Gin is one of the few spirits where the words on the label carry real legal weight. A bottle described as London Dry has met a defined production standard; one described simply as "gin" has met a far looser one. Knowing the difference tells you a surprising amount about how a bottle will taste before you open it.
One rule applies to all of them: juniper must be the predominant flavour. Beyond that, the categories diverge on when botanicals are added, whether sugar is permitted, and how strong the finished spirit is.
The Legal Categories
Gin
The broadest category. Neutral alcohol flavoured with juniper, bottled at a minimum of 37.5% ABV. Flavourings may simply be added to the base spirit without any redistillation, which is why the cheapest bottles taste thin and one-note.
Distilled Gin
A step up. The botanicals must be redistilled with the neutral spirit in a traditional still. Additional flavourings and colourings may be introduced afterwards, which is what separates it from London Dry and allows for gins such as Hendrick's.
London Dry Gin
The strictest of the mainstream categories. All botanicals go in during distillation, the spirit must reach at least 70% ABV, and nothing may be added afterwards beyond water and a trace of neutral alcohol. Sweetening is capped at 0.1 grams per litre and no colouring is allowed. It is a method, not a location — most London Dry gin is made nowhere near London.
Plymouth Gin
A geographically protected style produced only at the Black Friars Distillery in Plymouth. Softer and earthier than London Dry, with a higher proportion of root botanicals and no bitter finish.
Historic and Speciality Styles
Old Tom
Lightly sweetened, richer and rounder than dry gin, and the historic link between Dutch genever and the modern London style. Essential for a proper Martinez or Tom Collins.
Navy Strength
Bottled at 57% ABV or higher, originally so that spilled spirit would not prevent gunpowder from igniting aboard Royal Navy ships. The higher strength carries botanical oils further, making it the best choice for cocktails with lots of citrus or dilution.
Contemporary or New Western Gin
Juniper remains present but shares the stage with citrus, floral or savoury botanicals. This is where most craft distilleries operate, and where the greatest variation in quality lies. Our best British gin guide picks out the ones worth buying.
Sloe Gin
A liqueur rather than a gin in the strict sense: sloe berries steeped in gin with sugar, typically bottled at 25 to 30% ABV. Traditionally British, traditionally autumnal, and excellent topped with sparkling wine.
Pink and Flavoured Gin
Usually gin sweetened and coloured with red fruit after distillation. It cannot be labelled London Dry. The better examples distil the fruit into the spirit rather than adding syrup afterwards — worth checking on the label before buying.
Cask-Aged Gin
Gin rested in oak, often ex-whisky or ex-sherry casks, picking up vanilla and spice. A small but growing niche that suits gin drinkers curious about whisky, and vice versa.
Matching Style to Serve
Dry Martini: London Dry or Plymouth. Gin and tonic: London Dry for a classic, contemporary gin for something aromatic. Negroni: London Dry or Navy Strength, both assertive enough for Campari. Tom Collins or Martinez: Old Tom. Long summer drink: contemporary or lightly flavoured gin. After dinner: sloe or cask-aged gin, served neat and slightly chilled.
Once you know which style suits your drinking, the gin collection is the quickest way to find a bottle that matches it.
Find Your Gin Style
London Dry, Navy Strength and craft bottlings, free UK delivery over £70
Browse the Gin CollectionFrequently Asked Questions About Gin Types
What are the main types of gin?
The principal styles sold in the UK are London Dry, Distilled Gin, plain Gin, Plymouth Gin, Old Tom, Navy Strength, contemporary or New Western gin, sloe gin and flavoured or pink gin. The differences come down to when botanicals are added, whether sweetening is permitted, and the bottling strength.
What makes a gin a London Dry?
All botanicals must be added during distillation, the spirit must be distilled to at least 70% ABV, nothing may be added afterwards except water and a trace of neutral alcohol, and sweetening cannot exceed 0.1 grams of sugar per litre. No colourings or artificial flavourings are permitted. It has nothing to do with being made in London.
What is Navy Strength gin?
Navy Strength gin is bottled at 57% ABV or above. The name comes from the Royal Navy's historic proof test: gunpowder soaked in spirit at that strength would still ignite. The higher alcohol carries botanical oils more intensely, which is why Navy Strength gin holds its own in a heavily diluted or citrus-heavy cocktail.
Is pink gin a real gin type?
Pink gin originally meant gin with a dash of Angostura bitters. Modern pink gins are usually flavoured gins sweetened and coloured with red fruit, and because sugar and colouring are added after distillation they cannot be labelled London Dry. Quality varies enormously, so check whether the fruit is distilled in or added as flavouring.
What is Old Tom gin?
Old Tom is a lightly sweetened style that bridges the gap between eighteenth-century Dutch genever and modern London Dry. It is richer and rounder than a dry gin and is the correct choice for historic cocktails such as the Tom Collins and the Martinez.
Does gin have to contain juniper?
Yes. Under UK and EU law, juniper must be the predominant flavour for a spirit to be sold as gin. Many contemporary gins push citrus or floral botanicals forward, but juniper must still be present and identifiable.
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Written & reviewed by Onur Mert
Founder & Spirits Buyer, The Royal Barrel
WSET-trained spirits buyer with over a decade sourcing whisky, gin and rum for UK drinkers. Every bottle featured here is tasted or bought by our own team before it is recommended.
Published by ONURMERT Limited (Company No. 08084870), Dorchester, Dorset
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