The most common type of gin, London Dry Gin derives its name, unsurprisingly, from its origins in old London. But that doesn’t mean that London Dry Gin is from London. Not anymore, at least. Nor does London Dry Gin denote flavor.

In short, the designation London Dry Gin is about how the gin is made: it has very little sugar – less than .1 gram per liter – which results in a dry taste. It also has no color and must, by law, be predominantly juniper-flavored. That means no overpowering botanicals or other ingredients to mask or suppress the classic gin flavor. It’s for this reason that devoted gin fans often prefer London Dry Gins.