Gin 101: London Dry, Barrel-Aged, New Western & Everything In Between

🌿 SPIRIT 101: GIN

Gin is the most botanically diverse spirit in the world. Whether you're a gin lover or gin-skeptic, understanding how it's made and the range of styles available will completely change how you approach the category.

What Makes It Gin?

Gin starts with a neutral grain spirit (usually wheat or rye) that is redistilled or infused with botanicals. The only legal requirement is that juniper berries must be the predominant flavor. Beyond that, distillers have near-unlimited freedom in what they add — citrus peel, angelica root, coriander, cardamom, chamomile, lavender, cucumber, and hundreds more botanicals.

The Major Styles of Gin

London Dry: The classic style. Juniper-forward, crisp, dry. Tanqueray and Beefeater are the benchmarks. Plymouth: A protected geographic style — only one distillery can make it. Slightly sweeter and earthier than London Dry. Old Tom: A sweeter historical style that bridges the gap between Dutch genever and modern gin. Great for classic cocktails. New Western / Contemporary: Minimizes juniper and highlights other botanicals. Think Hendrick's (cucumber and rose), or Castle & Key Roots of Ruin (chamomile and ginger). Barrel-Aged / Barrel-Rested: Gin that spends time in an oak cask. Gets warmth, color, and whiskey-adjacent notes. Blackland Barrel Rested Gin and Woodworks Barrel Aged Gin are examples reviewed on this show.

How Gin is Made

There are three main methods. Steeping: Botanicals are soaked directly in the neutral spirit before distillation — produces bold, intense flavors. Vapor infusion: The neutral spirit vapors pass through a basket of botanicals during distillation — a gentler, more delicate extraction. Cold compounding: Botanical extracts or oils are added to neutral spirit without distillation — common in cheaper gins. The method, botanical selection, and ratios are what define every gin's unique character.

🎯 LC Connoisseur Scale

Beginner: Hendrick's, Bombay Sapphire, The Botanist. Intermediate: Castle & Key Roots of Ruin, Rabbit Hole Bespoke, Woodworks Barrel Aged Gin. Advanced: Blackland Barrel Rested, rare small-batch botanical expressions, Navy Strength gins (57%+ ABV).