What Does Gin Taste Like?

Gin is a type of alcoholic beverage that is flavored with juniper berries. It’s made by infusing neutral spirits with different botanical ingredients during the distillation process. To be classified as gin in the US, it must have no less than 40% alcohol by volume (ABV) or 80 proof.

In general, the taste of gin is piney with some bite. However, the exact flavor profile depends on the variety and type of gin. 

Types Of Gin & Their Taste

There are a few different types of gin that affect the taste, including:

• London Dry
• Plymouth
• Old Tom
• Genever
• Barrel-aged
• New American
• Navy Strength
• Sloe

What Does London Dry Gin Taste Like?

London dry gin tastes primarily of juniper berries and citrus peels with hints of coriander seed, orris root, and cardamom. It can also have floral and herby notes.

What Does Plymouth Gin Taste Like?

Plymouth gin tastes like a sweet version of London Dry but beyond that, there isn’t too much of a difference between the two. 

You may taste less juniper than you would in a London Dry-style gin as well as some notes of orange and spice.

What Does Old Tom Gin Taste Like?

Old Tom gin, inspired by the Tom Collins cocktail, has a sweeter, maltier flavor profile than London Dry and has less of a strong juniper taste. Licorice is often added to enhance the flavor.

What Does Genever Gin Taste Like?

Genever gin tastes more earthy and malty than a traditional gin. It’s also richer, making it great for gin cocktails like a gin and tonic, negroni, or any cocktail with vermouth.

What Does Barrel-Aged GinTaste Like?

Barrel-aged gin is a drier, mellower, and woodier final product. It may even remind you of whiskey.

The taste depends on the type of wood used in the barrel. American oak will give it a vanilla and caramel taste while European oak will make it spicier. A French oak will give the gin vanilla and pepper notes.

What Does New American Gin Taste Like?

New American or Western gin is made in small distilleries and, while there is juniper in it, it has fruity or floral flavors too. The juniper flavor is more in the background. It can even occasionally have cucumber notes. It all depends on what the distiller puts in it.

What Does Navy Strength Gin Taste Like?

Navy strength gin or overproof gin has an intense flavor profile mainly due to the high alcohol content. The juniper flavor is also very prominent in this style of gin. 

It’s also what bartenders like to use to give cocktails a full flavor. This gin isn’t going to water down a cocktail.

What Does Sloe Gin Taste Like?

Sloe gin uses the bitter sloe berries that grow in many backyards in England. Sloe berries are infused into a neutral base alcohol or London Dry. It has a strong juniper taste with a bit of fruitiness.

If drinking gin gets in the way of your day-to-day life, causes health issues, or damages your relationships, contact us today to learn how we can help.