The charm of London Dry, with an Australian twist

Ah, gin – that wonderfully juniper-laden spirit that’s been tickling taste buds and winning hearts all over the globe. It’s versatile, delicious, and steeped in rich history. And when it comes to gin, there’s one style that absolutely stands out – the London Dry. But hey, before we dive into the botanical wonderland that is London Dry gin, lets make a quick mention of our Australian twist on the classic, because our Wild Tasmanian gin is taking out some serious awards and getting some chin wagging in the gin world.

Nepotism? Whats in the London Dry name?

“London Dry gin” might sound like it can only hail from the UK’s fog-drenched capital, but that’s not quite the case. The term “London Dry” is actually a style, not the place where Prices and kings and queens strut around. This type of gin can be produced anywhere in the world – it just has to follow certain rules to earn its title. But let’s not put the cart before the horse! We’ll get to the nitty-gritty of what makes a London Dry in just a sec.

TRADITION MEETS REGULATION

For a gin to wear the coveted London Dry label:

1. It must contain juniper as its dominant flavor – that’s non-negotiable!
2. The botanicals must be added during distillation – no post-distillation flavors allowed.
3. Only water and a tiny bit of sweetener can be added after distillation, keeping things real and refined.
4. No artificial stuff – this gin’s all about authenticity.
5. Lately the gin also has to be at least 37% ABV

It’s actually this strict adherence to tradition that’s made London Dry gin the benchmark of quality.

Juniper and dominant botanicals in a London Dry

THE STAR THAT IS JUNIPER BERRY

The hero of any gin story is the juniper berry. While it’s called a “berry,” it’s actually more of a tiny pine cone with berry-like appearances (and flavor!). It’s what gives gin that signature piney, resiny taste that fans love.

THE SIDE KICKS THAT ACTUALLY CARRY THE TASTE

Beyond juniper, London Dry gin often features a botanical ensemble that can include:

• Coriander seeds: Adding lemony zest and spice
• Angelica root: Earthy and musky, a great flavor binder
• Cardamom: Exotic and aromatic
• Citrus peels: Typically lemon or orange for a bright zing
• Orris root: Floral and woody – think violets and parma violet sweets

Each distiller has their own secret recipe, though, which is where the magic really happens.

SHAKING UP TRADITION: BEST AUSTRALIAN GINS

Shaking Up Tradition: Tasmania’s Gin Revolution

Now here’s where it gets really interesting. Australian gin have been shaking up the gin game with it’s unique take on the London Dry. If we may, we could even start to term it as the Australian Dry. Australian Gins have consistently ranked highly among gin awards worldwide with some gins being put up as one of World’s best gins. Tasmania, where our Wild Tasmanian gin comes from, is also shaking up the gin game with its unique take on London Dry. With pristine water sources, local botanicals, and a bit of that Tasmanian boldness, it’s no wonder our gins are catching eyes (and palates) at international competitions.

AWARD WINNING WILD TASMANIAN GIN (LONDON DRY STYLE)

Our Wild Tasmanian gin has been raking in accolades like it’s going out of style. Double gold medals, the Asia Pacific Spirit of the Year in China, and 90 points in the IWSS? Crikey! We couldn’t be happier! Our London Dry-inspired spirit is making a name for itself among connoisseurs and critics.

THE PERFECT POUR: SERVING LONDON DRY GIN

For now, London Dry gin is the go-to drink because of its classic taste. The top four for us would be

THE CLASSIC: DRY GIN AND TONIC

When it comes to London Dry gin, you can’t go past the iconic G&T. This highball cocktail is a symphony of simplicity:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice (the more, the merrier – it keeps your drink colder, longer).
2. Pour in a hearty measure of London Dry gin.
3. Top with a quality tonic water – the bitterness complements the gin’s botanicals.
4. Garnish with a wedge of lime or, for a twist, a ribbon of cucumber.

SHAKEN OR STIRRED: MARTINI MAGIC

Another classic option for your London Dry is the ever-sophisticated martini. Whether you’re channeling James Bond or just fancy a posh tipple, the martini showcases gin’s flavor profile superbly.

Here’s the basic formula:

1. Into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour gin and a splash of dry vermouth (we’re purists here – no vodka, please).
2. Stir (if you’re after smoothness) or shake (if you like it a tad more aerated).
3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
4. Garnish with an olive or a lemon twist for a little extra oomph.

THE ITALIAN APPETISER : NEGRONI

A Negroni is an Italian cocktail that can be prepared in less than 5 minutes. Such a cocktail drink is very simple to make as it only needs 3 to 4 ingredients. It is a combination of London dry gin, sweet vermouth, Campari, and some orange peels. The taste of Negroni is a mix of gin and citrus flavor with a hint of bitterness. 

THE SCURVY DEFEATERRRR : GIMLET

Avast ye, for we be setting sail on a cocktail adventure that’s not only a feast for the taste buds but a cure for the age-old scourge of the seven seas – scurvy! In the realm of classic cocktails, the Gimlet be our weapon against the dread of vitamin C deficiency, and we’re here to share a recipe that’ll make your taste buds do a jig.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bright Night Wild Tasmanian Gin (because even pirates have refined tastes)
• 3/4 oz Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice (the scurvy-slaying elixir)
• 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (to sweeten the deal and keep scurvy at bay)
• Lime Twist for Garnish (because we believe in fancy swashbuckling)

These are just some of the possible outcomes when combining london dry gin with other ingredients. Got some London Dry Gin Recipes? 

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