The popularity of gin in the UK today is just incredible. But, what led to its success? It has to be the versatility and the many different types of gin, as well as the unbelievable range now available.
This expansive selection means that there is a flavour to suit all tastes. Let’s learn a bit more about the different types of gin you can find, especially if you haven't found a favourite yet.
What are the different types of gin?
Traditionally, there are four types of gin. No matter the flavours that are added, these form the foundation.
The four commonly recognised are:
- London Dry
- Plymouth Gin
- Old Tom
- Genever
In addition, ‘International Style’ is also sometimes acknowledged as a fifth distinct type.
why are there so many different types of gin flavours?
There is such a variety of gin flavours thanks to the relative ease with which the gin itself complements a wide of range of different aromas and infusions.
Gin is made by distilling a neutral grain alcohol or a base spirit with juniper berries and a collection of bespoke botanicals, which gives the gin its flavour.
In most case, the subtle flavour is not overpowering. This lends itself to the addition of further stronger flavours.
Gin is also very versatile. It can be dry and strong or sweeter and more for easy drinking.
our luxury gin hampers
We offer a wide range of luxury gin gift hampers and baskets. Let’s explore some flavoured gins – ideal for lots of different celebratory occasions, seasons and tastes.
Pink gins
One of the most common types of flavoured gins to hit the market is pink gins. However, don’t be mistaken - not all pink gins are the same! Some are infused with strawberry or raspberry, which can be quite sweet and fruity.
Whereas, there are other pink gins made using pink grapefruit or redcurrants, which have more of a sour and dry flavour.
You can even find pink gins with an astounding combination of flavours. Take for example Flagingo that features flavours of mango, pineapple, passion fruit, allspice and ginger flavouring!
Herbaceous and floral flavours
Whilst all gins are made with juniper berries, many have their own distinct combinations of botanicals, in addition to this. As part of our Gin Lovers Cream Tea Hamper, you'll find a bottle of the award-winning Ranscombe Wild Gin from Maidstone Distillery, a herbaceous, sweet citrus and floral gin that will elevate their tea-time experience.
They use a mix of sweet beech leaves, red clover and jasmine, wild marjoram and corn-mint. It’s a great gin to drink in summer with aromas of fresh countryside meadows.
Citrus gins
Gins flavoured with citrus fruits are also incredibly popular. In particular, orange gins come in a whole host of strengths and types, from more subtle clementine flavouring through to really impactful blood orange combinations.
Other citrus flavoured gins include lemon, lime and grapefruit. In our Whitley Neill Pink Gin & Chocolates Hamper, you'll discover the star of the show in this gorgeous gift box; a full-sized bottle of Whitley Neill's award-winning Pink Grapefruit Gin. This delicious gin was created using inspiration from the citrus groves of Spain. It's infused with pink grapefruit, creating a delicate sweetness, citrus notes and a grapefruit burst.
Seeds, sweets and more
We mentioned at the start that gin was pretty much unstoppable when it comes to flavour combinations. So we have to mention even more. We have had gins flavoured with sunflower seeds, as well as purple violet sweets!
If you love a certain flavour or sweet treat, then go and explore, there could well be a gin out there waiting for you.
There are so many types of gins available and if you're shopping for the perfect gift for someone who loves to explore and try new gins, then they'll adore our Craft Gin Club Tasting Hamper.
We have collaborated with The Craft Gin Club to bring you our brand new, gin-tasting hamper. The star of the show is a set of four handpicked gins from The Craft Gin Club, the UK's biggest club for gin lovers, featuring the award-winning Conker Dorset Dry Gin and three other classic gins, all unique yet equally as delicious as each other.
Gin flavourings. mixers and garnishes
One last thing to mention about flavouring, is that it is not always about the flavour of the gin itself...
Traditional gin, as well as flavoured gins, can be paired with a whole host of different mixers. There is so much more out there to explore than traditional Indian tonics these days.
Starting with Indian tonic, these can now be found with delicious flavours and infusions, including elderflower, cucumber and orange. They can also be light, natural, slimline or Mediterranean. Gin can also pair well with traditional lemonade or bitter lemon mixers, as well as fruit juices, ginger ales and sparkling cordials.
Finally, don’t forget about your garnish. Try your favourite gin flavour with a whole host of different garnishes, swap traditional lemon for strawberries, raspberries or a slice of orange. Try mint, rosemary or star anise, rather than cucumber or a slice of lime. Be adventurous and you will find an endless choice of combinations with flavoured gins, different mixers and varying and combining garnishes.
Explore our Gin Tasting Hamper for a range of traditional gins, which you could use to experiment with to a whole host of different mixers and garnishes
So many flavours of gin to try....
...so little time to explore all of the different types!
