Types of Gins
18.02.2022
Gin is one of the most delicious and popular drinks around the world, thanks to its almost transparent color, its 40 degrees of alcohol and a fresh and pleasant taste that distinguish it.
This spectacular drink is obtained through a process of distillation of grains derived from cereals or vegetables.
In addition, gin is characterized by its rich aroma, obtained from juniper berry.
Do you want to know more about this drink? In this post we will talk about the types of gins recognized by the EU and the other brands or classes that are seen in the market.
What factor differentiates each type of gin?
Before we get to the different types of gins that exist, it is important to mention what are the factors that differentiate them.
Obviously, each Gin has a different formula, brewing process, secret, and method. However, the basis is alcohol.
Starting from this point, the types of gins are differentiated by the cereals and additives that are added in each class.
We refer to grains such as rye, corn, wheat, barley, etc., and other additives, such as apple, beets, grapes and a series of vegetables that are used in their fermentation.
And, of course, they are also differentiated by the botanical class they have, which gives rise to our first subtitle on the types of gins.
The different types and classifications of gin according to their botanists
Although juniper is the king of the Gin formula, there are other botanical elements that are added to the process depending on the type of gin being made.
And this is, in fact, the highest ranking that can be given to each group.
Therefore, let's talk about the 6 types of gins according to their botanicals.
The best brands
HENDRICKS GIN 70 CL
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BULLDOG GIN 1L
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BOMBAY SAPPHIRE GIN 1 L
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MARTIN MILLER'S GIN 1L
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TANQUERAY GIN 1L
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CITADELLE GIN JARDÍ D'ETE 70CL
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Classic Gin
The classic gin is one in which the original and classic flavor and aroma of juniper predominates, although they have a spicy and / or citrus touch to increase the tasting experience of the palate.
These other additives provide a dry finish to the drink, obtaining a level of alcohol degrees of at least 30.
Its manufacturing process is simple since it has no extra additives.
Citrus gin
These kinds of gin are characterized because they predominate citrus aromas, which are nothing more than lemons, oranges, grapefruits, mandarins, or limes.
Depending on the part of the fruit that is used, it can give one aroma or another, one flavor or another.
With the crust the essential oils are obtained that provide a more bitter and dry touch, while with the juice more intense flavors and aromas are obtained.
Spicy gin
Could spices generate a rich drink, even if their flavors are so intense? Yes. This is the case with spicy gin.
In this type of gin, coriander, cinnamon, angelica root, cardamom, pepper, nutmeg, among others, predominate.
These elements provide an original taste, with varied aromas and flavors, which make it one of the favorites in places of yesteryear.
Ginebra herbal
It is also called botanical gin, since they have a high content of thyme, rosemary, basil, mint, etc.
But do not let this fool you, this gin provides a very intense and pleasant flavor, in addition to being classified as one of the most aromatic gins of all.
The makers of this type of gin concentrate on giving a botanical touch to rejuvenate the drink and give it a unique touch.
Fruity gin
As the name suggests, in this kind of gin the fruit flavors stand out, but not just any fruit.
The ideals are red fruits and berries, such as strawberries, apples, raspberries, sloes or grapes, among others.
This type of composition makes it a sweeter and softer gin than other gins, so it's ideal if you don't like the intense flavors of alcoholic beverages.
Fruit gin has drifted to another very popular type of gin: the rose. Let's see why:
Roses
This is a subtype of fruity gin, which is made with strawberries. It is a drink that is in a positive trend, since young people prefer it for its mild flavor and attractive color.
Floral gin
They are the gins in which the elegant and pleasant floral aromas are perceived, such as those that come from jasmine, lilies, violet, hibiscus, roses, or geranium.
This type of gin is sweeter and much less dry than other gins, in addition to having a more floral aroma and perfume.
What are the different brands of gin that exist according to the EU?
But gins according to their botany are not the only ones that exist. It is time to talk about the 4 types of gin that are recognized according to the European Union.
Spirit drinks with juniper flavoring
These are spirits whose base is juniper. However, the European Union includes it in the existing types of gins.
The process of making this drink consists of the aromatization of the brandy with red juniper or common juniper berries.
For it to be considered spirit gin with juniper flavoring, it must be based on agricultural alcohol, cereal distillate, or brandy.
Gin
It is characterized because it contains agricultural alcohol and common juniper berries. That is its basis, and it must not change.
Of course, there are manufacturers who apply an extra distillate procedure to add other flavors that make it a little softer.
Distilled gin
The difference of this type of gin with others is that first the alcohol of agricultural origin is flavored and then the distillation is carried out.
On the other hand, this type of gin has a minimum of 96% alcohol, which makes it strong and very intense.
London Gin
Among the 4 types of gins, this is the most commercialized and popular in the world. It is a dry gin, without dyes, sweeteners, or any other additive in its content.
London Gin is flavored in traditional stills, which must generate a distillation of 70 degrees of alcohol, which is then lowered to taste with water.
On the other hand, it is first distilled and then flavored, unlike the previous one.
What other kinds of gin are on the market?
But that's not all. There are other classes or brands of gin that are very common and popular in the market. Do you want to know them?
Old Tom Gin
It is manufactured in the old-fashioned way, so it is sweetened, and then classic vegetable aromas are sought in its composition.
Its name is due to an illegal seller of this drink in London in the prohibition, in addition to its image is associated with the Old Tom cat.
Sloe Gin
Starting from an Old Tom gin or a classic one, it is sweetened more, and sloes are added by means of maceration to flavor the drink.
It gives a flavor to Patxaran thanks to its acidic and bitter fruits. Finally, it contains between 25 and 30 degrees of alcohol.
Aged gins
They are classic gins that undergo a barrel operation, as with reposado tequila, so that they obtain aromatic nuances.
Jenever o Genever
It is made from cereal alcohol and flavored with juniper, but it seeks to save the flavor provided by the cereal.
In short, the types of gins that exist today are rich, different, and very popular. You should try them and enjoy their special composition.