For years in Kenya, “gin” meant one thing: a specific green bottle that was the reliable, no-frills choice for a Gin & Tonic. It was the beginning and the end of the conversation.
Oh, how times have changed.
Today, we are living in a gin renaissance. A “ginaissance,” if you will. The shelves of your favourite online liquor store in Kenya are now bursting with bottles from all over the world, alongside incredible creations from our very own local distilleries in Kenya. There are pink gins, spiced gins, navy strength gins, and gins that taste like the Kenyan coast in a bottle.
But with all this choice comes confusion. What’s the difference between a London Dry and an Old Tom? What exactly is craft gin? And most importantly, which one should you be using for your next G&T?
This is your ultimate deep dive. We’re going beyond the basics to help you understand the different styles of gin, so you can order premium gin in Kenya with the knowledge of a true enthusiast.
Chapter 1: The Foundation – What Exactly IS Gin?
At its core, gin is simple. It is a neutral spirit (like vodka) that is flavoured with botanicals. The one botanical that must be present for a spirit to be called gin is juniper. Juniper berries are what give gin its classic “piney” or “Christmas tree” aroma.
Everything else is up to the distiller’s imagination. They can add a huge range of other botanicals like coriander seeds, angelica root, citrus peels, cassia bark, cardamom, and so much more. This botanical blend is what makes each gin unique.
Chapter 2: The Major Gin Styles – A Family Tree
Not all gins are created equal. Understanding the main styles is the key to finding your perfect bottle.
1. London Dry Gin: The King of the Classics
- The Profile: This is the style you are probably most familiar with. Despite the name, it doesn’t have to be made in London. It’s a style of production. “Dry” means there are no artificial flavours or sweeteners added after distillation. The flavour is juniper-forward, crisp, and clean, with strong citrus and spice notes.
- The Vibe: The benchmark. The gold standard. It’s the most versatile gin for cocktails, especially a classic G&T or a Martini.
- Iconic Examples:
- Tanqueray London Dry Gin: A perfectly balanced gin with four key botanicals. A bartender’s favourite for a reason.
- Beefeater London Dry Gin: Another quintessential London Dry, known for its bold, clean flavour.
- Bombay Sapphire: Famous for its vapour infusion process and ten botanicals, giving it a lighter, more floral and spicy character.
2. Contemporary / “New Western” Gin: The Modern Rebel
- The Profile: In this style, juniper takes a step back and allows other botanicals to be the star of the show. These gins are often more floral, fruity, or herbaceous. This is where distillers get really creative.
- The Vibe: Adventurous, modern, and exciting. This is where you’ll find the most unique flavour profiles.
- Great Examples:
- Hendrick’s Gin: The gin that arguably started the modern gin craze. It’s infused with cucumber and rose, giving it a distinctively floral and refreshing taste.
- Kenyan Craft Gins: Many of the best gins in Kenya fall into this category, using local botanicals to create something truly unique. Think gins infused with baobab, hibiscus, or African spices. Whitley Neill gins, with their African botanicals, are a perfect example of this spirit.
3. Old Tom Gin: The Slightly Sweet Ancestor
- The Profile: This is a historical style of gin that was popular in 18th-century England. It’s slightly sweeter than London Dry, but much drier than the gins of that era (which were often sweetened to hide poor quality). It bridges the gap between a London Dry and a Dutch Jenever.
- The Vibe: Historical, rounded, and a cocktail geek’s secret weapon. It’s fantastic in classic cocktails like a Tom Collins or a Martinez.
- An Example to Try: While rarer, brands like Hayman’s Old Tom Gin are fantastic if you can find them.
4. Flavoured & Pink Gin: The Instagram Star
- The Profile: These are gins that have had flavours (and often colours) added after distillation. This can range from pink gins infused with strawberries or raspberries to gins flavoured with rhubarb, blood orange, or violet.
- The Vibe: Fun, accessible, and visually appealing. They are perfect for creating easy, fruity cocktails and spritzes.
- Popular Choices:
- Gordon’s Premium Pink Gin: A massive global hit, with sweet notes of raspberry and strawberry.
- KO Blush Gin: A fantastic local option that showcases Kenyan creativity in the flavoured gin space.
Chapter 3: The Rise of Kenyan Craft Gin
One of the most exciting developments in the Kenyan drinks scene is the explosion of high-quality craft gin in Nairobi and beyond. Local distillers are creating world-class products that tell a uniquely Kenyan story through their choice of botanicals.
- Why it’s special: These gins often feature ingredients you won’t find anywhere else in the world, like Kaffir Lime, Baobab fruit, or unique floral and spice blends sourced locally.
- Why you should try it: Supporting local distilleries means you’re supporting local jobs and agriculture. Plus, you get to drink a gin that has a true sense of place. It’s a taste of home, reimagined.
- Explore the Range: Keep an eye on our gin category page as we are constantly adding new and exciting local craft gins to our collection.
Chapter 4: Building Your Gin Bar & Perfecting the G&T
You don’t need dozens of bottles. A well-curated “Gin Wardrobe” of three bottles can cover any situation.
- The Workhorse (London Dry): Your go-to for classic G&Ts and Martinis. Our Pick: Tanqueray London Dry Gin.
- The Conversationalist (Contemporary): An interesting, complex gin to sip and discuss. Our Pick: Hendrick’s Gin.
- The Fun One (Flavoured): For easy, breezy weekend drinks. Our Pick: KO Blush Gin.
The Perfect G&T Ratio and Method:
- The Ratio: 1 part gin to 2 or 3 parts tonic water. (e.g., 50ml gin to 100-150ml tonic).
- The Ice: More is more. Fill your glass completely with ice. More ice means less dilution.
- The Garnish: Match your garnish to your gin!
- London Dry: A wedge of lime or grapefruit.
- Hendrick’s: A slice of cucumber.
- Flavoured Gin: Berries or a slice of the fruit it’s flavoured with.
Your Gin Adventure Awaits
The world of gin is vast, vibrant, and more exciting than ever. You are now ready to explore it with confidence. You can walk into any situation, look at a bottle, and know exactly what to expect and how to enjoy it.
Ready to start your exploration? Browse our incredible collection of local and international gins. With our reliable online alcohol delivery in Nairobi, you can order premium gin in Kenya and have it at your doorstep today. Your next favourite G&T is just a click away.
