Gin for beginners

Gin is a spirit that is produced on the basis of neutral alcohol of agricultural origin, e.g. grain or vodka. The decisive factor is that its flavour must be clearly characterised by juniper berries. Other botanicals, i.e. herbs, roots, spices or fruit, may also be added to refine the flavour.

Legal requirements in the EU:

• Minimum alcohol content: 37.5 % vol.
• Characteristic flavour: Juniper must dominate.
• Permitted additives: natural or nature-identical flavours, botanicals, additional colour and sugar are permitted.

This clearly distinguishes gin from other spirits: it is not a liqueur, but a clear distillate in which the juniper flavour is emphasised and other botanicals are used.

Good to know: Various relatively young distilleries, such as Isle of Harris, Isle of Barra, from the islands of the same name, and the Ardara distillery on the Northern Irish coast use various types of seaweed in addition to traditional gin botanicals!

Gin varieties and styles

• London Dry Gin: Dry, clear, classic - the benchmark for juniper flavours.
• Dry Gin: Similar to London Dry, but more flexible production method.
• New Western Gin: Juniper takes a back seat, exotic botanicals play the leading role.
• Old Tom Gin: In contrast to Dry Gin, it is slightly sweeter and softer in flavour - perfect for beginners.
• Sloe gin: infused or flavoured with fruit (sloes), sweeter and milder. According to the spirits association, NOT a gin, as the alcohol content is below 37.5 %.
• Navy Strength Gin: Very strong with an alcohol content of over 50 %, usually even over 57 % vol.

You can find extensive information on our Gin varieties page!

So everyone will find the right introduction - whether purist, cocktail fan or gin enthusiast!

London Dry Gin:

Tanqueray London Dry: For this gin, juniper, coriander, angelica root and liquorice are married together and fused to create a pleasantly spicy London Dry Gin.

Modern gins with citrus or herbal notes:

The Illusionist Distiller's Edition 2025 - Citrus Isle Gin combines sunny freshness with spicy depth. Kumquats hand-harvested on Corfu lend it lively citrus accents, while wild mountain herbs such as thyme and pine provide an aromatic balance. An interplay of mandarin, lemongrass and fine herbal notes unfolds on the palate, ending in cool, woody nuances.

Old Tom or Pink Gin:

Brecon Rose Petal: This gin from the Penderyn Distillery in Wales has a delicate, fruity-floral flavour thanks to rose petals and strawberries. The award-winning distillery stands for clear flavours and subtle nuances.

Dry Gin:

The Botanist 22 Islay Dry Gin from the Bruichladdich Distillery is handcrafted on Islay. 22 wild herbs from the island give it its characteristic, complex flavour - immortalised by the Latin plant names on the bottle.

New Western Dry Gin:

Hendrick's: cucumber and rose petals take centre stage before the classic fruits and spices are added.