London Dry Gin - what is it?

We are happy with all the visitors we get at the distillery and one of the main misconceptions out there is that London Dry Gin is exclusively made in London.

In fact all over the world small producers like us make some fantastic London Dry Gin and France is not an exception. In the next couple of weeks we will do a blog on French Gins and introduce to you some absolute gems and treasures of French Gins.

But back to London Dry Gin, whilst its heritage is of course to the street of London these days the term takes more form of a standard. However due to lack of strict regulations its being played with somewhat loosely.

Here at Distillerie le Compas we make it our guidelines and produce only London Dry style Gin as we believe this still results in the best tasting product whilst maintaining tradition and leaving enough room for innovation.

What is London Dry Gin?

London Dry Gin, one of the most iconic spirits globally, represents the gold standard of gin craftsmanship. Despite its name, this style isn’t tied to London; instead, it’s a distillation process steeped in tradition and strict regulation. Let’s explore its fascinating history, its regulatory framework, and some intriguing facts.

A Brief History of London Dry Gin

Gin’s origins trace back to the Netherlands, where a juniper-based spirit called "jenever" was first distilled in the 16th century. English soldiers encountered jenever during the Eighty Years’ War and brought the spirit back to England. By the 18th century, gin’s popularity surged, leading to the infamous "Gin Craze," a period marked by excessive consumption and social issues in Britain.

London Dry Gin emerged in the early 19th century as distillers refined their techniques, embracing advancements that allowed for cleaner, purer spirits. Unlike the heavily sweetened "Old Tom" gin popular in earlier eras, London Dry Gin emphasized a crisp, juniper-forward flavor. This shift was driven by the invention of the column still, which enabled the production of higher-quality base spirits, free from impurities.

European Regulations for London Dry Gin

London Dry Gin is not just a style but a legally protected category within the European Union. To qualify as London Dry Gin, distillers must adhere to specific rules:

1. Juniper as the Star: Juniper berries must dominate the flavor profile, distinguishing gin from other spirits.

2. Natural Botanicals Only: The flavor must come exclusively from natural botanicals, with no artificial additives or coloring allowed. So remember if your gin has a color that color has been added after distillation.

3. One-Time Distillation: All botanicals must be introduced during distillation, meaning no additional flavors can be added after this process.

4. High Purity Base Spirit: The base alcohol must have a purity of at least 96% ABV before distillation.

5. Minimum ABV: The final gin must be at least 37.5% ABV to meet EU standards.

Why the "Dry" in London Dry Gin?

The term "dry" in London Dry Gin signifies the absence of added sweeteners. This contrasts with earlier gin styles like "Old Tom," which often contained sugar to mask harsh flavors. The focus in London Dry is on purity, allowing the botanicals—typically including coriander, angelica root, citrus peel, and orris root—to shine alongside juniper.

Interesting Facts About London Dry Gin

1. It Doesn’t Have to Be Made in London: While the style originated in London, it can be produced anywhere. Some of the world’s finest London Dry Gins come from as far afield as Spain, the United States, and Japan.

2. A Spirit of Innovation: While traditional recipes emphasize juniper, many modern distillers incorporate unique botanicals, like lavender, black pepper, and even seaweed, while staying within the strict guidelines.

3. The Martini’s Best Friend: London Dry Gin is the classic choice for a dry martini, with its clean, juniper-forward profile complementing vermouth perfectly.

4. Gin and Tonic’s Origins: The gin and tonic—a quintessential pairing—has its roots in the British Empire. Quinine, found in tonic water, was used to combat malaria, and gin was added to make it more palatable. More on this later as we are working on a very interesting blog on the journey of Gin

London Dry Gin stands as a timeless testament to craft, tradition, and innovation. Its enduring appeal lies in its balance of boldness and subtlety, making it a cornerstone of the spirits world. So next time you sip a G&T or a martini, take a moment to appreciate the legacy of London Dry Gin.

And so this is what London Dry Gin is…. For us a philosophy to quality, always made slowly and always to create a moment to enjoy. Taste the difference and visit our online store for a bottle of premium award-winning gin.