Gin Styles Explained: London Dry, Old Tom, Navy Strength & More
Key Takeaways:
- Gin is defined by juniper, but styles range from crisp London Dry to sweeter Old Tom and bold Navy Strength.
- Modern "New Western" gins lead with other botanicals like citrus and floral notes rather than heavy juniper.
- The style you choose shapes everything from a martini to a gin and tonic.
Every gin shares one requirement: a dominant juniper character. Beyond that, the category is remarkably diverse, and the style on the label tells you whether to expect a crisp, piney classic or a softer, citrus-forward modern bottle. Understanding the main styles makes building a bar far easier.
At Wooden Cork, we carry gin across the full range of styles. Here is how they compare.
London Dry
London Dry is the benchmark style. It is dry, crisp, and juniper-forward, with supporting notes of citrus and spice and no added sweetness after distillation. Despite the name, it can be made anywhere. This is the classic choice for a martini or a gin and tonic, where its clean structure shines.
Plymouth
Plymouth is a slightly softer, earthier style traditionally associated with the English city of the same name. It is a touch less dry than London Dry, with a smooth, rounded character that works well in classic cocktails.
Old Tom
Old Tom is a historical style that sits between London Dry and the sweeter genever. It is lightly sweetened and fuller-bodied, bridging old and modern palates. It is the traditional gin for a Tom Collins and a Martinez, and its gentle sweetness suits cocktails that benefit from a rounder edge.
Navy Strength
Navy Strength gin is bottled at a higher proof, traditionally 57 percent ABV or above. The elevated strength intensifies the botanicals and stands up well in cocktails, cutting cleanly through mixers and other ingredients. It is bold and aromatic, made for drinks that need backbone.
New Western (Contemporary)
New Western, sometimes called contemporary or New American gin, shifts the balance away from heavy juniper toward other botanicals such as citrus, floral, or herbal notes. Juniper is still present but no longer dominant. These gins appeal to drinkers who find traditional styles too piney and work beautifully in modern, aromatic cocktails.
How to Choose
| Style | Character | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| London Dry | Crisp, dry, juniper-forward | Martini, gin and tonic |
| Plymouth | Smooth, earthy, slightly softer | Classic cocktails |
| Old Tom | Lightly sweetened, fuller | Tom Collins, Martinez |
| Navy Strength | High proof, intense botanicals | Bold cocktails |
| New Western | Citrus or floral led, less juniper | Modern, aromatic drinks |
Once you know which style suits your palate, the rest is easy. You can explore bottles across every style in our gin collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular type of gin?
London Dry is the most widely recognized and versatile style, and it is the standard for classic cocktails like the martini and gin and tonic.
Is all gin flavored with juniper?
Yes. By definition, gin must have a predominant juniper character, though the intensity varies widely between traditional and contemporary styles.
What does Navy Strength mean?
Navy Strength refers to gin bottled at a higher proof, traditionally 57 percent ABV or above, which intensifies the botanical flavors.
Which gin is best for a gin and tonic?
A London Dry is the classic choice for its crisp, juniper-forward profile, but a New Western gin can make a softer, more aromatic version.
