Tasting

A classic London gin tastes first of juniper, cool and resinous. Then comes a spicy middle of coriander and angelica root. Finally, a dry, slightly bitter finish remains, with no noticeable sweetness.

Beefeater exemplifies this style: bold juniper, underscored by citrus notes from Seville orange and lemon. Sipsmith feels rounder and softer, with more pronounced citrus and a gentle floral note from orris root. City of London Distillery's gin leans additionally on British herbs, making it taste greener and fresher than the other two.

To spot such differences, it helps to try the gin neat first. Ideally at room temperature, in a glass with a narrower opening, so the aromas concentrate. A small sip of water in between opens up further aromas. It barely dilutes the flavor.

Anyone comparing two gins should do it back to back, not days apart. Aroma memory is short. Only a direct comparison reveals how different two juniper profiles can really taste.

The nose plays a role too, even before the tongue gets involved. Smelling the glass before tasting often already reveals whether a gin leans more citrus-forward or more spicy and earthy.

In London itself, the comparison is especially worthwhile. Three very different styles sit side by side within a small area, from Kennington to Chiswick.

Anyone new to gin should get to know just one first, rather than tasting several against each other right away. Only once one profile feels familiar do the differences to the next gin really stand out.