Gin, once relegated to the dusty back shelves, has experienced a remarkable resurgence. No longer just your grandmother’s drink, gin has become a sophisticated and versatile spirit, beloved by bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike. But if you’re a gin aficionado walking into a new bar, what can you realistically expect to find? This article delves into the standard gin selections you’ll typically encounter, exploring the different styles, brands, and reasons behind their popularity.
The Core Selection: Essential Gins Every Bar Should Stock
A well-equipped bar will have at least a few core gin options to cater to a range of tastes and classic cocktail demands. These gins form the foundation of their gin offerings and are essential for mixing the most popular gin-based drinks.
London Dry Gin: The Indispensable Workhorse
London Dry Gin is the backbone of any respectable bar’s gin selection. It’s a style defined by its juniper-forward flavor profile and strict production regulations. The spirit must be distilled to a high proof from a neutral base and redistilled with natural botanicals, with juniper being the predominant flavor. No flavorings can be added after distillation. This results in a clean, crisp, and versatile gin perfect for a multitude of cocktails.
The most common brands you’ll find in bars include:
- Tanqueray: Known for its assertive juniper and citrus notes, Tanqueray is a reliable choice for a dry Martini or a classic Gin and Tonic. Its distinctive green bottle is instantly recognizable.
- Beefeater: Another classic London Dry, Beefeater offers a balanced blend of juniper, citrus, and other botanicals, making it a versatile all-rounder. It’s often a more budget-friendly option than Tanqueray while still maintaining excellent quality.
- Gordon’s: A widely available and affordable London Dry Gin, Gordon’s is a solid option for high-volume bars and for mixing cocktails where the gin’s nuances are less critical.
- Bombay Sapphire: While technically a London Dry, Bombay Sapphire distinguishes itself with its bright, floral aroma and slightly softer juniper presence, making it approachable for those new to gin. Its iconic blue bottle is a staple on many bar shelves.
Plymouth Gin: A Slightly Sweeter Alternative
Plymouth Gin, originating from Plymouth, England, offers a distinct style compared to London Dry. It is smoother and slightly sweeter, with a pronounced earthy character alongside the juniper notes. Its recipe and production are closely guarded secrets. While not as ubiquitous as London Dry gins, many bars recognize its quality and unique profile.
- Plymouth Gin: The quintessential Plymouth Gin, it’s a classic choice for a perfect Martini or a Gin Rickey. Its smooth texture and balanced flavor make it a favorite among gin connoisseurs.
Expanding the Palette: Gins for Cocktail Creativity
Beyond the essential London Dry and Plymouth styles, many bars now offer a wider selection of gins to cater to increasingly sophisticated palates and the demand for more complex and innovative cocktails.
New Western or Contemporary Gins: Exploring Botanical Diversity
New Western or Contemporary Gins represent a departure from the traditional juniper-dominant flavor profile. While juniper is still present, it often plays a supporting role, allowing other botanicals to shine. These gins emphasize citrus, floral, herbal, or spice notes, resulting in a more nuanced and aromatic spirit.
Examples of New Western or Contemporary Gins you might find in bars include:
- Hendrick’s: Infused with cucumber and rose, Hendrick’s is perhaps the most recognizable New Western Gin. Its unique flavor profile makes it a popular choice for a refreshing Gin and Tonic garnished with cucumber.
- Aviation American Gin: Developed with the help of a bartender, Aviation aims for a balanced blend of botanicals, with a noticeable lavender note. It’s often favored in cocktails like the Aviation.
- The Botanist: Distilled on the Isle of Islay in Scotland, The Botanist features a wide range of local botanicals, creating a complex and herbaceous gin with a unique sense of place.
Old Tom Gin: A Touch of Sweetness
Old Tom Gin represents a sweeter style of gin popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. It’s essentially a slightly sweetened version of London Dry, offering a bridge between the dry sharpness of London Dry and the sweeter Dutch Jenever. The subtle sweetness adds a different dimension to cocktails, making it a great choice for historical recipes or those seeking a less intensely dry gin experience.
- Ransom Old Tom Gin: One of the more common Old Tom Gins you will find, it’s known for its rich, malty notes.
Barrel-Aged Gin: A Whisky Crossover
Barrel-Aged Gin is exactly what it sounds like: gin that has been aged in oak barrels. The barrel aging process imparts notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice to the gin, adding depth and complexity. It brings characteristics of whiskey to gin, making it ideal for sipping neat or in spirit-forward cocktails.
- Specific brands vary widely depending on regional availability and the bar’s focus, but look for gins aged in ex-bourbon or other types of barrels.
Factors Influencing a Bar’s Gin Selection
The specific gins a bar stocks are influenced by several factors:
- The bar’s overall concept: A high-volume sports bar will likely focus on well-known, affordable gins for basic cocktails, while a craft cocktail bar will prioritize a diverse selection of premium and artisanal gins.
- Local preferences and trends: Gin preferences vary geographically. Some regions may favor London Dry styles, while others may embrace New Western or local craft gins.
- The bartender’s expertise and preferences: A knowledgeable bartender with a passion for gin will often curate a selection that reflects their own tastes and cocktail creations.
- Budget constraints: Premium and craft gins come with a higher price tag, which may limit the selection at some bars.
- Customer demand: If a bar consistently receives requests for specific gins, they are more likely to stock them.
- Distributor relationships: The brands available through a bar’s distributors can also influence their selection.
Navigating the Gin Landscape: Ordering Tips
When faced with a wall of gin bottles, it can be helpful to have a few strategies for ordering:
- Know your preferred style: Do you prefer the classic juniper-forward taste of London Dry, the floral aromas of a New Western gin, or the subtle sweetness of an Old Tom?
- Ask the bartender for recommendations: Bartenders are often passionate about gin and can offer valuable insights and suggestions based on your preferences.
- Specify your cocktail: Different gins work better in different cocktails. For example, a London Dry is ideal for a Martini, while a New Western gin might be better suited for a more aromatic Gin and Tonic.
- Don’t be afraid to try something new: Experimenting with different gins is a great way to discover new favorites and broaden your appreciation for this versatile spirit.
Conclusion: The Gin Renaissance is Here to Stay
The gin renaissance is in full swing, and bars are responding by offering a wider and more diverse selection of gins than ever before. While London Dry remains the essential foundation, the availability of New Western, Old Tom, and barrel-aged gins provides endless opportunities for cocktail experimentation and exploration. So, the next time you find yourself at a bar, take a moment to appreciate the gin selection and embark on a flavorful journey through the world of this captivating spirit. Understanding the core styles and brands will help you navigate the options and discover your own personal favorites.
What are the 3-5 most common “well gins” found in most bars, and why are they so prevalent?
The most common “well gins,” those typically offered in basic gin and tonics or other mixed drinks where the specific gin isn’t specified, are generally Gordon’s, Tanqueray, Beefeater, and occasionally Bombay Sapphire. These gins are prevalent due to a combination of factors. Their relatively lower price point compared to craft or premium gins makes them cost-effective for bars to stock in large quantities for high-volume sales. They also possess a versatile flavor profile – a balanced juniper-forward taste – that works well in a wide array of cocktails, appealing to a broad range of palates.
Furthermore, these brands have established themselves as reliable and recognizable names over decades. Their consistent quality and widespread availability through established distribution networks make them easy for bars to source and maintain. This familiarity breeds confidence in both bartenders and patrons, ensuring a consistent drinking experience. Their classic dry style, while not overly complex, allows other ingredients in a cocktail to shine without being overwhelmed by the gin’s flavor, making them ideal for mixing.
What distinguishes a “well gin” from a premium or craft gin?
The primary distinction between a “well gin” and a premium or craft gin lies in the quality of ingredients, production methods, and often, the marketing and branding. Well gins, while perfectly acceptable for mixing, tend to focus on cost-effectiveness. They often use neutral grain spirits as a base and a relatively simple recipe of botanicals, relying on consistent, large-scale production to maintain price and availability. Their flavor profile is generally a balanced juniper-forward profile, designed for versatility in cocktails rather than showcasing unique or nuanced flavors.
In contrast, premium and craft gins often emphasize the use of higher-quality base spirits, sourced from specific regions or using unique ingredients. They may employ smaller-batch distillation techniques, allowing for more control over the flavor extraction process. These gins frequently boast a more complex and nuanced flavor profile, showcasing a wider range of botanicals beyond juniper, often with specific origins and stories behind them. They are often intended to be enjoyed neat or in simpler cocktails where the gin’s unique character can be fully appreciated.
Why is it important for a bar to stock a variety of gin types beyond the basic “well” options?
Stocking a variety of gin types beyond the basic “well” options is crucial for a bar to cater to a wider range of customers and offer a more elevated drinking experience. Gin has undergone a significant renaissance in recent years, with drinkers becoming more discerning and interested in exploring different flavor profiles. Offering only well gins limits the bar’s ability to create innovative cocktails and satisfy customers seeking specific gin styles, such as London Dry, Old Tom, or contemporary gins with citrus or floral notes.
Furthermore, a diverse gin selection enhances the bar’s reputation as a destination for gin enthusiasts. It allows bartenders to showcase their knowledge and creativity, crafting bespoke cocktails tailored to individual preferences. It also enables the bar to participate in the growing gin culture, hosting tasting events or offering gin flights to educate and engage customers. Ultimately, expanding the gin selection translates to increased customer satisfaction, higher check averages, and a stronger brand identity.
What are some popular gin cocktail recipes that require specific types of gin beyond a basic dry gin?
Several popular gin cocktails benefit significantly from using specific types of gin beyond a basic dry gin. For instance, a classic Negroni (gin, Campari, sweet vermouth) can be elevated by using a more robust, juniper-forward London Dry gin like Tanqueray or Beefeater to stand up against the bitter Campari. A French 75 (gin, champagne, lemon juice, simple syrup) often tastes best with a lighter, more floral gin like Hendrick’s or a citrus-forward gin to complement the champagne and lemon.
Similarly, a Martinez (gin, sweet vermouth, Maraschino liqueur, bitters) often calls for an Old Tom gin, which is slightly sweeter than London Dry, adding a richer, more nuanced flavor profile. For a Gimlet (gin, lime juice), a contemporary gin with strong citrus notes can enhance the drink’s refreshing qualities. Understanding the characteristics of different gin styles and how they interact with other ingredients is key to creating exceptional gin cocktails.
What are some emerging or trending gin brands that bars might consider adding to their selection?
Several emerging and trending gin brands are capturing the attention of bartenders and gin enthusiasts alike. Brands like Roku Gin from Japan, with its unique blend of Japanese botanicals such as sakura flower and yuzu peel, are offering a distinct and sophisticated flavor profile. Similarly, newer craft distilleries are experimenting with locally sourced botanicals and innovative distillation techniques, resulting in gins with unique regional characteristics and compelling stories, attracting consumers seeking authentic and sustainable products.
Another trend involves gins aged in oak barrels, imparting whiskey-like notes and adding complexity to the spirit. Furthermore, non-alcoholic gin alternatives are gaining popularity, allowing bars to cater to a wider range of customers and offer sophisticated alcohol-free cocktails. Staying informed about these trends and incorporating them into the bar’s selection can attract new customers and position the bar as a leader in the gin scene.
How can a bar effectively train its staff to understand and recommend different gin types?
Effectively training bar staff to understand and recommend different gin types requires a multi-faceted approach that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Begin with informative sessions covering the history of gin, different distillation methods, and the major gin styles (London Dry, Old Tom, Genever, Contemporary). Provide tasting notes for each gin in the bar’s selection, highlighting their unique botanical profiles and suggested pairings.
Incorporate hands-on training by organizing gin tastings, cocktail workshops, and even distillery visits if possible. Encourage staff to experiment with different gin and cocktail combinations, and provide them with resources such as cocktail books and online articles to expand their knowledge. Implement a system for tracking customer preferences and feedback, allowing staff to learn from real-world experiences. Regular refresher training and ongoing education are crucial to ensure staff remain knowledgeable and confident in recommending the right gin for each customer.
What are the legal considerations or regulations a bar needs to be aware of when stocking and serving gin?
Bars must adhere to specific legal considerations and regulations when stocking and serving gin, primarily centered around alcohol licensing and responsible alcohol service. They must possess the appropriate licenses to purchase and sell alcoholic beverages, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations regarding alcohol sales, age restrictions, and operating hours. They also need to be aware of regulations regarding the storage and handling of alcoholic beverages, including proper labeling, storage temperatures, and security measures.
Furthermore, bars have a legal and ethical responsibility to prevent over-service and ensure the safety of their patrons and the community. Staff must be trained to recognize signs of intoxication and refuse service to visibly intoxicated individuals. They should also be knowledgeable about responsible alcohol service practices, such as offering water and food, promoting designated drivers, and arranging transportation for patrons who have consumed too much alcohol. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, license suspension, or even legal liability.