A Guide to the Different Types of Gin

If you’ve ever wondered why one bottle of gin tastes crisp and juniper-heavy while another leans floral, citrusy, or even slightly sweet, you’re not alone. Gin has come a long way from being a one-note spirit, and today’s selection offers something for almost every palate.

What surprises many people is that gin isn’t defined by where it’s made. Instead, the style depends largely on how it’s produced and which botanicals come through the most in the final spirit. That’s why two bottles labeled “gin” can deliver completely different drinking experiences.

Understanding the different types of gin makes it much easier to choose a bottle you’ll actually enjoy, whether you’re mixing cocktails, building a home bar, or simply exploring a new category.

What Makes Gin, Gin?

Gin starts out as a distilled spirit, and juniper berries are what give it that unmistakable character. That piney, slightly resinous character is what separates gin from vodka and other clear spirits.

Beyond juniper, producers can use a wide range of botanicals, including coriander, angelica root, citrus peels, cardamom, lavender, rose, cucumber, tea, and countless others. The combination and balance of these ingredients create each gin’s unique personality.

Some styles put juniper front and center. Others allow citrus, floral, herbal, or spice notes to take the spotlight. That’s where the real fun begins.

London Dry Gin

When most people think of gin, they’re thinking of London Dry. Despite the name, London Dry Gin doesn’t have to be made in London. Instead, the term refers to a production style known for its clean profile, prominent juniper character, and lack of added sweeteners after distillation.

This is the classic gin style behind countless cocktails, including the Gin & Tonic, Martini, and Negroni.

Bombay Sapphire

Bombay Sapphire offers a softer, more approachable take on London Dry Gin. Alongside the expected juniper backbone, you’ll find bright citrus notes and a balanced botanical character that keeps things refreshing rather than overly piney.

If you’re relatively new to gin, this is often an easy place to start because it delivers classic gin flavors without overwhelming your palate.

Tanqueray London Dry Gin

Tanqueray takes a more traditional approach. Juniper plays a bigger role here, supported by citrus and subtle spice notes that create a bold, unmistakably classic profile.

It’s a favorite among bartenders for a reason. When you want a cocktail that proudly tastes like gin, Tanqueray consistently delivers.

Old Tom Gin

Among the different types of gin, Old Tom often gets overlooked, which is a shame because it occupies a fascinating middle ground between historical and modern styles.

Old Tom Gin dates back centuries and is slightly sweeter than London Dry Gin. That touch of sweetness softens the sharper edges of juniper while maintaining the botanical complexity that gin lovers appreciate.

Hayman’s Old Tom Gin

Hayman’s Old Tom Gin is one of the best examples of the style available today. The gentle sweetness doesn’t make it sugary or flavored. Instead, it rounds out the spirit and creates a richer, smoother drinking experience.

If London Dry sometimes feels a bit too sharp for your taste, Old Tom may be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s also an excellent choice for classic cocktails like the Tom Collins and Martinez, where its softer profile can really shine.

Contemporary and New Western Gin

Over the last couple of decades, many distillers have started reimagining gin. Rather than allowing juniper to dominate every sip, they build recipes around floral, citrus, herbal, and other creative botanical combinations. This category has become one of the fastest-growing segments in the gin world.

Aviation Gin

Aviation Gin helped popularize the modern American gin movement by dialing back the juniper and highlighting a more balanced botanical profile.

The result is smooth, approachable, and versatile. You’ll still recognize it as gin, but the overall experience feels softer and more accessible than many traditional London Dry expressions. For whiskey or vodka drinkers exploring gin for the first time, Aviation often serves as a comfortable introduction.

Hendrick’s Gin

Few bottles have had a bigger impact on modern gin than Hendrick’s. Known for its distinctive cucumber and rose notes, Hendrick’s offers a fresh, floral profile that’s instantly recognizable. The botanicals create an elegant balance that feels refined without becoming overly delicate. It’s the kind of gin that can completely change someone’s perception of what gin can be.

Empress 1908 Gin

Empress 1908 stands out immediately, thanks to its striking indigo color. But there’s much more to this bottle than appearance.

Its botanical blend delivers bright citrus, floral notes, and a smooth, contemporary character that appeals to both newcomers and experienced gin drinkers. The color-changing effect in cocktails certainly adds visual appeal, but the flavor profile is what keeps people coming back.

Botanical-Forward Craft Gin

Craft distillers continue pushing gin in exciting directions, creating expressions packed with distinctive botanicals and regional influences. These bottles often appeal to adventurous drinkers who enjoy discovering new flavor combinations.

Monkey 47

Produced in Germany’s Black Forest region, Monkey 47 has earned a reputation as one of the most complex gins on the market. Its recipe includes an impressive collection of botanicals that create layers of citrus, herbs, spice, fruit, and earthy notes. Every sip seems to reveal something new.

Despite its complexity, the flavors remain remarkably balanced, making it a favorite among gin enthusiasts around the world.

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin

Drumshanbo brings a unique Irish twist to the category through the inclusion of gunpowder tea alongside traditional botanicals. The result is a vibrant gin with fresh citrus character, subtle tea notes, and an intriguing complexity that sets it apart from more conventional expressions.

Presented in its distinctive ceramic bottle, it carries a handcrafted feel that matches the personality of what’s inside. It’s a bottle that rewards curiosity and often becomes a conversation starter the moment it’s poured.

Flavored and Pink Gin

Another category worth exploring is flavored gin, including the growing popularity of pink gin expressions. These styles build upon a traditional gin foundation while introducing playful, fruit-forward flavors that create a sweeter, more approachable profile.

Indoggo Gin

Indoggo Gin leans into a bright, berry-forward profile that feels easygoing from the first sip. It’s built for approachability, with fruit-driven flavors taking the lead while still holding onto a gentle gin backbone underneath.

You’re not dealing with anything overly complex here, and that’s kind of the point. It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and works well in relaxed, casual serves where the goal is refreshment more than intensity.

Malfy Rosa Gin

Malfy Rosa Gin brings a more classic take on pink gin, with grapefruit and citrus notes shaping most of the experience. It’s fresh, slightly tart, and has that crisp Mediterranean feel that makes it especially easy to enjoy over ice or in simple cocktails.

Juniper still shows up, but it stays in the background, letting the fruit character shine without losing the identity of gin entirely.

Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin

Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin sits at the more expressive end of this category. Instead of leaning purely into citrus or light fruit, it introduces deep berry richness through Shiraz grapes, creating a darker, more wine-like profile.

It feels richer, slightly spiced, and more layered than the others in this category, the kind of gin that naturally stands out in cocktails and often surprises people who expect something lighter or more traditional.

How to Choose the Right Gin for Your Taste

With so many options available, the best choice often comes down to your personal preferences.

If you enjoy classic cocktails and bold juniper flavors, start with London Dry Gin. Bombay Sapphire and Tanqueray are both excellent choices. If you prefer a softer, slightly sweeter profile, Hayman’s Old Tom Gin offers a smooth introduction to a historic style.

For drinkers who enjoy floral, citrus-forward, or modern flavor profiles, Aviation, Hendrick’s, and Empress 1908 showcase how creative contemporary gin can be. And if you’re looking for something truly distinctive, bottles like Monkey 47 and Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin demonstrate just how diverse the world of gin has become.

Find Your Next Favorite Gin at The Barrel Tap

Exploring the different types of gin is one of the best ways to discover how versatile this spirit can be. From the crisp juniper character of London Dry Gin to the gentle sweetness of Old Tom and the creativity of modern craft expressions, every style offers something a little different in the glass.

The best part is that there’s no single “right” gin. Your ideal bottle depends entirely on the flavors you enjoy and the cocktails you love to make.

Ready to expand your gin collection? Browse The Barrel Tap’s curated selection of premium gin and discover everything from timeless classics to innovative craft expressions.