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Ah, gin! That divine nectar that makes you feel sophisticated and gives you a pleasant buzz. But did you know that gin hasn't always been the king of cool parties? In 2010, this drink made a comeback, and since then, it hasn’t let go of the spotlight. So, if you’re curious to know how this elixir of rebellion is born, buckle up, because we’re about to take a journey through history, alchemy, and a pinch of magic.
The Origins of Gin
Sorry, England, but gin isn't your creation. It was born in the Netherlands, baby! The Dutch were the first to create a drink called Jenever (or Genever, if you prefer). This predecessor of gin had been around since 1269, thanks to the chemist Franciscus Sylvius de Bouve. It was an alcoholic potion with a juniper flavor, loved for its supposed medicinal properties. So, yes, you can thank the Dutch for your “medical” excuse to drink gin!
The Role of the Dutch in Gin's History
English sailors discovered Genever during their travels in the 16th century and brought it home. But it was during the Thirty Years' War that British soldiers fell in love with this drink, calling it “Dutch courage.” Once back home, Genever became all the rage. And when King William of Orange decided to boycott French brandy, gin really started to take off.
The Evolution of Gin in England
The demand for Genever in England led to the birth of craft distilleries that began producing a local version: gin. At first, it was rough stuff, known as "Old Tom Gin." But people loved it, especially the poor. Things got out of hand to the point that Parliament had to step in with restrictive laws to stop everyone from getting drunk every day.
So, how is gin made?
By law, ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin must be used, meaning not only grain alcohol but also molasses, depending on the producer’s choice. It all starts with a nice mixture of milled grains, like barley, rye, or wheat, fermented with yeast and water. This mixture is then distilled in a boiler. The result? Almost pure alcohol with a concentration of about 96%. Some distillers perform this step themselves, while others buy ready-made alcohol. From here, the magic begins: redistillation with the addition of botanical ingredients, like juniper berries, which give gin its unique flavor.
Techniques for Flavoring Gin There are four ways to infuse flavor into gin, and each method adds a different touch:
• Maceration: The ingredients are mixed with 60% alcohol and distilled again.
• Infusion: Desired aromas (fruits, herbs, spices) are left to infuse in the alcohol for a good while. Juniper must always be the dominant component.
• Percolation: The distillate drips through a mass of ingredients, absorbing the aromas.
• Vapor Infusion: Ingredients are suspended in the boiler, and alcohol vapors absorb the aromas as they pass through.
Different Styles of Gin There are various types of gin, each with its own characteristics. Legally (EU Regulation 787/2019), the types of gin are:
• Gin: A juniper-flavored spirit made by flavoring agricultural-based ethyl alcohol with juniper berries. It may be flavored with other aromatics. If no sugar is added, it can be called "Dry Gin."
• Distilled Gin: A juniper-flavored spirit obtained by distilling juniper berries and optionally other botanicals in agricultural-based ethyl alcohol at 96 proof. Aromatics may be added to this distillate. If no sugar is added, it can be called “Distilled Dry Gin.”
• London Gin: Produced exclusively by distilling agricultural alcohol in the presence of juniper berries and all natural botanical components used. If no sugar is added, it can be called “London Dry Gin.”
• Compound Gin: Neutral alcohol with water and various ingredients, all with a nice juniper flavor and at least 37.5% alcohol. Reminiscent of gin made illegally during Prohibition. • Distilled Gin: Redistilled with orange, lime, or spices. Want a floral touch? Add rose petals and cucumber.
• Plymouth Dry Gin: Less dry than London dry, with more roots among the botanicals.
• London Dry Gin: The purest. All ingredients are added during the first distillation, and nothing else is added afterward.
• Old Tom Gin: Sweet, with sugar or licorice, to mask the imperfections of the past.
• Navy Strength Gin: At least 57% alcohol and strong, bold flavors. Every bottle is an explosion of unique flavors.
• New Western Dry Gin: Less juniper, more room for other botanicals. It's the quintessential modern gin.
There you have it! Next time you enjoy a gin and tonic, you'll know exactly how much history and craftsmanship go into every sip. Cheers!
