What is Gin

What is Gin ?

Gin is a neutral-tasting spirit that can be made from numerous sources, then re-distilled with botanicals and a noticeable juniper flavour.

It’s this juniper flavour and its distinct aroma that sets gin apart from its close cousin, vodka. From liquorice and citrus flavours to nutmeg and even fynbos, each gin distillery has its own secret recipe and technique to give their gin its depth of flavour, infusion of natural botanicals, character and story. Basically gin, to those passionate about its craft, can be like a white wall to a graffiti artist – full of possibility.

An encyclopedia could be written about gin and its history but here is the short version.

Origin: It is said that gin originated in the Netherlands as Genever, but it was in London, in the 17th Century, where it took on a life of its own as a drink, cheaper than beer, able to drown sorrows and help those living in misery — forget their woes.
The bad reputation: It became known as ‘Mother’s Ruin’ as not even a ‘mother’s instinct could survive the ravages of gin’. To curb frenzy, the government introduced licence fees on gin retailers and gin taxes (later met with riots!).
New beginning: In the 1800s, gin’s reputation took a turn for the better, as ‘gin palaces’ sprung up over London making the most of gas lighting and offering sophistication over the dingy drinking holes of old.
The new age: Fast forward to 2015 (I did say it was a short history), where gin is now enjoying a revival after having languished in the shadows as its cousin, vodka, took the limelight.

Gin is breaking out of its image of being doused in tonic and served in crystal glasses to mother-in-laws whose sons-in-laws can never pour the drink ‘quite right’. What’s not to love?

How to taste gin

A few things to note on gin tasting and appreciation (and where it differs to the likes of wine tasting)

Remember, gin is a spirit so too much tasting and things really can get a little messy.
Taste it at room temperature, swill it around your mouth and see whether you can spot both the juniper and other botanicals – cucumber? Citrus? Fynbos? Spice?
Add a little water too and the flavours may become more pronounced. You’re after something refined; something that is not going to burn and knock-your-socks-off at first sip; something that would taste good not drowned in tonic, but perhaps poured over a few blocks of ice.
Oh, and a great gin won’t give you the headache that cheap gin will.

How to make the best Gin & Tonic ever

Everyone has their own ideas about how to make the perfect G&T, and a lot of it is probably down to personal taste – whether you’re going to go for Gordons, Beefeater or a wonderful new Craft Gin, lemon or lime…. But one thing is certain, there are a few basic rules to follow.

The perfect tipple should be 14 per cent ABV (alcohol by volume),
So, one part gin to two parts tonic.
Served in a large, wide glass, is the best way to appreciate the flavour.
Lots of ice! If the temperature of the drink is low, the carbon dioxide molecules which create the bubbles find it harder to escape, meaning your drink will stay fizzier, and more aromatic for longer.