5 Kinds Of Gin You Need In Your Home Bar
Beyond the usual London dry.Yes. A list of Gins.
I discovered these myself only recently. Typically people are familiar with only two types of gins – London Dry and Sloe. So of you're looking to expand your know-how, let me assist in my way to acquaint you further with this gift.
First up, London Dry Gin
Most of the bars serve London Dry Gin. This style is very clean and straightforward in terms of flavours. Gordon’s, Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, Beefeater are some examples. The major flavours here are juniper and citrus. Some gins may have just four botanicals including juniper and some may have upto nine botanicals. Just remember that these are dry. They’ll make you thirsty. Also, contrary to its name,London Dry Gin can be made anywhere. Beefeater is the only London dry gin made in London.
Second, Plymouth
Similar to the London dry gins, these are sweeter. They are not dry.
Unlike the Londoners, Plymouth can be made only in Plymouth. Gin and tonics are most favoured with this gin. Incidentally, the only brand of Plymouth style gins is Plymouth Gin. If you find some, please call me over for a drink.
Third, Navy Strength
Again, this is like London dry gin but with a much higher alcohol content (me likey!)
At 57%, this is a piece of history. British naval soldiers would use the spirit to douse their gunpowder to put it on fire. Hence, the name. It is also bound to light the fire in you! I haven’t had one yet but I'm told the best way to drink this is in the form of a Negroni.
Fourth, Genever (the original)
This is the #OGAF juniper-flavoured spirit. Olde style or “Oude” Genever is at least 15% malt. It's more savoury and malty - not the usual gin flavours. Think of it as a botanical flavoured whisky.
Genever was originally created in Holland for medicinal purposes by Dutch chemists. You’ll probably want to try it on the rocks or maybe make an Old Fashioned with it.
Fifth, and final in my opinion, Old Tom
Old Tom is the bridge between Genever and London Dry. Hayman’s does one. Old Tom has a malty sweetness and a small bite of juniper. There is, of course, a story behind the name. Apparently, bars that served this gin, served it as a shot. These bars would feature a moniker of a tomcat as an indication. One was supposed to say “puss” and the bartender would reply with “meow” and that's how you'd get your hands on the shot.
Now there are some more types of gin that people may refer to, like new wave, flavoured gin (grape's becoming popular). But these are like distributaries to me right now. Someday, they may become rivers and that's when I'll add them to this list.
- Published on :
- 17-Dec-2018