The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Gin

A World Beyond Juniper

What Makes Gin… Gin?

At its core, gin is a neutral spirit flavored primarily with juniper berries. Without juniper, it’s simply not gin! But the real magic happens when distillers blend other botanicals—aromatic ingredients like citrus, spices, flowers, and herbs—to create complex flavors that range from herbal and spicy to floral and citrusy.

The Many Styles of Gin

One of the most exciting things about gin is the variety of styles available. Here’s a quick guide to the most common types:

1. London Dry Gin

Despite the name, London Dry Gin doesn’t have to be made in London. It’s known for being juniper-forward with a crisp, clean finish. No sweeteners or artificial flavors are allowed, making it the purest expression of what gin can be.

2. Old Tom Gin

This historical style of gin is sweeter than London Dry and was popular in the 18th century. It’s experiencing a resurgence today thanks to craft distillers and bartenders who are bringing it back into modern cocktails.

3. Navy Strength Gin

Navy Strength gin is bottled at 57% ABV or higher. The urban legend has it that this gin was strong enough to ignite gunpowder, which is why the British Royal Navy insisted on it being this potent. However, the real story is about getting "proof" by lighting the alcohol to ensure it was the quality they paid for. This proof is the first time where the alcohol to water ratio produces a blue flame. Navy Strength Gins are robust and perfect for a classic Gin & Tonic or Negroni.

4. Contemporary Gin

Sometimes referred to as "New Western," this modern style allows other botanicals to shine alongside juniper. Distillers often focus on citrus, floral, or spice-forward flavors, appealing to drinkers who prefer a less juniper-heavy experience. Conniption’s American Dry Gin falls into this category, with cucumber and honeysuckle softening the juniper punch.

5. Color-Changing Gin

One of the more whimsical trends in the gin world, color-changing gin uses botanicals like butterfly pea flower, which change color when mixed with tonic or citrus. Conniption’s Kinship Gin is a prime example, transforming from indigo to pink when tonic is added—perfect for both Instagram and your taste buds.

6. Barrel-Aged Gin

Barrel-aged gin is a unique hybrid that takes gin and ages it in barrels, similar to how whiskey is treated. This imparts a smooth, woody character to the gin while still retaining its botanical complexity. The result is a spirit that bridges the gap between gin and whiskey, ideal for sipping neat or mixing in bold cocktails.

The Distillation Process: Crafting the Perfect Gin

Gin’s distinct flavor comes from the botanicals added during distillation. Most gins are made redistilling a neutral base with botanicals either via maceration or vapor, where the alcohol is heated and passed through a basket of botanicals to absorb their flavors. However, some distilleries, like Durham Distillery's Conniption, use advanced methods like cold vacuum distillation to preserve delicate flavors that would otherwise be lost at higher temperatures.

Gin and Vodka: Close Relatives, Different Paths

Both gin and vodka start as neutral spirits, often made from grains or potatoes. The difference comes down to the final step—while vodka is distilled to be flavorless, gin is infused with botanicals, most notably juniper. In essence, gin is vodka’s more sophisticated cousin—flavored, aromatic, and full of character. If you’re a vodka lover looking to branch out, gin is the natural next step.

Gin’s Perfect Pair: The Classic Gin & Tonic

Perhaps the most famous gin cocktail is the Gin & Tonic. This iconic drink was originally developed as a way for British colonists in India to make their malaria medication—quinine, found in tonic water—more palatable. With a splash of gin and lime, it became a refreshing staple that we still enjoy today.

Ready to try one? Find the perfect Gin & Tonic recipe on our website.

Gin’s Versatility in Cocktails

Gin’s botanical complexity makes it the perfect base for a wide variety of cocktails. From the crisp, refreshing Tom Collins to the bold and bitter Negroni, gin elevates every drink with layers of flavor. It’s no wonder bartenders love working with gin—it offers endless possibilities for creativity and experimentation.

Why Gin Is the Ultimate Spirit

Whether you’re sipping it neat or mixing it into cocktails, gin’s botanical diversity and rich history make it a standout spirit. It’s approachable yet complex, traditional yet innovative, and always ready to surprise you. If you’re looking to expand your palate or take your cocktails to the next level, gin is the way to go.