Gin labels are full of terms that sound geographical or old-fashioned. Most of them describe how the gin is made — not where.
The one rule every gin shares
Whatever the style, juniper must be the predominant flavour. In the UK and EU, gin must also be bottled at a minimum of 37.5% alcohol by volume.
London Dry
London Dry is a method, and it can be made anywhere in the world. All of its flavour must come from botanicals during distillation; nothing except a little water and neutral spirit can be added afterwards, and it cannot be coloured or noticeably sweetened.
Distilled gin
Distilled gin is also redistilled with juniper and other botanicals, but flavourings may be added after distillation.
Gin (sometimes called compound gin)
The simplest category: neutral spirit flavoured with juniper and other natural or nature-identical flavourings, without the need for redistillation.
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