how does gin get its flavour?
The flavor of gin depends on the botanicals used to make it, although most have a refreshing, piney flavor with hints of spice and citrus. Different types of gin also have different flavor profiles.
But before we delve into what gin tastes like, we first need to understand how it’s created and the ingredients that give the spirit its recognizable flavor.
Gin is made from three ingredients: grain alcohol, water, and juniper—plus any other botanicals the creator chooses. To make it, the raw alcohol is distilled with the botanicals, which infuse their flavor over time.
the main flavours of gin
To be legally called gin, the spirit must be flavored with juniper berries, which come from the juniper tree. These small, fleshy seeds give gin its signature piney taste but are also crisp, refreshing, and fruity.
Gin producers can use as much or as little juniper in their product as they like. So some gins have a very strong juniper taste, while others are more influenced by other botanicals.
As well as juniper berries, most gin producers use a collection of common botanicals like coriander seeds, orris root, and anise. Citrus fruits also play an important role—almost as big as juniper. Gin often has a strong zesty taste and smell due to ingredients such as orange peel and grapefruit being used in the distillation process. Together with juniper, these citrus botanicals are the most prominent in the flavor of gin.
If you look at bottles on the shelves, you’ll also find plenty of different spices, fruits, herbs, and flowers that each contribute to the taste of gin. There are no rules when it comes to experimenting with gin botanicals. Check out our guide to learn more about the botanicals in gin, including other ingredients that can be used.
types of gin and how they taste
Aside from botanicals, gin can also be flavored with sweetener after distillation. This process is what differentiates the many different types of gin, each of which has its own unique flavor profile.
London Dry Gin
London Dry Gin is the original gin, known for its dry, botanical flavor that comes from the mix of tart juniper berries and other botanicals. However, to be classed as London Dry, it mustn’t include any artificial flavors or sweeteners.
As London’s only remaining historic dry gin, Beefeater London Dry is the gin of choice for those who prefer a remarkably clean flavor. Nine botanicals contribute to its bold juniper character and strong notes of citrus, including Seville orange peel, almond, angelica seed, and licorice root.
Beefeater 24 is a premium Dry Gin that boasts a unique blend of 12 botanicals to deliver a more complex aroma. These include Chinese green tea, grapefruit peel, and Japanese sencha.
Sweetened gins
Other types of gin mix in sugar, honey, licorice, or sweeteners to change the taste of the spirit. The most popular are Plymouth and Old Tom Gin.
These historical gins have a slightly sweeter taste than London Dry Gin, with Plymouth Gin being somewhat earthier and fruity, and Old Tom having a richer flavor. There’s also Genever gin (a maltier liquid heavily flavored with juniper) and Navy Strength Gin, a stronger, more potent spirit.
Flavoured gins
Aside from the many types of gin, you’ll also find plenty of new flavored spirits that incorporate different fruits to create sweet, colorful variations. The most popular is Pink Gin, which uses natural strawberries for a light, pink finish, and Sloe Gin, a sweet and fruity spirit with a rich, tart berry taste that’s often sipped during the holiday season.
how does gin taste compared to vodka?
Many people think gin and vodka are interchangeable. But while they are both clear spirits, their taste is actually very different. Vodka is a smooth, neutral-tasting spirit, whereas gin has more complex notes that come from the presence of juniper and other botanicals.
does gin taste good straight?
Some gins can be too harsh to drink neat. But if you select a premium gin such as Beefeater Dry Gin or Beefeater 24, you’ll be able to enjoy the spirit’s layered flavor profile on its own. Drinking gin straight is an excellent way to identify the individual botanicals and compare different expressions.
Gin also has a high alcohol content (typically between 37.5% and 47% ABV), which can give it a soothing warmth when drunk neat.
If neat isn’t your style, there are plenty of other ways to drink gin. One of the most popular is a Gin and Tonic, a refreshing cocktail that’s tangy and light and highlights the gin’s botanical notes. Depending on the tonic used, it can be sweeter or drier, often with a zesty taste from an added lemon wedge garnish.
As you can see, gin is a complex spirit that doesn’t have just one flavor. The taste of gin depends on many factors, from the strength of the juniper to the botanicals used and the type created.
The best way to discover what gin tastes like is to try it. Start by picking up a bottle of Beefeater Dry Gin and start sipping. You can try it neat or get creative with our collection of gin cocktails. From fruity to bitter, there’s a serve for every flavor.
