What is a Gin Geographic Indication (GI)?

A Gin Geographic Indication (GI) is a legally protected designation that identifies gins tied to a specific region, production method, and often local botanicals, ensuring only spirits meeting these criteria can bear the protected name.

What are some examples of Gin GIs?

Notable examples include London Dry Gin GI, Plymouth Gin GI, Genever GI from the Netherlands and Belgium, and Bermuda Gin GI, each with distinct regional characteristics and production standards.

What distinguishes London Dry Gin GI?

London Dry Gin GI is juniper-forward, crisp, prohibits artificial flavors or colors, and achieves balance through botanical redistillation, though production need not be limited to London.

How is Plymouth Gin GI unique?

Plymouth Gin GI, distilled exclusively in Plymouth, England, allows slightly higher botanical levels and has a subtly earthier, aromatic flavor, reflecting centuries of local tradition.

What defines Genever GI?

Genever GI from the Netherlands and Belgium is malt wine–based, with a rich, grain-driven character. It is categorized into 'oude' and 'jonge' styles depending on distillation and malt wine content.

What is the difference between PDO and PGI?

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) ensures a strong link between the product and its place of production, while Protected Geographic Indication (PGI) protects a product name tied to a region and traditional production process with slightly less stringent requirements.

What is a Gin Geographic Indication?

Wayne Munday
Feb 2, 2021
2 min read

Updated: Dec 20, 2025

Gin Geographic Indications (GIs) are legally protected designations that celebrate the unique heritage, terroir, and production methods of gins tied to specific regions. Unlike generic gin, a GI ensures that only spirits made within a defined area using approved techniques and often local botanicals can bear the protected name. Iconic examples include London Dry Gin GI, renowned for its crisp, juniper-forward profile, Plymouth Gin GI with its subtly earthy and aromatic character, Genever GI from the Netherlands and Belgium highlighting malt wine–based gins, and Bermuda Gin GI showcasing indigenous citrus and spices. Understanding gin GIs enhances appreciation of regional nuances, preserves centuries of craftsmanship, and supports informed tasting for enthusiasts and professionals within the global spirits industry.

Gin Geographic Indications (GIs) are legally protected designations that safeguard the unique identities and heritage of gins tied to specific regions, production methods, and local traditions. Unlike generic gin, a GI ensures that only spirits produced in a defined area, following approved techniques and often using locally sourced botanicals, may bear the protected name.

Among the most prominent, London Dry Gin GI is characterized by its juniper-forward profile, crisp balance, and prohibition of artificial flavours or colors, creating a classic, dry spirit. Plymouth Gin GI, produced exclusively in Plymouth, England, features a subtly earthier and more aromatic palate, reflecting centuries of local distillation traditions. In the Low Countries, the Genever GI of the Netherlands and Belgium encompasses malt wine–based gins with a rich, grain-driven character, distinguished into “oude” and “jonge” styles based on distillation methods and malt wine content.

Beyond Europe, Bermuda Gin GI highlights island terroir through indigenous citrus and spices, producing bright, distinctive flavours. Geographic indications also include Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographic Indication (PGI), which define the extent to which raw materials and production processes must originate within a specific region.

These designations protect producers from imitation, preserve heritage, and emphasize the convergence of terroir, tradition, and regulation. Understanding gin GIs deepens appreciation of regional nuances, supports informed tasting, and celebrates centuries of craftsmanship, innovation, and cultural expression within the global spirits industry.