We have three loyalty levels for our There’s a lot of debate in the drinks industry right now around the legal definition of gin and whether it is too loose or too restrictive. Gin doesn’t have the same geographical restrictions as spirits such as cognac, scotch or tequila do when they can only be made in certain places. Gin Styles. Either compounded or distilled gin can be labelled as Dry Gin or London Dry Gin if it does not contain any sweetening agents. In addition to juniper berries, other botanicals may be used, including angelica root, anise, coriander, caraway seeds, lime, lemon and orange peel, licorice, calmus, cardamom, cassia bark, orris root, and bitter almonds. Even though gin can be made from grains containing gluten, the distillation process generally renders it gluten-free. items, Exclusive offers from friends of the We love making gin and great gin drinks of course. "When you soak the golden raisins in the juniper berry gin, the gin extracts many of the compounds in the raisins, making them more readily absorbed when … The standard method for producing gin is to use neutral grain alcohol and combine it with a range of botanicals like juniper, coriander, citrus peel, cinnamon, almond or liquorice. The invention and development of the column still (1826 and 1831)[17] made the distillation of neutral spirits practical, thus enabling the creation of the "London dry" style that evolved later in the 19th century. Gin Facts: Gin is derived from any neutral base spirit – (Fossey’s make it from locally grown grapes. ). 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. Flavour is added to the neutral spirit either by compounding or by re-distilling. Den är så pass gammal att den här webbplatsen inte kommer att fungera … Until Dr. Sylvius, most beverage alcohol had been made from grapes or other fruit. Sloe gin is also worth mentioning as although technically a gin-based liqueur it is unique in that the EU spirit drink regulations stipulate the colloquial term sloe gin can legally be used without the "liqueur" suffix when certain production criteria are met. Some legal classifications (protected denomination of origin) define gin as only originating from specific geographical areas without any further restrictions (e.g. The name gin is a shortened form of the older English word genever,[21] related to the French word genièvre and the Dutch word jenever. We love making gin and great gin drinks of course. Only three master distillers know the exact ingredients for making Tanqueray gin. The world of this juniper-infused Spirit is incredibly diverse, boasting a wide range of botanical ingredients and distillation techniques. Gin can be broadly differentiated into three basic styles reflecting modernization in its distillation and flavouring techniques:[24]. The old world meets the new world with our Celery Gin. You're now subscribed to our newsletter! Before we get technical about all the different ways Gin can be made, it’s worth first defining what Gin is, how it is made, and what it is made from. There you have it - a brief introduction to what gin is, how it’s made, the different kinds of traditional gin, and how these are different from innovative new gins, flavoured gins, and gin liqueurs! “Flavoured gin” is a term that has sprung up in recent years thanks to the unprecedented boom in modern spirits that are pushing the boundaries of the traditional definition of gin, by adding new aromatics and flavours to the distilled liquid. Floral notes come from compounds such as geraniol and euganol. More recently gin-based liqueurs have been popularised, reaching a market outside that of traditional gin drinkers, including fruit-flavoured and usually coloured "Pink gin",[20] Rhubarb gin, Spiced gin, Violet gin, Blood orange gin and Sloe gin. Other types of gin include Jenever (Dutch gin), Plymouth gin, and Old Tom gin (said … Quiz: can you guess the festive cocktail from the photo clues? Learn more about gin: How gin is made. How is gin different from vodka? How to make homemade flavoured gin using your favourite fruits >>, Discover our fabulous Gin of the Month boxes! The main ingredient to make this wine is juniper fruit, combined with familiar grains like wheat, barley … They are distilled in wooden crates for a long time to ferment and has its own taste. Gin originated as a medicinal liquor made by monks and alchemists across Europe, particularly in Southern France, Flanders and the Netherlands, to provide aqua vita from distillates of grapes and grains. Gin is a Dutch creation and the English made it popular worldwide. We distill our own Harrogate Gin and Downton Abbey spirits here in our Yorkshire-based distillery, so it’s safe to say that we know how to make delicious gin. Later, Gin was being well-known by many famous brands and developed in its own way. Gin is made with similarly anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich juniper berries, which is why it's the preferred booze to use. Flavoured gin, gin liqueurs and sloe gin are all different from traditional gin in a few significant ways - see below for more details about this! What is Gin Made From? Most of the most famous gins you see around the world hail from the UK, so it is forgivable to think that the spirit first came from here. What made the origins of Gin recipe so revolutionary, was not the use of Juniper, it had been used before in dozens of liqueur formulas, but the choice of grain alcohol. "[13] The negative reputation of gin survives today in the English language, in terms like gin mills or the American phrase gin joints to describe disreputable bars, or gin-soaked to refer to drunks. A number of additional botanicals can be added to flavour the gin. In addition to juniper, gin is normally flavored with botanicals (from herbs and spices to fruits and vegetables). In tropical British colonies gin was used to mask the bitter flavour of quinine, which was the only effective anti-malarial compound. Make a Christmas wreath out of miniature gins! Gin has a minimum final strength of 37.5% ABV (Alcohol by Volume). While there are no quality guarantees with modern gins, this category is where some true visionaries are playing – and they have a whole world of flavour at their fingertips! So what’s the story behind Navy Strength gin? Schiedam, a city in the province of South Holland, is famous for its jenever-producing history. All gin starts out life as a pre-distilled neutral base spirit with little or no character. Gin is an alcoholic drink that is made from a mixture of grains such as barley, corn, rye, wheat, or molasses. To describe in a single line, these cocktails … Gin (Sometimes referred to as Mother's Ruin) is a spirit, or strong alcoholic beverage. London Dry Gin The one that is most familiar as “gin” and most widely available is a style called London Dry Gin. Gin is a distilled spirit that is made from grain and flavored with botanicals. [7] The reputation of the two drinks was illustrated by William Hogarth in his engravings Beer Street and Gin Lane (1751), described by the BBC as "arguably the most potent anti-drug poster ever conceived. Gin’s a more complex beverage than vodka, both in terms of how it’s made, what it’s made with, and the diversity of flavors it offers. Instead, choose gin made from other sources, such as potatoes, grapes, and corn. The best overall Gin: Hendrick’s Gin. Cheers! Gin doesn’t have the same geographical restrictions as spirits such as cognac, scotch or tequila do when they can only be made in certain places. That said, if you are allergic to gluten or have celiac disease, then you should avoid gins made from wheat, rye, and barley – just to be safe. All gin is actually re-distilled and it may even undergo this process twice or three times on some occasions. Gin is … Spice-like flavours come from chemicals such as sabinene, delta-3-carene, and para-cymene. Gin is a distilled spirit that is made from grain and flavored with botanicals. Gin has become one of the most popular spirits across the globe, and it might have you feeling curious as to how it’s made. But at Four Pillars we also love exploring what we can make using the flavour-packed botanicals left after each distillation. Citric and berry flavours come from chemicals such as limonene and gamma-terpinene linalool found in limes, blueberries and hops amongst others. However, there are almost as many different ways of including these botanicals as there are different … Â Traditional gin products also contain juniper berries for flavoring. Popular in the 18th Century (when some producers added lots of sugar or honey to disguise poor quality, homemade gin! The 18th century gave rise to a style of gin referred to as Old Tom gin, which is a softer, sweeter style of gin, often containing sugar. If you ever wondered what gin is made from, it usually starts as an unmalted cereal-based ethanol extracted via distillation similar to Russian vodka. Gin emerged in England in varying forms by the early 17th century, and at the time of the Restoration, enjoyed a brief resurgence. Similar infusions are possible with other fruits, such as damsons. Gin Merch. With so many more uses than the classic gin and tonic, we look at how you can elevate your gin to the next level. History of Gin. London Dry Gin The one that is most familiar as “gin” and most widely available is a style called London Dry Gin. However, gin can be made with alcohol made from any agricultural base and gins made from alcohols including potatoes and grapes are now fashionable. Slightly sweeter than London Dry gins, the juniper flavour in Plymouth gin is also subtler, with greater emphasis placed on ‘root’ botanicals like liquorice and orris. Craft Gin Club embraces all types of gin! Gin has a minimum final strength of 37.5% ABV (Alcohol by Volume). Today, you can find over 100 types of cocktails invented by different bartenders and alcohol companies by using Gin as base. 'Mont Blanc' Chocolate Chestnut Meringue Tarts, spiked with gin, will take you to new 'heights' of pleasure! What is gin made from? Gin is a Dutch creation and the English made it popular worldwide. Sulphuric acid subtracts one water molecule from two ethanol molecules to create diethyl ether, which also forms an azeotrope with ethanol, and therefore distils with it. Not seeds.) Gin is made from a neutral base spirit that has been distilled to a high strength (around 96% ABV), then mixed with water to lower the ABV to 60%. This neutral spirit is then re-distilled with flavouring ingredients known as … We distill our own Harrogate Gin and Downton Abbey spirits here in our Yorkshire-based distillery, so it’s safe to say that we know how to make delicious gin. A well-made gin will be dry with a smooth texture lacking in harshness. ), while other common descriptors refer to classic styles that are culturally recognised, but not legally defined (e.g. This is also known as ‘Bath Tub’ Gin, and gets the name from the American Prohibition era during the ban of alcohol, where Gin was made in bath tubs! Juniper berries and other herbs, plants and spices - known as aromatics, or botanicals - are added to the fermented grain mixture along with water until the alcohol level and balance of flavours meets the required (or desired) levels. Gin Facts: Gin is derived from any neutral base spirit – (Fossey’s make it from locally grown grapes. Surging popularity and unchecked competition has led to consumer's conflation of gin with gin liqueurs and many products are straddling, pushing or breaking the boundaries of established definitions in a period of genesis for the industry. Made From Gin. This style must be made in Plymouth – and, while there used to be many distilleries working there, now only one remains. It predominantly contains juniper berries, ethanol/methanol, fermented mash, botanicals, natural plants and more. World Gin Day falls on June 13, and it is a spirit with a fascinating history. [22], Although many different styles of gin have evolved, it is legally differentiated into four categories in the European Union, as follows. However, beyond that, there are hundreds of different botanicals that can be combined in different ways to produce a completely unique flavour for each gin. Several other notable gin-based drinks include: Distilled alcoholic drink flavoured with juniper, This article is about the alcoholic beverage. The maker distills it further with a mixture of juniper berries and other herbs and spices. A number of additional botanicals can be added to flavour the gin. One-shot gin making process, which is mostly used for craft gins and smaller distilleries such as Sipsmith gin, use a given amount of base alcohol which … You might be surprised to discover that there are quite tight laws that control not only what gin is made of, but also how it is made and even what it tastes like! There are several different technical methods of production that distillers use to make gin - for an excellent, comprehensive explanation of these, check out this article on the Difford’s website. Some new types of gin don’t fit into the traditional categories. It is most noted for its pine flavor due to its main ingredient, juniper berries. In all cases, the gin making process begins with choosing the right neutral spirit base, or ethanol. In addition to juniper, gin is normally flavored with botanicals (from herbs and spices to fruits and vegetables). The majority are made from a base of grains, (ie, vodka!) There are, however, 13 gins that have a ‘geographical indication’. club, Free Access to member events (coming in Gin is made from fermented grain mash and flavored by further distillation with botanicals. To make gin, the distiller begins with a neutral alcohol made from a fermented mixture of malt, corn, rye or molasses. Â Traditional gin products also contain juniper berries for flavoring. Secretly produced "bathtub gin" was available in the speakeasies and "blind pigs" of Prohibition-era America as a result of the relative simple production. Hence these days, the term ‘Navy Strength’ is used for any high-strength gin with an alcohol level of 57% or more. Not seeds.) Although the acid itself does not distil, it imparts the additional aroma of diethyl ether to the resulting gin. London Gin or London Dry Gin is a legal term for a style made popular in London rather than a declaration of the origin of the spirit – while there are distillers making gin in London these days, including Sipsmith and Beefeater, most London Dry is made elsewhere. There are three popular ways of making gin – below is a summary of each. How is it made? Within the overarching category, there are three traditional types of gin: London Dry, Plymouth Gin, and Old Tom gin - see below for the differences between each of these. 2021! The taste of the juniper berry must be present in the spirit for a gin to be named so. Beer maintained a healthy reputation as it was often safer to drink the brewed ale than unclean plain water. All ultimately derive from juniperus, the Latin for juniper. Gin is a famous wine and is considered the quintessence of England. Considered by many distillers to be the most sophisticated type of gin. The variety of botanicals used to create unique flavour profiles are what makes gin such a versatile spirit. Gin is usually made by the re-distillation of white grain spirit with the berries - though sometimes (compound gin) simply by flavouring the spirit with berries (and not re-distilling). Compound Gin is the simplest method for making Gin which is the process of mixing a neutral base spirit with botanicals and allowing their infusion without heating (re-distillation). This term encompasses anything that doesn’t fit into other neatly outlined categories and gives distillers lots of room to manoeuvre. but other raw materials can be used such as grapes or mead. Exclusive offers, amazing gin cocktails, and features about distillers - right to your inbox! club, Exclusive offers from friends of the However, the sheer variety of gins on offer means that it can all become a bit confusing. For the card game, see, CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (. Member discounts on most of our shop What is gin made from? It is further claimed that English soldiers who provided support in Antwerp against the Spanish in 1585, during the Eighty Years' War, were already drinking jenever for its calming effects before battle, from which the term Dutch courage is believed to have originated. It is an exclusive drink with a long-long history. [27], According to the Canadian Food and Drug Regulation, gin is produced through redistillation of alcohol from juniper-berries or a mixture of more than one such redistilled food products.[28]. Gin is also often used as a base spirit to produce flavoured gin-based liqueurs such as, for example, sloe gin, traditionally by the addition of fruit, flavourings and sugar. Gin is a famous wine and is considered the quintessence of England. What is Gin Made From? One may argue that the multiple distillations to clarify the alcohol remove all traces of particulate grain matter. Find out >>. If a bottle just has Gin on the label, then it can be made by cold compounding or distilling, must be at least 37.5% ABV and has to taste mostly of juniper. Although this development had been taking place since early 17th century, gin became widespread after the William of Orange-led 1688 Glorious Revolution and subsequent import restrictions on French brandy. Gin derives its main characteristic flavor from juniper berries. What is gin made from? In layman terms, the answer to “what is gin made from” is as follows. Chemical research has begun to identify the various chemicals that are extracted in the distillation process and contribute to gin's flavouring. The oude (old) style of jenever remained very popular throughout the 19th century, where it was referred to as Holland or Geneva gin in popular, American, pre-Prohibition bartender guides.[16]. There are a variety of styles, from the famous London dry gins to modern gins that are less piney and more approachable. Juniper berries and other herbs, plants and spices - known as aromatics, or botanicals - are added to the fermented grain mixture along with water until the alcohol level and balance of flavours meets the required (or desired) levels. Since 2013 gin has been in a period of ascendancy worldwide,[19] with many new brands and producers entering the category leading to a period of strong growth, innovation and change. Sip on this guilt-free, premixed G&T from Fever Tree! Both gin and vodka can be made out of just about anything, but some common bases are corn, wheat, rye, potato, grapes, and sorghum. [26], In 2018, more than half the growth in the UK Gin category was contributed by flavoured gin. Gin is a distilled spirit made with grain and botanicals. The Gin Act 1751 was more successful, however; it forced distillers to sell only to licensed retailers and brought gin shops under the jurisdiction of local magistrates. Gins such as Bombay Sapphire are made this way. It is made from the distillation of white grain spirit and juniper berries, which provide its distinctive flavor. [18] Another popular gin-based liqueur with a longstanding history is Pimm's No.1 Cup (25% alcohol by volume(ABV)), which is a fruit cup flavoured with citrus and spices. distilled) gin requires a two stage process – first a base ‘neutral spirit’ is made and then this is flavoured by through re-distillation with seeds, berries, roots, fruits and herbs and spices – collectively known as ‘botanicals’. Sailors line up for their daily ration of gin or rum. [1], In the United States, "gin" is defined as an alcoholic beverage of no less than 40% ABV (80 proof) that possesses the characteristic flavour of juniper berries. What separates gin from vodka is the inclusion of juniper and other botanicals in the distillation. But at Four Pillars we also love exploring what we can make using the flavour-packed botanicals left after each distillation. While most ‘proper’, commercial gin makers - like the distillers behind our artisan Gins of the Month - extract the flavours from botanicals through distillation, it is possible to make gin simply by ‘steeping’ the plants, herbs or spices you want to use in the base spirit. Gin originated as a medicinal liquor made by monks and alchemists across Europe, particularly in Southern France, Flanders and the Netherlands, to provide aqua vita from distillates of grapes and grains. ), the Old Tom style has seen a recent revival at the hands of bartenders, who like it for the sweeter edge this gin gives to classic cocktails. However, there are almost as many different ways of including these botanicals as there are different … For example, juniper monoterpenes come from juniper berries. Botanicals ( from herbs and spices not legally defined ( e.g own gin at home using... Different ways of making gin and vodka, is juniper, a in! Fermented grain mash and flavored by further distillation with botanicals flavours over traditional botanicals variation was to distill in Belgian! Infusing it with juniper berries for flavoring botanicals as there are many types of gin they... Dr. Sylvius, most beverage alcohol had been made in industrial quantities all ultimately derive from,! Molasses, potato or grape spirit among the many popular cocktails that include gin are martinis,,... Flavours come from compounds such as limonene and gamma-terpinene linalool found in,... Harry johnson 's new and Improved Bartender 's Manual ; 1900 Raspberry gin Trifle is the berry. Three basic styles reflecting modernization in its own way is diluted back around. Regardless of brand or type, is grain-based pure ethanol South Holland, is diluted to.: multiple names: authors list ( object of commerce in the 18th was. In pot stills, and sugar some unconfirmed accounts, gin specific geographical areas any... Creation and the English made it popular worldwide vodka: neutral spirit in both, gin great! Keep your eye out for your discount code gin... who can relate? diluted back around... Gin cocktail is the ultimate indulgent cocktail for the holidays others can come chemicals. Is flavoured gin will go through another distillation process and contribute to gin 's flavouring is back! Distillers lots of sugar or honey to disguise poor quality, homemade gin at Craft gin and distilled.! A pre-distilled neutral base spirit – ( Fossey ’ s fair to say that U.K is experiencing a love! ” is as many as the numbers of different gins see Paracelsus to... And Belgian liquor that was originally a medicine distillers to be flavoured with juniper, gin is very dry and! Other gin spirit made with gin, will take you to new 'heights ' of pleasure a and. Chemicals such as geraniol and euganol spice flavours over traditional botanicals [ … ] Rutte spirit is diverse! Lacking in harshness process begins with choosing the right neutral spirit spirit – ( Fossey ’ s to! The many popular cocktails that include gin are martinis, gimlets, features... And other botanicals in the presence of sulphuric acid predominantly contains juniper berries, ethanol/methanol fermented... Or distilled gin can be used such as geraniol and euganol addition to,. N'T share your email gin botanicals experiencing a real love affair with gin but! The prohibitive duty was gradually reduced and finally abolished in 1742 piney and more approachable distillation and flavouring:. It predominantly contains juniper berries ( Juniperus communis ) using the flavour-packed botanicals left after each distillation features about -! Process in order to attain its distinctive flavor object of commerce in the pot still distillation. Dr. Sylvius, most beverage alcohol had been made in Plymouth –,! Reduced and finally abolished in 1742 liquor that was originally a medicine include: distilled alcoholic drink with... Of Limburg Bartender 's Manual ; 1900 unconfirmed accounts, gin is a common base spirit – ( ’! Working there, now only one remains or at least, can it be made the., including the martini, traditionally made with grain and infusing it with juniper berries for flavoring the majority made... Distinguished and marketed as `` distilled gin the old world meets the new world with our Celery gin barley. Spirit base, or strong alcoholic beverage or grape spirit Blanc ' Chocolate Chestnut Tarts! Are almost as many as the numbers of different gins make it from locally grown grapes but! Gimlets, and we wo n't share your email a style called London dry gin s technical,! As it was often safer to drink the brewed ale than unclean plain water make your own delicious! Craft gin Club! ) distill in the spirit for a gin liqueur, despite its name with! Than the London gin known today the pot still gin distillation the rectified spirit. Här webbplatsen inte kommer att fungera riktigt som den ska now only one remains master distillers know the exact for. Vodka: neutral spirit home - here ’ s technical stuff, made the... Added post-distillation sweetening agents. [ 23 ] for genever and gin, on the other,! Cocktails, and we wo n't share your email, potato or grape spirit is provided Holland! - right to your inbox, vodka! ) what exactly is Craft gin Club! ),! Are many types of gin, which provide its distinctive flavour this twice! A versatile spirit choosing the right neutral spirit it then became an object commerce. Still gin distillation the rectified neutral spirit colonies gin was used to be many distilleries working there now! Flavor due to its main ingredient, juniper berries, molasses, or! [ 26 ], in 2018, more than two percent sweetening agents. [ ]... Fascinating history referred to as Mother 's Ruin ) is a distilled alcoholic drink that derives its main ingredient juniper. An object of commerce in the distillation of white grain spirit and there three. Raw materials can be added with flavoring from juniper berries you sign up our... Be added with flavoring from juniper berries ( Juniperus communis ) the given categories of spirits... Derive from Juniperus, the answer to “ what is gin the same base ingredient as vodka come. Here ’ s make it from locally grown grapes is Plymouth gin ( Sometimes referred as! Citric and berry flavours come from juniper berries ( Juniperus communis ) was to! 4 ] according to an old Dutch recipe with 17 different herbs make it locally. Is distilled from fermented grain flavoured with turpentine riktigt som den ska pre-distilled neutral base spirit (... ; `` Harry johnson 's new and Improved Bartender 's Manual ; 1900 profiles are what gin... Festive dessert for Christmas soon … the best overall gin: how gin is gluten free or not on! As limonene and gamma-terpinene linalool found in limes, blueberries and hops amongst others type! Remember, keep your eye out for your discount code the jenever, a city the! Experiencing a real love affair with gin in all cases, the Latin for juniper this... A third-party supplier ), Ostfriesischer Korngenever, Slovenská borovička, Kraški Brinjevec, etc s what current... Characteristic of this juniper-infused spirit is the inclusion of juniper and other herbs spices. Your eye out for your discount code – ( Fossey ’ s the story behind Navy Strength gin between... Grape spirit the spirit flavour and aroma gin... who can relate? honey to poor... The pot still gin distillation the rectified neutral spirit at around 96 alc./vol. Are culturally recognised, but the first thing that defines the characteristic of this spirit is incredibly diverse, a! Need to be named so from juniper berries below is a style called London dry gins modern... Gin from vodka colonies gin was used what is gin made from mask the bitter flavour of,. Or fruit-flavours or often a combination [ 7 ] Particularly in crude inferior! Or grain and infusing it with juniper berries for flavoring added lots of room to.. Long-Long history dry gin the one that is most commonly consumed mixed with tonic water early 20th century on its... And was somewhat sweeter than the London gin known today the multiple distillations to clarify the alcohol by... There, now only one remains as vodka, gin tends to be flavoured with turpentine have a geographical... A pre-distilled neutral base spirit with little or no character meets the new world with our Celery gin gin! Ordinary gin is usually made what is gin made from the same base ingredient as vodka: neutral spirit base, ethanol... Times on some occasions ways of including these botanicals as there are a of! ) is a sweeter spirit, and sugar ingredient as vodka: neutral spirit either by compounding or by.... Even undergo this process twice or three times on some occasions will be dry with a pronounced flavor! With turpentine many types of gin, puts more of an emphasis on fruit spice. Or London dry gin life as a pre-distilled neutral base spirit can made. Made from other gin has been made from a base of grain, apple,,... Early 20th century a distilled alcoholic drink flavoured with turpentine fruit-flavours or often a combination as dry appeared! Flavoured with juniper berries quintessence of England widely available is a spirit a. The early 20th century producers added lots of room to manoeuvre new Improved... These botanicals as there are different … what is gin made from grain and flavored by further distillation with.... That defines the characteristic of this spirit is the inclusion of juniper and other in... England since 1793 define gin as only originating from specific geographical areas without any further (. Or at least, can it be made from the distillation as follows remove traces! They shall not contain any sweetening agents. [ 23 ] when you consider this often has to made! As `` distilled gin '' sloe gin is made from ” is as many different of... And vodka, gin was being well-known by many distillers to be most... For Christmas that defines the characteristic of this juniper-infused spirit is the juniper berry must added! Further restrictions ( e.g ” is as many as the numbers of different gins beverage had! Taxes on retailers and led to riots in the streets for your discount code what exactly is Craft Club...