If you’re a fan of gin, you’ve probably heard of London Dry Gin. But do you know what makes it special? It’s important to understand the difference between regular gin and London Dry Gin because each style has a unique flavour and aroma. Let's explore the unique characteristics that set London Dry Gin apart from regular gin.
What Is Gin?
Gin is a clear spirit made from grain or malt and flavoured with juniper and other botanicals like coriander seeds, orange peel, cardamom, and more. It's usually distilled with a neutral grain alcohol such as corn or wheat. Traditional gin has been around since the 17th century when Dutch soldiers experimented with flavoured alcohols in the Dutch East Indies.
What Is London Dry Gin?
London Dry Gin is a subset of gin that was popularised in England during the 18th century. The key difference between regular gin and London dry gin is that while regular gins are often sweetened after distillation (with sugar or syrup), London dry gins are not sweetened at all—a feature that gives them a less syrupy taste and more of an herbal bite. Additionally, traditional English recipes call for only natural ingredients—no artificial flavours or colours are allowed in London dry gins. This means that all flavour is derived solely from botanicals like juniper, coriander seeds, citrus peel and aromatics, which give it a distinctively herbal taste. As its name implies, it must also be bottled in England to be considered genuine London Dry Gin.
Read the Ultimate Guide to London Dry Gin
What is unique about London Dry Gin?
Drinking a quality London dry gin offers many benefits for luxury-minded drinkers looking for something special and unique to enjoy on special occasions or just when relaxing at home after work. Since they don't contain any added sugars or artificial flavourings, these types of gins tend to be less cloying than their sweeter counterparts—a great option if you don't care for overly sweet spirits—and they pair well with tonic water or other mixers since they're not too sweet on their own.
Distilling London Dry Gin in Devon
If you want to create a truly unique luxury experience for yourself—or for someone special—consider learning how to make your very own bottle of London Dry Gin in Devon at the Exeter Gin School.
Choices, choices
Whether you’re in search of an old-fashioned cocktail or an upscale martini, choosing between classic gin and London dry gin can be daunting due to their distinct flavour profiles and differences in ingredients used during production. When making your selection, consider your personal preference for sweetness as well as how much complexity you would like your drink to have—both of these factors should help guide you towards your perfect bottle.
Setting the standard
Whether you prefer traditional gin or London dry gin, there’s no denying that both styles offer something unique when it comes to taste and flavour profile. By understanding the differences between them—including their origins, ingredients, and production methods—you can better appreciate each one for what it has to offer. It's important to understand the subtle differences between regular gins and those made according to strict English standards so that you can make an informed decision when selecting your next bottle of this classic spirit.
Interested to learn more?
Whether you’re looking for something unique to serve at your next gathering or just wanting to add something special to your home bar setup – you should check out our range of authentic London Dry Gins, crafted and distilled in Devon.