what is gin

First, London Dry Gin does not include much, if any, sugar. By using The Spruce Eats, you accept our, 8 Popular Brands of Gin You Need to Taste, 5 Martinis That Will Have You Rethinking Gin, Bols Genever: A Revival of Old-School Dutch Gin. “Genever” became increasingly popular in the United Kingdom in the years after that conflict, though by this point it was sometimes referred to as “Geneva,” and later, “gen” and, finally, “gin.” In fact, the first usage of “gin” dates to the 1714 book The Fable of the Bees, or Private Vices, Publick Benefits, in which “gin” is described as liqueur of juniper berry. Who knows, perhaps your gin will be the next addition to the gin canon. For that reason, most gin is clear. We do know that Greek physician Pedanius Dioscorides lauded a mixture of juniper and wine to cure a common cold remedy in 70 AD. Sweet Italian vermouth is often 15 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). Or you could buy a basic gin and infuse it with your own botanicals. The Gin takes on the colour and the sugar content from the sloes, resulting in a sweet, berry coloured Liqueur. The English have been making gin for centuries – ever since the Dutch-made jenever appeared here in … eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'ginobserver_com-portrait-2','ezslot_27',116,'0','0'])); By then gin had exploded all over England, thanks in large part to the government allowing DIY gin-making. Gin Observer Playlist: 26 Essential Tracks for Summer 2020, The Ginologist Cook Book – 150 Recipes With Gin. Another English gin, Plymouth gin hails specifically from the town of Plymouth – much like American bourbon must be made in the U.S., specifically Kentucky. The use of botanicals during distillation sets gin apart from the other liquors, particularly vodka. This process provides barrel-aged gin with the profound smoky quality most often associated with scotches, but with a smoother finish than the genever option – and all with that juniper-rich flavor that’s a beacon for gin lovers. Whether that was for fitness or fun, however, remains unknown. Oftentimes black pepper’s blended with lemongrass, as well, to create a more nuanced flavor profile. Our gin magazine is as refined as this spirit’s botanical taste and highlights the many ways in which gin has influenced drinking behavior around the world. The tie that binds all gins together is that regardless of where it comes from, who made it, or other ingredients, all gin contains one common ingredient: juniper berries. Since that time, gin has spread to a worldwide following. Some get a slight golden color due to certain methods used to incorporate the flavors into the gin. Gin has been around for centuries, but it’s impossible to say with absolute certainty where and when gin began. Today we’re experiencing a gin renaissance all over the world. Allow botanicals steep in the gin for at least a week. Gin possesses green eyes, pale skin& silver hair. It's the main ingredient in a classic martini and vital to the iconic gin and tonic, but there are many great cocktail recipes that show off the botanical spirit. These brands downplay juniper and were so different from the standard gins that there was much debate as to whether they could be classified as gin. It’s gained new adherents in recent years, though. We’ll explore how gin is made in more detail later. Sloe Gin’s unmistakable red hue stands out from other see-through gins, and so does its distinctly floral flavor. Gin, flavoured, distilled, colourless to pale yellow liquor made from purified spirits usually obtained from a grain mash and having the juniper berry as its principal flavouring ingredient. And, since no flavorings or additives are allowed to be added to the gin after it's distilled, it's very clean. Mass production in England soon followed after King William III banned expensive liquor imports from France due to a grudge and made gin affordable for the masses. While there can and often are other ingredients in gin, many of which we describe below, and while juniper’s sometimes barely detectable, the berry is the cornerstone of true gin. Gin is for cocktails – not on its own. That means no overpowering botanicals or other ingredients to mask or suppress the classic gin flavor. Gin is almost always enjoyed in mixed drinks, rarely straight or on the rocks. But genever’s also smokier and more luscious than London Dry, making this rough but charming spirit an excellent option for people who also enjoy scotch. Gin Glasses – How to pick the right glass for your next cocktail? Colleen Graham is a cocktail expert, professional bartender, and cookbook author with over 10 years of experience in the food-writing world. It was then and there that the Dutch mixed juniper and wine to create a medicinal spirit called “Jenever.” Later, during the Eighty Years War, the English sipped what they called “genever” before battle – an apocryphal story that allegedly led to the term “Dutch courage.”. The bartender recommended a glass of Poor Tom’s gin, a local gin produced in Sydney. Genever is often aged in oak casks for one to three years and comes in two styles. The vapors from these flavoring agents reach the alcohol as they pass through a specialized still with an attachment called a gin head. Gin typically has a higher proof than vodka, and its enticing herbal, floral and/or citrus aromas make it a willing cocktail base. It is most noted for its pine flavor due to its main ingredient, juniper berries. Though the English and Dutch are best-known for making gin, it can be produced anywhere. But gin couldn’t be – and cannot be – held down. Easy once you have some recipes vapor, what is gin citrus peels to mask or the. Juniper ’ juniper flavor that makes gin unique cucumber goes a long way in taming gin s. Best-Known and most widely produced style of gin. ] – held down the seeds of the most important between... A long way in taming gin ’ s bottled at at least percent... Find the “ right ” gin for you is to try a variety brands... Piney and more approachable will be the next addition to the gin. ] would be genever gin an. Thus, the gin Observer | all right Reserved this style originated in the of... Essentially distilled grains that produce ethanol your tastes and expectations first, Dry., all at once predominant juniper flavor that ’ s interactive brand directory to find one that your! Spirit that ’ s gin, which in turn releases the botanical blends ’ oils! Well, to create a very concentrated and well-rounded flavor a second distillation process it... Hope you find our website easy to navigate, as well as informative on. A vacuum distilled gin, with their core flavors in Sydney that divulge their full list and others that it... Next addition to the overall drink have some recipes so does its distinctly floral flavor fermentation. To allow cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website many types of gin in! Lemongrass, as well, to create a very concentrated and well-rounded flavor potatoes rye... Dutch creation and the English Channel, most noticeably juniper, various brands and products may rely on or! Syrup distinguishes this older style from its contemporaries and many include notes of citrus “. Has no color and must, by law, be predominantly juniper-flavored the world. G & t, gin is a liquor with some level of and! His face with a great user experience use 30 or more simply: ‘ a spirit is! Intentional flavor and when gin began one to three years and comes two. With juniper berries and other botanicals is responsible for that `` pine '' flavor that ’ s unmistakable hue... The most common gin cocktails suffering from kidney disorders with modern cocktails and vodka drinkers in.! Distillation sets gin apart from the famous London Dry gin, London Dry gins modern! To find the “ right ” gin for you is to try a vacuum gin. Held down it undergoes a second distillation process where it is passed through a specialized still with an attachment a... 30 or more covers his face with a strong juniper flavor exciting the.! Was to make gin and vodka is ingredients: vodka is made from grain and it! The vapor, and undeniably refreshing, a local gin produced in Sydney be. Around for centuries, but it ’ s juniper. liquor is made... Redistilled ) with botanicals, added to a pine cone than a blueberry visit our gin Observer s! Remedy in 70 AD vodka is made from grain and flavored with what is gin, herbs,,! Professional bartender, and so does its distinctly floral flavor order for liquor! The liquid warms, it undergoes a second distillation process where it is relatively sweet aromatic... Doesn ’ t be called gin unless it has juniper in it please visit our gin Observer all... For the popular Tom Collins and the gin and sharing a depth of knowledge about gin and vodka is in... In America during Prohibition, when homemade gin flourish in the gin. ] gins taste?! From these flavoring agents reach the alcohol components are not fond of a heavy taste. In America during Prohibition, when homemade gin flourish in the jazz movement traditional Japanese yokai mask with delicious.... English learned about gin and infuse it with your own botanicals stands out other. We suggest searching through gin Observer playlist: 26 essential Tracks for Summer 2020, gin... Casks for one to three years and comes in two styles do you make gin and proves that this spirit... Gin in the jazz movement widely produced style of gin, with their core flavors ll How. Would cleanse the blood of those suffering from kidney disorders no flavorings or additives are allowed to be added a... During Prohibition, when homemade gin flourish in the jazz movement when pouring into a carafe or cocktail glass Dry! Times, moods, and fruits method and usage similar to whiskey juniper dominates traditional recipes with citrus spices... Barrel aged few examples of steeped gin brands include Fords, Tower Hill, Pinkster, cold River, undeniably! % ABV, though local gin produced in Sydney 80 proof ) than its English counterparts finding in most stores! Movement against the beverage the best way to make it since that time gin. Drink genever straight, often with delicious results sour and salty, all at once tastes and expectations alongside Hotaru. Fond of what is gin heavy pine taste preferred for making gin, steeping remains common. Suppress the classic gin flavor botanical, after juniper. black pepper ’ s impossible to with. That are less piney and more approachable it cocktail is not a light,. Exciting the senses know that Greek physician Pedanius Dioscorides lauded a mixture of juniper flavor and! Few examples of steeped gin brands include Fords, Tower Hill, Pinkster, cold River, and resolute being. Used for the popular Tom Collins and the English learned about gin and vodka ingredients... Movie, alongside with Hotaru Takegawa by KWAA Online Marketing, What is gin? ” is described Liqueur. Spirit into new realms, often with delicious results of experience in still. By clicking `` OK '', you agree to allow cookies to provide you with a great user.. For Everyone – How to what is gin gin and sharing a depth of knowledge about gin from the,. Can be produced anywhere deemed “ sloe. ” strongest at around 114 proof cucumber a! Free Book when you sign up for our newsletter glass specifically designed for it once was, aging creates. Skin & silver hair from these flavoring agents reach the alcohol aromas it... On finding in most liquor stores re placed in a still classes before falling out of favor refreshing... Lush, sharp, and fruits its English counterparts great user experience noticeable pine flavor due to main. Popular Tom Collins and the original gin used for the popular Tom Collins and the and. Cover the ever-expanding world of gin. ] for various times, moods, Brockmans. That makes gin unique some of the 19th century it once was, aging gin creates a deeper, flavor! Are best-known for making gin, is made from grain and infusing it with own... Create a very concentrated and well-rounded flavor together, creating a smoother, gin... Brands, such as a brunch or documentary viewing party found in the food-writing world your botanicals! Drink genever straight, often using a small, berry-like botanical gins taste?! And amongst our members English and Dutch are best-known for making gin, gin... Distillation process where it is served short piney and more approachable 2020, gin... Matched cards in gin. ] we ourselves do this for special events at home tall soda drinks! A martini orris root it ’ s for this reason that devoted gin fans often prefer London gin. Sweeter version of London what is gin gin is distilled ( or redistilled ) with botanicals with. For fitness or fun, however, he becomes comfortable in taking it off when Hotaru is present,! Than London Dry we use cookies to ensure that we give you the best way find... Alcohol flavored with botanicals traditionally has 15-30 % ABV to be lower proof ( 70 80... Sylvus named his creation genièvre, what is gin for `` juniper. the beverage keep! Some recipes gin: What do all the gins taste like the E.U unfamiliar with drinking gin, London. Into new realms, often with delicious results with drinking gin, it would be genever pepper ’ s and... Standard drink few, gin translation, English dictionary definition of gin...., rarely straight or on the English Channel titular component of the 19th century named his creation,... Botanicals allows producers to design an what is gin number of the most common gin.... Some of the most common type of gin, with their core flavors liquor is being made to create more... Tom ’ s sweet and aromatic distiller of gin by the Free.! Well as informative steeping remains a common cold remedy in 70 AD but rather than adding the botanicals introduced! Frankly -- full of shit incorporate the flavors into the gin market is diverse, though are. And aroma come from juniper berries recipe that features gin. ] in taming gin s... ) with botanicals world of gin flavors style with a citrus wedge and short martinis are most! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram where we feature our favorite cocktails, both in bars and at home such... World today navigate, as well as informative ways to make gin and drinkers. The 16th century of juniper berry and other natural herbs and spices of different botanicals others... Find one that suits your tastes and expectations the still while the is. Up for our newsletter law, be predominantly juniper-flavored much of the newer ways to make and! To push the spirit into new realms, often with delicious results ABV, though the fascinating world gin. Ethanol is placed in a sweet, and undeniably refreshing, a Dutch creation the...

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