London Dry Gin

London Dry Gin is one of the world's classic gin styles, known for its dry, juniper-led character and crisp botanical profile. Despite the name, London Dry Gin does not have to be made in London. The term describes a tightly defined production style rather than a geographical origin.

At Spy, our London Dry Gin selection focuses on distinctive bottles from carefully chosen distillers, including smaller producers making characterful interpretations of this traditional style. Expect juniper at the heart of the gin, supported by botanicals that can bring citrus, spice, floral and herbal notes, with bottles suited to everything from a classic Gin & Tonic to a Martini or Negroni.

  • Bottle of 'renegade' on a white background

    Renegade Gin

    Renegade Gin

    70cl | ABV: 42.0%

    £36.95
    £36.95
  • Bombay Sapphire Gin Bottle on a White Background

    Bombay Sapphire

    Sold out

    Bombay Sapphire

    70cl | ABV: 40.0%

    £25.45
    £16.00 £25.45
    Sold out
  • Broen Gin Scandinavian style from Vintersol Distillery in Putney

    Vintersol Broen Gin

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    Vintersol Broen Gin

    70cl | ABV: 40.0%

    £31.95
    £31.95
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London Dry Gin Buying Guide

London Dry Gin is a production style rather than a statement about where a gin was made. While juniper should provide the backbone, different combinations of botanicals can make one London Dry considerably more citrus-led, spicy, floral or herbal than another.

Which London Dry Gin should you choose?

For a classic Gin & Tonic, a crisp, juniper-led London Dry with bright citrus character is a useful place to start. For Martinis and other spirit-forward cocktails, look for a gin with enough structure and botanical intensity to remain distinctive. Exploring smaller distillers can reveal more individual interpretations while retaining the essential London Dry character.

Does London Dry Gin have to be made in London?

No. London Dry describes how the gin is produced, not where the distillery is located. London has an important historical association with gin, but London Dry Gin can be produced elsewhere provided it meets the requirements of the style.

Look beyond the biggest gin brands

London Dry may be a traditional category, but there is considerable variation between producers. Smaller distillers can bring their own balance of citrus, spice, herbs and other botanicals to the classic juniper-led framework. Producer and botanical character are therefore worth considering alongside price and strength.

London Dry Gin FAQs

What makes a gin London Dry?

London Dry Gin is made to specific production rules designed to create a distilled gin whose flavour comes from the botanicals used during distillation. Only very limited additions are permitted afterwards, which helps distinguish the style from gins whose flavour is substantially altered after distillation.

What does London Dry Gin taste like?

Juniper is central to the classic London Dry profile, but individual gins can show very different botanical characters. Citrus peel, coriander seed, angelica, herbs, spices and floral botanicals can all contribute, depending on the recipe used by the distiller.

What is the best tonic for London Dry Gin?

A good-quality classic tonic is often the easiest match because it allows the gin's juniper and botanicals to remain prominent. More strongly flavoured tonics can work too, but matching them to the particular citrus, herbal or floral character of the gin is more important.

Which cocktails work well with London Dry Gin?

London Dry Gin is particularly versatile in classic cocktails. It works naturally in a Gin & Tonic, Martini, Negroni, Tom Collins and Gimlet, with its dry, juniper-led structure providing a strong botanical backbone.

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