What distinguishes the two main types of gin?

The distinction between the two main types of gin, which are London Dry Gin and Plymouth Gin, primarily lies in the processes used to create them, specifically the distilled and compound processes.

In distilled gin, the base spirit is redistilled with botanicals, which allows for a more refined flavor profile as the botanicals are integrated into the spirit during the distillation process. This results in a cleaner, more aromatic spirit that showcases the flavors of the botanicals used.

On the other hand, compound gin involves the infusion of botanicals into a neutral spirit without the distillation process. This method tends to produce a less nuanced flavor since the botanicals are not as intimately integrated with the alcohol, making the resulting spirit often simpler and less complex in taste.

Thus, understanding the core methods of gin production provides clarity on the characteristics and quality of each type, leading to a better appreciation of their unique flavors and applications in cocktails.