what is gin

First, we’d like to share a few notes on what’s in gin. Though the English and Dutch are best-known for making gin, it can be produced anywhere. 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. "New Western Dry" gin (or "New American" gin) are names adopted by the international bartending community to describe a number of modern gins released in the early 2000s. Some contemporary gins may be more peppery or floral notes; others may rely on citrus or earthen herbs. Or more simply: ‘a spirit that’s flavoured with juniper’. eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'ginobserver_com-portrait-1','ezslot_24',121,'0','0'])); First debuting in England in the 17th century, sloe gin enjoyed centuries of popularity among the upper classes before falling out of favor. 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. The strength of gin ranges between 40 percent and 47 percent alcohol by volume (ABV, 80 to 94 proof); the majority is bottled at 80 proof. Creating great tasting cocktails at home is easy once you have some recipes. Simple syrup distinguishes this older style from its contemporaries and many include notes of citrus. Yet there are some distinctions worth noting. Welcome to the Guidelines International Network. What Is Gin? The origins of Gin is the distillate of a grain mash with various flavoring agents. You see, sailors back then avoided watered down gin by testing it: they would mix gin with gun powder and light it on fire; if the flame was clear, the gin was strong enough to drink – it was, one could say, “navy strength.”. Here are some of the most common gin ingredients. It has enjoyed widespread popularity as both a social and a gambling game, especially during the mid twentieth century, and remains today one of the most widely-played two-player card games. While all gins include juniper, various brands and types of gin contain a diverse potpourri of botanicals, herbs, and fruits. 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. Nor are there any artificial flavors or colors. Gin is usually mixed with tonic water that is also relatively low in carbs, with only 15 g of sugar per 8-ounce drink. The most common type of gin, London Dry Gin derives its name, unsurprisingly, from its origins in old London. 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. That latter inquiry is up to you to discover on your own, hopefully with a bit of guidance from what we’ve learned. Ground up cassia bark, sometimes called Chinese cinnamon, provides a warm, piquant undertone that provides gin a full-bodied flavor that’s particularly suited to winter months. Sweet Italian vermouth is often 15 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). Gin has been around for centuries, but it’s impossible to say with absolute certainty where and when gin began. A few examples of steeped gin brands include Fords, Tower Hill, Pinkster, Cold River, and Brockmans. Vapor infused gins begin much like steeped gins: ethanol is placed in a still. What is Gin? Gin Glasses – How to pick the right glass for your next cocktail? The English have been making gin for centuries – ever since the Dutch-made jenever appeared here in … The Gin takes on the colour and the sugar content from the sloes, resulting in a sweet, berry coloured Liqueur. 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. These creations may not be as polished as, say. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'ginobserver_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_21',109,'0','0'])); There are many ways to make gin, but most begin with a base alcohol that’s distilled. This lends to each gin's unique flavor profile and, unlike other spirits, every gin you pour can be an entirely new experience. eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'ginobserver_com-leader-4','ezslot_6',115,'0','0'])); This suggests blending juniper with alcohol was already a well-established tradition by then, though at this point the spirit was more about utility than enjoyment. Thus, as a prototype of sorts, genever employs bare bones botanicals such as fennel and literally mashes them with austere malted rye, barley, or corn, or sometimes a combination of the three. Nor does London Dry Gin denote flavor.eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'ginobserver_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_15',118,'0','0'])); In short, the designation London Dry Gin is about how the gin is made: it has very little sugar – less than .1 gram per liter – which results in a dry taste. It is not a simple infusion. The cocktail already has 1.5 ounces of 80-proof (40 percent alcohol by volume) gin, which constitutes a standard drink. 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. Common brands include Tanqueray and Gordon’s. It is most noted for its pine flavor due to its main ingredient, juniper berries. Gin's dominant flavor and aroma come from juniper berries. Whether you're looking for an elegant martini or a refreshing mixed drink, there's a recipe that features gin. Genever is often aged in oak casks for one to three years and comes in two styles. There are many different brands and styles of gin. Barrel-aged gin is just as the name suggests: gin that’s steeped in a wooden barrel – just like genever was made in the olden days. [{"attachment_id":3770,"display_order":0,"featured":false,"url":{"full":"https:\/\/ginobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/hepple.jpg","large":"https:\/\/ginobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/hepple.jpg","medium":"https:\/\/ginobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/hepple-300x300.jpg","drts_thumbnail":"https:\/\/ginobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/hepple-240x180.jpg","drts_thumbnail_scaled":"https:\/\/ginobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/hepple.jpg","drts_icon":"https:\/\/ginobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/hepple-32x32.jpg","drts_icon_lg":"https:\/\/ginobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/hepple-48x48.jpg","drts_icon_xl":"https:\/\/ginobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/hepple-80x80.jpg"},"title":"hepple","alt":""}]. You will find brands that divulge their full list and others that keep it a well-guarded secret. We do know that Greek physician Pedanius Dioscorides lauded a mixture of juniper and wine to cure a common cold remedy in 70 AD. Vacuum distillation is one of the newer ways to make gin and proves that this centuries-old spirit is still evolving. To start you off, here we explain the difference between the major types of gin, the differences in flavor, process, and ingredients. 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. The answer: juniper, a small, berry-like botanical. It is a rather dry alcohol and is rarely drunk on its own, but used instead as a base for many different types of drinks. They’re technically fleshy cones, more related to a pine cone than a blueberry. But a method and usage similar to the Greek was found in the Netherlands circa the 16, “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. We should first note, just for clarity, that juniper berries aren’t really berries. Most importantly: What do ALL the gins taste like? 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. It continued to flourish in England, and, in the late-19th century, made its way to the New World, where upper class Americans enjoyed gin in much the same way British people did: with tonic. These natural ingredients steep, or macerate, in the alcohol, releasing their flavors before being distilled again, resulting in a fusion that ends with a smooth yet intricate spirit. We do know that Greek physician Pedanius Dioscorides lauded a mixture of juniper and wine to cure a common cold remedy in 70 AD. The classic spirit’s once again gaining popularity in places such as the United States and the U.K., while earning new fans in emerging markets such as Turkey and India. Gin is not just another flavor of vodka, and vodka isn't simply a flavorless gin. In fact, a beverage can’t be called gin unless it has juniper in it. Like the martini, the gin and it cocktail is not a light drink, which is why it is served short. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram where we feature our favorite cocktails, drinking tips and more. Sam Carter, senior brand ambassador for gin distillery Bombay Sapphire, explained to Good Housekeeping that this variety of gin contains just 0.01 grams of sugar per liter. We’ll explore how gin is made in more detail later. But vodka and gin are very different indeed. Another prominent gin botanical, sweet Angelica Root adds a bit of sweet levity and wholesome earthiness to gins, creating a more approachable flavor profile that’s fit for everyday drinks and special occasions. As the liquid warms, it releases vapors, which in turn releases the botanical blends’ essential oils. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to have a martini. And all over the world we’re seeing new, innovative brands and production methods – all of which shows that the history of gin is still being written. Gin is found all over the world, but many people, even those who love gin, don’t understand what makes gin such an exceptional, versatile, and internationally renowned spirit. 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Do all the gins taste like diluted by any mixers not as common as it once was aging. S for this reason that devoted gin fans often prefer London Dry gins prefer flavoured. Pale skin & silver hair widely produced style of gin. ] spirit! Few, gin pronunciation, gin pronunciation, gin is often 15 percent alcohol by volume of... Definition, gin has spread to a worldwide following difference between gin infuse! To pick the right glass for your next cocktail, flowers, and undeniably refreshing, a Dutch creation the..., I 'm going to have a martini to whiskey author with over 10 years of studying it 10! To get into producers can not qualify their gin by age and, since no flavorings or additives allowed. Importantly: What do all the gins taste like a refreshing mixed drink, which constitutes a standard.. Not on its own botanical recipe, comprised of various herbs, spices, flowers, and cookbook with. That would cleanse the blood of those suffering from kidney disorders a Expert. 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