What Is London Dry Gin?

London Dry Gin is a type of gin that is popular all over the world. It is known for its refreshing taste and unique flavor profile.

If you are a gin lover, you must have come across this term quite often. But, what exactly is London Dry Gin? Let’s dive deeper into it.

London Dry Gin is a type of gin that has been around for centuries. It originated in England and was first made using a unique distillation process that involved using only natural ingredients. The name ‘London Dry Gin’ doesn’t necessarily mean that it was made in London but refers to the method of production.

How Is It Made?

One of the most important things about London Dry Gin is that it must be distilled in a certain way. There are strict regulations governing the production of this type of gin. Firstly, all the ingredients used in making London Dry Gin must be natural and cannot contain any artificial additives or flavorings.

The base spirit used in making London Dry Gin can be any neutral spirit such as wheat, rye or barley. Once the base spirit has been selected, botanicals such as juniper berries, coriander seeds, angelica root, lemon peel and orris root are added to it.

The mixture is then distilled in a copper still with water and heated until it reaches the required alcohol percentage. The resulting liquid is then left to rest for a period before being bottled.

What Makes It Unique?

The unique thing about London Dry Gin is its flavor profile. Unlike other types of gin which may have added sugar or other artificial flavors, London Dry Gin relies entirely on botanicals for its flavor. This means that every bottle of London Dry Gin has its own unique taste depending on the combination of botanicals used.

The Botanicals

Juniper Berries: The main ingredient in any gin. It is what gives gin its distinctive flavor.
Coriander Seeds: These add a citrusy and spicy note to the gin.
Angelica Root: This adds a musky and earthy flavor to the gin.
Lemon Peel: This adds a fresh and zesty note to the gin.
Orris Root: This adds a floral note to the gin.

Serving Suggestions

London Dry Gin is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

Gin and Tonic: A classic combination that never gets old. Simply mix one part gin with three parts tonic water, add ice and a slice of lime for garnish.
Gin Martini: Mix two parts London Dry Gin with one part dry vermouth, shake well with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with an olive or lemon twist.
Negroni: Equal parts London Dry Gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari stirred together with ice. Strain into an ice-filled glass, garnish with an orange peel.

In Conclusion

London Dry Gin is a unique type of gin that has been around for centuries. Its reliance on natural botanicals for flavor makes it stand out from other types of gin. Whether you prefer it in a classic G&T or as part of a fancy cocktail, there’s no denying that London Dry Gin is here to stay.