Introduction to Gin

Gin 101: A Beginner's Guide to Gin

Gin is a versatile and aromatic spirit that has been a favorite for centuries. Known for its botanical flavors, with juniper at the forefront, gin is a base for many classic cocktails and offers a wide variety of styles. Let’s break it down:

What is Gin?

Gin is a distilled spirit flavored with a variety of botanicals, with juniper berries as the dominant ingredient. The flavor of gin can range from citrusy and floral to herbal and spicy, depending on the botanicals used.

How is Gin Made?

1. Base Spirit:

   • Gin starts with a neutral distilled spirit made from grains (such as wheat, barley, or corn). It’s similar to vodka at this stage.

2. Juniper and Botanicals:

   • Juniper berries are the primary flavoring ingredient, but other botanicals (e.g., coriander, citrus peels, cardamom, angelica root, etc.) are added for complexity.

3. Infusion Methods:

   • Steeping (Maceration): Botanicals are steeped in the neutral spirit before distillation to extract flavors.
   • Vapor Infusion: Botanicals are placed in a basket, and the vapors from the boiling spirit pass through, picking up the flavors.
   • Cold Compounding: Botanicals are added after distillation to infuse flavors (this is less common for high-quality gin).

4. Distillation:

   • The infused spirit is distilled in copper pot stills or column stills, creating a smooth, aromatic gin.

5. Dilution and Bottling:

   • After distillation, the gin is diluted with water to achieve the desired alcohol level (usually 37.5-47% ABV) and then bottled.

Types of Gin

1. London Dry Gin:

   • The most common style.
   • Distilled with botanicals and has no added sugar.
   • Crisp, juniper-forward, with citrus and spice notes.
   • Examples: Tanqueray, Beefeater, Bombay Sapphire.

2. Plymouth Gin:

   • A protected style made only in Plymouth, England.
   • Slightly softer and earthier than London Dry.
   • Example: Plymouth Gin.

3. Old Tom Gin:

   • A sweeter gin style, popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.
   • Perfect for cocktails like the Tom Collins.
   • Example: Hayman’s Old Tom Gin.

4. Genever:

   • The predecessor to modern gin, originating in the Netherlands and Belgium.
   • Maltier and heavier, often considered a cross between whiskey and gin.
   • Example: Bols Genever.

5. Contemporary Gin (New Western Gin):

   • Focuses less on juniper and more on other botanicals like florals, herbs, and spices.
   • Examples: Hendrick’s (cucumber and rose), Aviation Gin.

6. Sloe Gin:

   • A sweetened gin liqueur infused with sloe berries.
   • Lower ABV, often enjoyed neat or in cocktails.

Popular Botanicals in Gin

While juniper is the star, other botanicals add complexity:

• Citrus: Lemon, orange, or grapefruit peels.
• Spices: Coriander, cinnamon, cardamom.
• Herbs: Angelica root, orris root, rosemary.
• Floral: Lavender, rose, elderflower.
• Fruits: Cucumber, berries, apples.

How to Drink Gin

1. Neat or On the Rocks:

   • Enjoy premium gin straight or with a few ice cubes to appreciate the flavors.

2. Classic Gin & Tonic:

   • A refreshing cocktail made with gin, tonic water, and a garnish (lime, cucumber, or herbs).

3. In Cocktails:

   • Gin is a base for many iconic cocktails:
     • Martini: Gin, dry vermouth, lemon twist or olive.
     • Negroni: Gin, Campari, sweet vermouth.
     • Tom Collins: Gin, lemon juice, sugar, soda water.

4. Infused or Garnished:

   • Enhance the experience with garnishes like rosemary, basil, or a slice of citrus.

Popular Gin Brands

• Classic:

  • Tanqueray
  • Bombay Sapphire
  • Beefeater

• Premium:

  • Hendrick’s
  • Monkey 47
  • Nolet’s

• Craft:

  • St. George Spirits
  • The Botanist
  • Aviation Gin

Gin Flavor Notes

• Juniper: Piney, resinous, and herbal.
• Citrus: Bright, zesty, and refreshing.
• Herbal: Earthy, grassy, and savory.
• Floral: Light, aromatic, and delicate.
• Spicy: Warming, peppery, and complex.

Tips for Enjoying Gin

1. Experiment with Styles:

   • Try different types of gin to discover your preference (e.g., juniper-forward vs. floral).

2. Pairing:

   • Pair gin with tonic water, soda water, or lemonade to balance its intensity.

3. Garnish Thoughtfully:

   • Choose garnishes that complement the botanicals in the gin (e.g., cucumber for Hendrick’s, lemon for Beefeater).

4. Explore Cocktails:

   • Experiment with classic cocktails or create your own by mixing gin with your favorite flavors.

Fun Facts About Gin

• The term "Dutch courage" originates from Dutch soldiers drinking genever (early gin) during the 17th century.
• The Gin & Tonic became popular in the British colonies, where quinine in tonic water helped prevent malaria.
• "Bathtub gin" was a homemade spirit popular during Prohibition in the U.S.

Cheers!