What's the difference between London Dry and Plymouth gin?

London Dry gin is a category — juniper-forward, dry, made anywhere in the world. Plymouth gin is a specific brand and protected geographical origin — softer, slightly sweeter, made only in Plymouth, England.

London Dry is a production style, not a place. To be labeled London Dry, the gin must be made by redistilling neutral spirit with botanicals (no added flavoring after distillation), be juniper-dominant, and stay under specific sugar limits. Brands: Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, Beefeater, Sipsmith, Gordon's, Tanqueray No. Ten. Plymouth gin is one specific gin from one specific distillery (Black Friars Distillery in Plymouth, Devon, England), protected by EU geographic indication until Brexit and still protected as a brand. Plymouth uses softer botanicals, more cardamom and angelica root than juniper-heavy London Dry styles, and tastes earthier, slightly sweeter, less assertive. In a Martini, Plymouth gives a rounder drink; Tanqueray gives a sharper, more juniper-forward drink. In a Negroni, the Plymouth softness gets a little lost; London Dry holds up better. In a Gin and Tonic, either works; Plymouth pairs especially well with Indian tonic.