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Gin has seen a huge resurgence in recent years, with new distilleries popping up all over the world and a plethora of unique flavors available.
From juniper-heavy London dry gins to fruity and floral varieties, there’s something for everyone. But what’s the art of making gin?
How can one distillery create such different flavors and styles? What makes a good gin?
Lets explore the fascinating journey from raw ingredients to bottle, giving you an inside look at the art of making gin. Read on to find out more!
What is gin?
Gin is a distilled alcoholic beverage that derives its predominant flavor from juniper berries (Juniperus communis).
Gin is produced by distilling ethanol and then redistilling it with botanicals to extract the desired flavors.
The first known written reference to gin comes from the 12th century monk Arnold de Montnoir.
Gin subsequently became very popular in Great Britain, especially during the early 18th century. During this time, it was known as “Dutch courage”.
Gin is often used as a base spirit for cocktails and mixed drinks, and is also sometimes consumed neat.
Gin’s popularity exploded in the early 18th century, when it was known as “Dutch courage.”
It was one of the most commonly consumed spirits in Great Britain at this time. Gin production continued to increase throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Today, gin is produced in many different countries around the world and there are countless different styles and types of gin available.
Whether you enjoy your gin neat, in a cocktail, or mixed with tonic water, there’s sure to be a gin out there that suits your taste!
The history of gin
Gin has been around for centuries, and its history is full of interesting stories. Gin was first created in the Netherlands in the 16th century.
It was originally made from juniper berries, which were thought to have medicinal properties. Gin quickly became popular in England, where it was used as a cheap way to make alcohol.
In the 18th century, gin became known as “Mother’s Ruin” because of its popularity among working-class women.
Gin drinking was seen as a problem among the lower classes, and it was even blamed for causing crime and violence.
In 1751, Parliament passed the Gin Act, which put heavy taxes on gin production. This led to riots in London, but eventually the act was repealed and gin production resumed.
In the 19th century, gin became more refined. London dry gin was created, which is now the most popular type of gin.
Gin also became popular in cocktail culture, and many classic cocktails such as the Martini and Gimlet contain gin.
Today, gin is more popular than ever before. It is produced all over the world and there are countless different types and styles to choose from.
Whether you like your gin neat or in a cocktail, there is a gin out there for everyone to enjoy!
How gin is made
Gin is one of the most popular spirits in the world, and it has been made in many different ways over the years.
The traditional method of making gin involves taking a neutral spirit (like vodka) and infusing it with botanicals (like juniper berries, citrus peel, and spices).
But what exactly are these botanicals, and how are they used to make gin? Let’s take a closer look at the art of making gin.
Botanicals are typically aromatic plants or plant parts that are used to flavor food or drink.
For gin, the most common botanicals used are juniper berries, citrus peel, and spices.
Other less common botanicals include coriander seed, cardamom pods, and angelica root.
To make gin, the botanicals are first steeped in neutral spirit for a period of time (usually around 24 hours).
This allows the flavors of the botanicals to be extracted into the spirit. After steeping, the spirit is then distilled, which concentrates the flavors even further.
The final step in making gin is to add water to the distilled spirit until it reaches its desired strength (usually around 40% ABV). At this point, the gin is ready to be bottled and enjoyed!
The different types of gin
There are many different types of gin, each with its own unique flavor profile.
The most common type of gin is London dry gin, which is made with juniper berries and other botanicals.
Other popular types of gin include Dutch genever, American gin, and old Tom gin.
London dry gin is the most versatile type of gin, and can be used in a wide variety of cocktails. Dutch genever is a sweeter style of gin that is often used in mixed drinks.
American gin is usually lighter and more citrusy than other types of gin. Old Tom gin is a sweeter, historical style of gin that was popular in the 18th century.
How to drink gin
To make gin, you need to start with a high-proof spirit, like vodka. Then, you’ll add botanicals typically juniper berries, but also things like coriander, citrus peel, or licorice to the spirit.
The botanicals infuse the gin with their flavor and aroma.
There are two main ways to make gin: pot stills and column stills. In a pot still, the alcohol and botanicals are heated in a vessel until the alcohol vaporizes.
The vapor is then condensed back into liquid form. In a column still, the alcohol and botanicals are fed into a tall column where they’re distilled multiple times.
Once the gin is made, it can be enjoyed in all sorts of cocktails or simply on its own. To drink gin neat, pour it into a glass and take small sips, letting the gin roll around your mouth to fully enjoy its flavor before swallowing.
You can also add ice to your glass of gin if you prefer it that way. Gin martinis are classic cocktails that are always popular, or you can get creative and mix up your own unique concoction.
No matter how you choose to drink it, enjoy your gin!
Gin is an incredibly versatile spirit that can be made in a variety of styles.
Whether you are looking for a gin to make cocktails, pair with tonic, or enjoy neat and on the rocks – there is sure to be something out there suited to your tastes.
We hope this article has provided you with some insight into the art of making gin and inspired you to explore all it has to offer.
So get creative behind the bar, experiment with different ingredients, techniques, and flavor profiles – create your own perfect bottle of gin!
