Gin 101: London Dry, Old Tom, and More

Gin is defined by juniper, but the styles beyond that vary widely. Here's how to tell them apart.

What makes a gin, a gin

Gin is a neutral spirit redistilled or infused with botanicals, always led by juniper. Beyond that single rule, styles vary enormously in flavor and character.

London dry gin

The most common style, defined by a crisp, juniper-forward profile with no sweetening added after distillation. It's the default choice for a Martini, Negroni, or Gin and Tonic.

Old Tom gin

A slightly sweetened, softer style that was more common historically. It works well in older cocktail recipes, like the Tom Collins, that were originally designed around it.

Contemporary and navy-strength gins

Many modern distillers lean less on juniper and more on citrus or floral botanicals, creating gins that shine in lighter, more aromatic cocktails. Navy-strength gins are bottled at a higher proof and stand up well in stirred, spirit-forward drinks.

Frequently asked questions

What makes gin taste like gin?

Gin is a neutral spirit redistilled or infused with botanicals, always led by juniper. Beyond that single rule, styles vary enormously — London dry gin is crisp and juniper-forward with no added sweetening, while Old Tom gin is slightly sweetened and softer.

What's a navy-strength gin?

Navy-strength gins are bottled at a higher proof than standard gin and stand up well in stirred, spirit-forward drinks, since their flavor doesn't get diluted as easily by ice or mixers.