Gins

Gin is a hugely popular liquor at the moment which is usually used as a spirit in a mixed drink. It’s simple enough you might think, but what you may not know is that there are actually several types of gin. We’re not talking about brands of gin which there are too many to count, but the original gin which was invented in Holland over 500 years ago has evolved into at least five distinct types. Each gin offers a slightly different aroma and flavour which influences what drinks it mixes well with and which it doesn’t. Here’s an introduction to five main types of gin.

Dutch Gin (or Genever Gin)

Gin was originally created by a Dutch chemist who was interested in its medicinal benefits, and it is quite different from modern types of gins. It is made from malt grain rather than cereal grains which most other gins are made from. This gives Dutch gin is a darker colour and a flavour, which is a lot like botanical whiskey. Dutch gin is light in body and, rather than being added to mixers, is often simply chilled and sipped in its straight form.

London Dry Gin

The most commonly drunk type of gin is known as London dry which, as the name suggests, is dry and has a very strong aroma. Distillers of London dry will often try to intensify the juniper flavour by adding aromatic ingredients which will vary by brand.

Plymouth Gin

Plymouth gin is similar to London dry but is not as dry and is more earthy in flavour thanks to the injection of roots during the distillery process. There is only one brand of Plymouth gin (called Plymouth). It is and has only ever been produced in Plymouth, England, having been first produced there in 1793.

Old Tom Gin

Old Tom is a sweet gin which has a dry body. This makes it like a combination of London dry and Genever. The Old Tom gin has not been as popular over the years, but more and more pubs and bars are now stocking it for use in cocktails, including the famous Tom Collins which was named after the actor.

New American or International Style Gin

The most recent gins which have emerged on the scene are known as New American or International Style gin. These gins are produced using a very similar process of distillery but use more unusual botanical flavourings such as rose or cucumber. The popular brand Hendrick’s is an example of international gin.

We Have 40 Gins For You to Try at the Hole In The Wall

Not sure which type of gin is your favourite? We have a menu which features a range of 40 gins from small-batch makers and international names, and each has its own mix of ingredients and distillery process which creates either a dry, earthy or sweet gin. Next time you’re looking for a pub lunch in Chichester stop in and try one (or more) of our 40 brands of gin