Not all gin is the same. When buying a new gin, you have surely already noticed that there seem to be a great many different types of gin or gin styles. However, it is not always easy to distinguish between the characteristics of the various varieties and taste styles.

We will therefore try to give you a basic overview so that you can find the right variety for you when choosing your next gin.

Which types of gin are there?

In the EU, there are actually only three genuine types of gin that are protected under food law. There, however, the focus is less on taste (aside from the necessary juniper note) and more on quality and the production process.

Beyond these established categories, there are, however, a great many other types of gin that sometimes differ significantly in taste and production.

Official Gin Types (EU)

According to the European Spirit Drinks Regulation (EU) 2019/787, there are three categories under food law that are allowed to call themselves gin:

Gin

The simplest variant. Here, neutral alcohol can simply be flavored with juniper and other aromas — distillation is not strictly required. Rather rarely found.

Distilled Gin

Here, neutral alcohol must be distilled together with juniper berries (and usually other botanicals). After distillation, the gin may be flavored again — e.g., with additional aromas or sugar.

London Gin / London Dry Gin

The strictest category:

• At least 96% vol agricultural alcohol as a base
• Aromas exclusively through distillation together with the botanicals (no subsequent flavoring)
• Maximum 0.1 g of sugar per liter
• At least 37.5% vol drinking strength
• Juniper must dominate the taste

Well-known London Dry Gins: Tanqueray, Beefeater, Sipsmith, Bombay Sapphire, Gordon's.

Other unprotected styles

Plymouth Gin

Protected designation of origin — may only be produced in Plymouth (England). Softer and somewhat rounder than London Dry.

Old Tom Gin

Historic, slightly sweetened style — the predecessor to the dry London Dry. Classic in cocktails like the Tom Collins or Martinez.

Genever (Jenever)

The Dutch-Belgian predecessor to gin. Produced on a malt wine base, very distinct, almost whiskey-like character. Protected designation of origin.

Navy Strength Gin

Very strong gin with at least 57% vol — historically for the British Navy. Flavor-intensive, perfect for cocktails.

Sloe Gin

Not a classic gin, but a liqueur made from gin and sloes. Fruity-sweet, low alcohol (approx. 25-30% vol). Classic in the Sloe Gin Fizz.

New Western / Contemporary Gin

Modern style that deliberately pulls back the juniper and brings other botanicals like citrus, herbs, fruits, or tea to the foreground. Very diverse.

Pink Gin / Flavored Gin

Gin with additional fruit flavoring — strawberry, raspberry, rhubarb, elderberry. Often sweetened with some sugar.

Reserve / Aged Gin / Barrel-Aged Gin

Gin aged in wooden barrels — golden-yellow to brownish, with soft vanilla and woody notes. A long maturation period gives these gins additional depth.

Compound Gin / Bathtub Gin

Is produced without distillation — botanicals are macerated in the alcohol. Often artisanal, slightly yellowish, very aromatic.

Which gin for which drink?

• London Dry — universal for Gin Tonic, Martini, Negroni
• Old Tom — Tom Collins, Martinez, classic vintage cocktails
• Genever — neat on ice or in vintage cocktails
• Navy Strength — cocktails where the gin should shine through (Negroni, French 75)
• New Western — creative gin tonics with suitable tonics and garnishes
• Sloe Gin — Sloe Gin Fizz, with Prosecco or tonic
• Pink / Flavored — light summer drinks with tonic
• Aged Gin — neat on ice or in dark cocktails