THE FIELD GUIDE VOL. V
Botanical steepings, wild juniper berries, citrus peel infusions, London Dry precision, and modern apothecary alchemy.
THE FIELD BOARD
Gin Types Explained
A Method, Not a Place
All flavour must come from botanicals redistilled with the spirit. Nothing may be added afterwards except water and a trace of sugar.
Redistilled • Post-Still Additions Allowed
Botanicals are redistilled as with London Dry, but further flavourings may be blended in after distillation.
Plymouth, England • Single Distillery
A geographically tied style made at the Black Friars Distillery, earthier and rounder than standard London Dry.
Historic English Style • Lightly Sweetened
The bridge between genever and London Dry: fuller bodied, softened with a touch of sugar, occasionally barrel rested.
Netherlands & Belgium • Protected Origin
Gin's ancestor, built on malt wine rather than neutral spirit, so it drinks closer to a light whiskey.
57% ABV • Overproof
The same recipes bottled at overproof strength so botanicals survive ice, citrus and dilution intact.
Fruit Steeped • Minimum 25% ABV
Gin macerated with sloe berries and sugar. Legally a liqueur, with a far lower minimum strength than gin itself.
New Western • Botanical Forward
Juniper is still legally required, but citrus, florals or spice are pushed to the front of the aroma.
Fruit Flavoured • Often Sweetened
Berry or citrus flavouring added to a gin base. If the strength drops below 37.5% ABV it can no longer be sold as gin in the EU.
Quick Comparison
| Type | Defining Rule | Origin | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Dry | No additions after distilling | Anywhere | Crisp, juniper led |
| Distilled Gin | Post-still flavouring allowed | Anywhere | Aromatic |
| Plymouth | Made in Plymouth | England | Earthy |
| Old Tom | Lightly sweetened | England | Rounded |
| Genever | Malt wine base | NL / BE | Malty |
| Navy Strength | 57% ABV | England | Intense |
| Sloe Gin | Min 25% ABV liqueur | England | Sweet, tart |
| Contemporary | Juniper present, not dominant | Global | Floral, citric |
| Pink / Flavoured | Fruit flavoured | Global | Sweet |
Myth vs Fact
MythLondon Dry gin has to be made in London.
FactLondon Dry is a production method, not a place of origin. It can legally be distilled anywhere in the world as long as the rules on botanicals and additions are followed.
Did You Know
Juniper is the one non-negotiable. Whatever else is in the botanical bill, the law requires the predominant flavour of any gin to be juniper, and the bottling strength to be at least 37.5% ABV in the EU.
Behind the Bar
Build around the botanical bill. Classic juniper-forward gins hold up in stirred drinks and bitter builds, while contemporary and flavoured gins shine in long serves where the aromatics stay in front.