London Dry Gin: Discover the dry delights of London
London Dry Gin is known for its dry taste and versatility in cocktails. Wherever you are, this gin cannot be left out of bars and liquor stores. Join us on a journey and dive into the fascinating world of London Dry Gin, where we will tell you more about its name, origins, history, production process and the unique qualities and ingredients that make it a popular choice for gin lovers.
What is London Dry Gin?
The name, London Dry Gin, might lead you to believe that the drink must come from London. However, this is not the case. London Dry Gin is the most classic style of gin and has no specific place of origin. It is known for its dry and robust flavour profile, with a strong presence of juniper and a sharp, clean taste.
London Dry is a term used to describe a single distillation where all the ingredients are also co-distilled. In the production process, water is added after distillation. In addition to the production process, this popular gin has several other important characteristics, which we will explore in this blog.
Well-known brands of London Dry Gin include Bombay Sapphire, Beefeater, Gordon’s and Tanqueray.
Why is it called London Dry Gin?
London Dry Gin is so named because of its historical association with the city of London and the specific production methods associated with it.
Here are some reasons why London Dry Gin is called “London Dry”:
- Origins: London Dry Gin originated in London in the 18th century.
- Traditional production methods: London Dry Gin is produced using traditional methods established in London.
- Reputation: London Dry Gin quickly gained a reputation for its high quality and adherence to specific production standards.
The history of the London Gin
As the name suggests, this type of gin was invented in London, England. Although gin itself has a long history going back centuries, the specific style known as London Dry Gin originated in the 18th century during the ‘Gin Craze’ in London.
At that time, the production and consumption of gin in London boomed, with numerous distilleries in the city. The popularity of gin led to the development of a distinctive style that became known as London Dry Gin. This style emphasised the use of botanicals, particularly juniper berries, and a dry, crisp flavour profile.
Not one person can be credited with the invention of London Dry Gin. It is the result of the collective efforts of London distillers who refined the production methods. The specific combination of botanicals and precise distillation techniques became closely associated with the gin industry of London.
Production process of London Dry Gin
The production of London Dry Gin involves a few steps, but it all starts with the ingredients. The main ingredient is juniper, which gives the gin its distinctive pine-like aroma. Coriander, angelica, citrus peel and various herbs and spices are also used.
Below is a step-by-step description of the production process:
1. Malt wine: The production process often begins with the production of a base alcohol called “malt wine”. This is a distillate of cereal grains such as barley, rye or wheat.
2. Distillation: The botanicals are added to the malt wine and the mixture is distilled. Traditional copper stills are used for this process. In the first distillation, the botanicals are heated with the malt wine; in the second distillation, the distillate is further refined.
3. Neutral spirit: After distillation, the distillate is mixed with water to obtain the desired alcoholic strength.
4. Blending and filtration: The neutral spirit is then blended with other distilled spirits and any natural flavorings. This mixture may be filtered to remove impurities and make the gin clear.
5. Dilution and maturation: If necessary, the gin is diluted with water to the desired strength, usually between 37.5% and 47% alcohol by volume (ABV).
6. Bottling: After the production process, the gin is bottled in appropriate bottles, ready for sale.
The production process for London Dry Gin is standardized and requires that no artificial flavorings or sweeteners are added after distillation.
What does London Dry Gin taste like?
London Dry Gin has a distinctive flavour defined by the botanicals that are used and the traditional production methods. The result is a dry gin with a distinct juniper character and complex flavour.
Because many herbs and spices are added during the production process, it has a complex, spicy character. Although not sweet, it is refreshing and slightly fruity due to the citrus peel often used.
Classic cocktails and other drink creations are perfect with London Dry Gin.
What other gins are there?
Besides London Dry Gin, there are many other different types of gin. For example:
- Plymouth Gin
- Old Tom Gin
- Navy Strength Gin
- New Western Dry Gin
- Genever
Want to learn more about all these gin types? Then read our blog on 8 different types of gin.
Moving Spirits: the gin wholesaler
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Are you going to fill your liquor store shelves with Bombay Sapphire, Hayman’s, Tanqueray or Beefeater? At Moving Spirits, you can always find gin at wholesale prices, easily purchased through our own Sales Portal. Here you can view our full stock 24/7 and place an order directly.
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