gin and how to enjoy them, you can deepen your appreciation for this beloved spirit and elevate your cocktail experiences. Explore the world of gin with Dunrobin Distilleries, and discover the magic of our Earl Grey Gin with Butterfly Pea Extract.