Gin spirits come in many varieties that gin enthusiasts can enjoy. They can all be mixed into some of your most loved cocktails like the Negroni, Martini, and Negroni. What is it that makes them unique? Below is the ultimate guide to gin.

London Dry Gin

Although this gin was originally made in England, it is now widely available around the world. It is commonly found in Gin and Tonics.

What makes it unique? London Dry Gin features strong juniper aromas. This is its trademark flavor. It also has fresh citrus notes. This is why a lime twist brings out those citrus elements in a Martini. Dry gins do not contain artificial flavors, such as sweeteners. It’s a very natural presentation for gin.

Old Tom Gin

In 18th-century England, it was called bathtub spirit. It wasn’t known long ago for its quality. It was not good quality. Sweeteners and licorice were common ingredients to make it more delicious. It’s now nothing like its primordial predecessor.

What makes it different? Original Tom Gin uses a greater quantity of licorice which makes it sweeter than the regular gin. However, it won’t have the same taste as licorice. It’s stronger in flavor than London Dry Gin. That makes it great for mixed drinks, especially cocktails that have bitter qualities.

Plymouth Gin

This gin is only made in Plymouth England. Plymouth Gin is not like London Dry Gin. This gin can only be made in Plymouth, England, which is approximately 190 miles from London.

What makes it different? It is similar in flavor to London Dry Gin but has drier ingredients and stronger earthy flavors. It’s also a little sweeter with more citrus flavor. This gin typically contains seven botanical ingredients, including cardamom (orris root), coriander leaves, dried orange skins, juniper, and angelica root. Both roots bring out the earthier tones. The Negroni can be paired well with Plymouth gin.

Genever Gin is the original gin. It was first produced in 16th-century England. Gin starts as a malt-wine spirit. This, in turn, is where most gin’s flavor comes from. The grains go through five days of fermentation before it becomes a mass. This process is similar to whiskey distillation. The distillers then add different botanicals.

What makes it stand out? Genever gin doesn’t have a strong juniper flavor. It is also maltier that the other types. It has ginger, cloves, caraway, and cinnamon as common ingredients. There won’t be any citrus flavors like those found in London dry and Plymouth gin. Many consider the final product to be richer than Old Tom. It is also better for mixing drinks.

Navy Strength Gin

“Navy Strength” refers to a London Dry Gin that has been deemed overproof. This version was once available in common rotation at the British Royal Navy. This strong spirit packs a punch with 57% ABV. London dry gin, by comparison, typically peaks at 40-40%.

What makes it distinctive? You could think of London dry Gin as a steroid. It’s intense. Distillers have worked hard to achieve the perfect balance between their flavors. Many will claim it tastes like London dry but it will make your hair stand on end.