From Navy Strength to Zest—uncover the rest of the gin alphabet.
In Part 1, we explored the A–M of the gin world—everything from Angelica Root to Monkey 47. Now, in this second half, we finish the gin alphabet with even more styles, botanicals, and iconic brands. Whether you're exploring gin for the first time or expanding your bar cart vocabulary, this N–Z guide dives deep into the spirit's remarkable variety.
N – Navy Strength
A powerful style of gin bottled at a minimum of 57% ABV. Originally designed to ensure that spilled gin wouldn’t render gunpowder useless on Royal Navy ships, it now serves bold cocktails and adds intensity to a G&T.
O – Old Tom Gin
A slightly sweeter style of gin that predates London Dry. Old Tom bridges the gap between Genever and modern gin, offering a rounder, richer profile. Excellent in classics like the Tom Collins or Martinez.
P – Pink Peppercorn
A trendy botanical adding a floral, spicy, and slightly sweet dimension to gins. Used by brands like Pink Pepper Gin, it provides both a visual flair and a flavor punch.
Q – Quinine-Inspired Gins
While quinine is traditionally found in tonic water, some gins (like Anti Gin) play with it directly or build flavor profiles inspired by tonic bitterness—creating a layered, G&T-friendly experience.
R – Roku Gin
This Japanese gin from Suntory showcases six local botanicals—including sakura flower, yuzu peel, and sencha tea—alongside traditional ones. Roku is a masterclass in balance and elegance.
S – Sloe Gin
Technically a gin-based liqueur, sloe gin is made by steeping sloe berries (wild blackthorn fruit) in gin and sugar. The result: a deep red, sweet, and tart spirit perfect for winter or a Sloe Gin Fizz.
T – Tanqueray
An enduring benchmark in the London Dry category. Known for its clean juniper-forward profile, Tanqueray is the go-to for many bartenders and remains a staple in gin classics.
U – Ugni Blanc (Botanical Base Spirit)
This white grape variety is used in Cognac and also as a base spirit in some gins. Using grape-based neutral spirits adds a softer, fruitier mouthfeel compared to traditional grain-based spirits.
V – Vermouth & Gin
While not a gin itself, vermouth is gin’s best companion in cocktails like the Martini. Understanding how gin pairs with vermouth opens up a deeper appreciation of botanical harmony.
W – Williams Chase
An English brand known for producing gin from apples grown on their farm. Their Elegant 48 Gin is apple-distilled and infused with botanicals like elderflower and hops, delivering an orchard-fresh profile.
X – Xīn Gāng Gān (新甘甘)
A conceptual nod to gin’s global appeal—Xīn Gāng Gān means “new sweetness” in Mandarin, reflecting how Eastern botanicals like goji berry, star anise, and lotus flower are reshaping gin in China and Asia.
Y – Yarrow
An ancient herb used in traditional medicine and occasionally as a gin botanical. Yarrow adds a mildly bitter, earthy character and is part of the drive toward foraged, wild ingredients in modern craft gin.
Z – Zest
A common botanical source of brightness and aroma. Citrus zests—like lemon, orange, grapefruit, or yuzu—are used to lift the gin’s profile, balancing heavier spices and florals with freshness and zing.
Conclusion
From Navy Strength to Zest, gin’s diversity is truly alphabetical. The spirit’s history, flexibility, and botanical creativity make it one of the most exciting categories in the world of alcohol. Whether you favor a dry martini, a vibrant G&T, or a neat sip of something experimental, the A–Z of gin has something for you.