Flavour Guide: What Does Gin Taste Like?

Gin has a distinct, crisp flavour dominated by juniper — the small, piney berry that gives gin its signature taste. It’s dry, slightly herbal, and aromatic, often with notes of citrus, coriander, spice, and florals, depending on the botanicals used.

At its core, gin is a clean, sharp spirit with a dry finish. It’s known for its fresh, zesty, slightly bitter edge, with a mouth-coating smoothness when made well. Juniper always leads the flavour profile, but modern gins vary widely, from bold and punchy to delicate and floral.

What Gives Gin Its Flavour?

Gin is made by infusing a neutral grain spirit with botanicals, then redistilling it. The legally required main botanical is juniper, but distillers also add ingredients like:

Citrus peel (lemon, orange, grapefruit)
Coriander seed
Angelica root
Orris root
Cardamom, cinnamon, or pepper
Herbs and flowers (lavender, rosemary, chamomile)

Each combination affects the taste, meaning not all gins taste the same — some are dry and piney, others fresh and citrusy, and some even sweet and floral.

Types of Gin and How They Taste

1. London Dry Gin

Classic and crisp. Strong juniper flavour, dry finish, and no added sweeteners. Expect a clean, botanical-led taste — perfect for a G&T or Martini.

2. Plymouth Gin

Smoother and slightly earthier than London Dry, with softer citrus and spice. Less sharp, more rounded.

3. Old Tom Gin

Slightly sweeter than London Dry. Has a fuller body and more pronounced spice, often used in vintage-style cocktails.

4. New Western or Contemporary Gin

Modern gins that downplay juniper in favour of other flavours — like cucumber, rose, lavender, or tropical fruits. Often lighter, softer, and more approachable.

5. Flavoured Gins

Infused with fruit, spices or other additions after distillation. Taste can range from subtle berry or citrus to bold rhubarb, ginger, or pink grapefruit. Some are dry, others sweetened like gin liqueurs.

How Is Gin Usually Enjoyed?

Gin’s versatility makes it one of the most popular base spirits. It’s commonly served:

With tonic (classic G&T)
In cocktails – like Negronis, Martinis, or Tom Collins
With soda or lemonade – for lighter, refreshing drinks
Neat or on the rocks – with premium or sipping gins

Garnishes like lime, cucumber, rosemary, or orange peel can enhance or complement a gin’s natural botanicals.

Is Gin Bitter?

Gin is not sweet, but not as bitter as spirits like Campari. The bitterness is subtle and comes mainly from the juniper and citrus peels. It's more dry and herbaceous than bitter, especially in traditional styles.

Final Thought

Gin tastes botanical, dry, and juniper-led, with layers of spice, citrus, herbs or florals depending on the style. Whether you love a classic London Dry or a fruit-forward modern gin, there’s a version to suit every palate — sharp, smooth, or refreshingly complex.