When many drinkers think about gin, they are likely to envision traditional London dry gin. That’s because, like the West Coast IPA when it comes to IPAs, the London dry gin is the standard for the spirit style.
While I love a nice glass of whiskey (or a whiskey-based cocktail), the summer months were made for the pine and botanical flavors of London dry gin. This juniper-forward version is also the perfect choice for cocktail enthusiasts (in drinks like the iconic G&T, Gin Gimlet, Negroni, and more) because of its piney, botanical flavor profile, which pairs perfectly with citrus and other summery flavors. Today, I’m going to take a deep dive into this popular gin variety.
What is London Dry Gin?
Before I go any further, I believe it is imperative to get a little background on London Dry Gin. While it has a city name in the title, unlike Cognac or Scotch whisky, this gin style doesn’t have a geographic requirement. It has “London” in its name because it has long since been associated with England.
And while the name doesn’t technically refer to a location, the title is meant to determine the distillation process. To be considered a London dry gin, it must be made with a neutral base spirit that’s most often made from grains. It must be distilled in traditional stills using juniper and other botanicals and natural ingredients with no artificial or synthetic flavors, sweeteners, or coloring. It must also be bottled at a minimum of 37.5% or 40% ABV, depending on the country of origin. All in all, the result must be a clear, natural product.
What does London dry gin taste like?
If you’re ever sipped London dry gin neat, you know the style is most known for its juniper-heavy aromas and flavors. A well-made London dry gin will be loaded with pine needles, citrus, and spices. It will be a nice balance of sweetness and dryness and perfectly suited for mixing into a variety of cocktails. A great London dry gin should be multi-layered, flavorful, and versatile.
Classic London dry gins to add to your collection
Now that you’ve learned a little about London dry gin, it’s time to find some bottles to add to your collection. Below, you’ll find some of the best examples of traditional London dry gins. The best part? All are available at your local liquor retailer. Keep scrolling to see them all.
Beefeater London Dry Gin
Named for the Yeoman Warder, the ceremonial guards at the Tower of London, Beefeater is one of the most well-known London dry gins on the market. Made in Kensington, London, it’s known for its ingredients like juniper berries, Seville orange peel, Spanish lemon peel, angelica roots and seeds, coriander, licorice, and almonds. The result is a juniper-forward, dry, crisp gin that opens with notes of pine needles, orange peels, and gentle spices. Sipping it reveals notes of juniper, lemongrass, coriander, wildflowers, and a nutty sweetness. The finish is long and warm, ending with gentle wintry spices.
Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin
One of the most widely respected gins in the world, Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin is made with a specially designed Carterhead still vapor-infusing distilling process featuring 10 botanicals. They include juniper, licorice, lemon peel, coriander, angelica, orris root, cassia bark, almond, cubeb berries, and grains of paradise. This results in a sublimely smooth, balanced gin that opens with notes of piney juniper, lemon peel, orange zest, and gentle spices. The palate is centered on flavors like juniper, licorice candy, coriander, cracked black pepper, and bright citrus. The finish is lingering and warm, ending with a mix of pine, sweet oranges, and baking spices.
Tanqueray London Dry Gin
A favorite of drinkers and bartenders alike, Tanqueray London Dry Gin is a staple on bar carts and back bars all over the globe. Made the same way since 1830, its recipe is kept a secret. Distilled four times, we do know that it features juniper berries, coriander, angelica root, and licorice. This creates a complex, popular gin that begins with a nose of lemon, orange, pine needles, and cracked black pepper. The palate is loaded with flavors like piney juniper, angelica root, coriander, licorice, and gentle wintry spices. The finish is long, dry, and warm, ending with notes of cracked black pepper, juniper, and citrus.
Gordon’s London Dry Gin
It might not have the household name status of some of the other gins on this list, but Gordon’s is the top-selling London dry gin in the world because of its quality and price. Distilled since 1769, this historic gin is triple-distilled and infused with a top-secret blend of botanicals and other ingredients, including juniper berries, angelica root, orris root, licorice, coriander, lemon and orange peels. It’s well-known for its balance and highly mixable flavor profile that begins with scents of pine needles, lemon peels, earthy, herbal aromas, and baking spices. The palate is a symphony of flavors, including pine up front, followed by notes of licorice candy, cracked black pepper, lemon peels, orange zest, coriander, and warming wintry spices. The finish is long and warm, ending with a mix of piney juniper and fresh citrus.
Sipsmith London Dry Gin
While it might not have the history of the other gins on this list, Sipsmith London Dry Gin is no less notable. This classic London dry gin is made with a base of neutral spirit made from English barley. It’s flavored with 10 herbs and botanicals including Macedonian juniper berries, Spanish licorice, Bulgarian coriander, Spanish ground almonds, French angelica roots, Italian orris root, Madagascar cinnamon, Chinese cassia bark, Seville orange peel, and Spanish lemon peel. The result is a floral, citrus-driven London dry gin that opens with aromas of piney juniper, lemongrass, orange peel, and a hint of spice. Tasting it brings flavors of pine needles, lemon zest, ripe oranges, licorice, coriander, and gentle wintry spices. The finish is long, warm, crisp, and effortlessly dry with notes of cracked black pepper, lemon zest, and pine needle juniper berries bringing everything together.
