Unveiling the Finest: An Expert Guide to London Dry Gins

Introduction to London Dry Gin

In the vast universe of spirits, London Dry Gin stands as a shining star. This quintessentially British drink, with roots running deep into the 17th century, is the epitome of gin at its most refined.

What sets London Dry Gin apart is not its geographical origin, but the method of distillation and its characteristic flavor profile.

The defining feature is the predominant flavor of juniper berries, and a ban on any artificial flavors or colors. In addition, all flavorings are added during the distillation process, not after, resulting in a crisp, dry, and aromatic spirit.

Understanding the Flavor Profile of London Dry Gin

A sip of London Dry Gin takes you on a botanical journey. The most dominant flavor, juniper, provides a pine-like, bitter taste that is both refreshing and invigorating. This is often backed by a symphony of other botanicals, such as:

Coriander Seeds: These lend a spicy, citrusy, and slightly peppery note.
Angelica Root: It imparts an earthy, herbal tone, and helps to balance other flavors.
Orris Root: This ingredient provides a floral touch and helps to bind other flavors together.
Citrus Peels: Lemon or orange peels add a fresh, zesty tang.

However, the beauty of London Dry Gin lies in its versatility and the creativity of the distiller, meaning the botanical mix can vary widely from one brand to another.

London Dry Gin for the Budget-Conscious Sipper

Beefeater: This classic gin offers a perfectly balanced flavor, with strong juniper notes and a hint of citrus. It is excellent in a gin and tonic, with a slice of lemon to enhance its citrus notes. Price: $20-25.
Tanqueray: Tanqueray boasts a strong juniper flavor, backed by notes of coriander and angelica. It makes a superbly refreshing gin and tonic, especially when served with a lime wedge. Price: $25-30.
Gordon’s: Gordon’s, with its relatively mellow juniper profile and hints of coriander and angelica, is a smooth option for those new to gin. It is ideally paired with a tonic and a slice of lime. Price: $15-20.

Classic London Dry Gins

London Dry Gin has been blessed with several iconic brands that have stood the test of time, including:

Bombay Sapphire: Known for its unique vapor-infusion method and exotic botanicals, Bombay Sapphire offers a complex and subtle flavor, with juniper, coriander, and citrus taking center stage.
Tanqueray No. Ten: A step up from the standard Tanqueray, No. Ten adds fresh citrus fruits to the botanical mix, resulting in a more nuanced and vibrant gin.

Distilling the Essence: Tasting Notes and Pairings

London Dry Gin is a stalwart in the world of spirits, a distinct and versatile beverage that stands tall in the face of passing trends. Our first session delves into the complex flavor profiles of this time-honored gin variant.

We will reveal the intricate tasting notes and propose suitable tonics and cocktail recipes to make your gin experience a memorable.

Tanqueray – A classic London Dry Gin, Tanqueray offers robust juniper notes, spiced with a hint of coriander, and a citrusy finish. Pair this with Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Water and a slice of pink grapefruit for a refreshingly zesty G&T.
Beefeater – Beefeater is rich with the fragrance of summer fruits and juniper, countered with the bitterness of Seville oranges. Complement its flavors with Fentimans Connoisseurs Tonic Water and a sprig of fresh mint.

Check out our Gin & Tonic Recipe Guide for more inspiring combinations.

The World in a Glass: Global London Dry Gins

London Dry Gin, although rooted in England, has found its way across the globe.

Distilleries worldwide are harnessing their local botanicals to imbue this classic spirit with a taste of their homeland.

Here are some of the top international brands producing their unique spin on London Dry Gin:

Bombay Sapphire (England) – Infused with ten hand-selected botanicals from around the world, Bombay Sapphire is a perfect harmony of flavor and finesse.
Hendrick’s (Scotland) – Known for its infusion of cucumber and rose, Hendrick’s offers a floral twist on the traditional London Dry Gin.
The Botanist (Scotland) – This gin is a forager’s dream, containing 22 wild botanicals hand-foraged from the Scottish island of Islay.
Roku (Japan) – Roku incorporates six unique Japanese botanicals, resulting in a London Dry Gin with an unmistakably eastern character.

Discover more about these gins in our International Gin Showcase.

Sip It Right: Serving Suggestions for London Dry Gin

A gin experience is so much more than the spirit itself. The right glassware, the perfect garnish, and even the optimal serving temperature can elevate your gin journey to new heights. Here are a few suggestions:

Glassware – Opt for a large, round glass, such as a balloon glass or copa glass, to allow the gin’s aromas to breathe.
Garnish – While the classic choice is a slice of lemon or lime, don’t shy away from experimenting with fresh herbs, spices, or even edible flowers.
Temperature – For the perfect gin and tonic, chill your gin and tonic water before mixing, and always use plenty of ice.

The Last Drop: Conclusion and Recommendations

To wrap up our gin-fueled journey, here are our top picks for each persona:

Budget-Conscious Sipper – Beefeater gives you the quintessential London Dry Gin experience without breaking the bank.
Luxury Cocktail Connoisseur – Tanqueray is a premium choice, delivering complex flavor profiles that shine in any cocktail.
DIY Craft Cocktail Maker – The botanical diversity of The Botanist makes it a versatile base for creative concoctions at home.

Non-Alcoholic Mocktail Seeker – Monday Zero Alcohol Gin is an excellent alcohol-free alternative, perfect for crafting classic mocktails without the buzz.

Whether you’re a gin aficionado or a curious newcomer, the world of London Dry Gin offers something for everyone.

We invite you to embark on your own journey of discovery, exploring the different brands, tastes, and pairings we’ve discussed. Remember, the joy is in the journey as much as the destination.

Begin your exploration with our Curated London Dry Gin Collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is London Dry Gin?

London Dry Gin does not refer to the location of its production, but rather a specific method of distillation.

For a gin to be called a ‘London Dry Gin’, all of the flavor must be imparted during distillation, meaning nothing except water can be added post-distillation.

What is the difference between gin and gin liqueur?

Gin and gin liqueur are quite different. By law in the UK, a true “gin” cannot be less than 37.5% ABV and can have only nominal sweetening added after distillation.

In contrast, gin liqueurs are typically 20-30% ABV and are distinctly sweetened, giving them a completely different flavor profile from classic gin.

How is gin made?

Although the exact recipe can vary, gin is typically made by loading a copper pot still with pure wheat spirit and pure water, and then adding botanicals.

The still is warmed gently and left to macerate overnight. The next day, the temperature of the still is gradually increased.

The liquid that comes off the still is separated into the ‘heads’, ‘heart’, and ‘tails’. Only the ‘heart’ cut is used to make the gin.

Once collected, only water is added to bring the ABV down to the optimal strength.

Is Sipsmith Gin vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, all Sipsmith Gins available to purchase are vegan. Although all of their gins are distilled from wheat alcohol, the distillation process removes any allergens from the distilled gin.

What happens to the waste products from the gin distillation process?

Any alcohol that doesn’t make it into the final gin product is recycled as by-products into other industries such as cosmetics and chemical industries.