The History of Gin

Gin is a beloved spirit that has been enjoyed by many for centuries. With its complex flavours and history, it has become a staple in many bars and homes. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the history of gin, from its origins to its modern-day revival.

1. Introduction

Gin is a distilled spirit that is primarily made from juniper berries. It is a popular ingredient in cocktails and has a complex flavour profile that has made it a favourite among spirit enthusiasts. Its origins can be traced back to ancient times, and it has gone through various iterations over the years. In this article, we will explore the history of gin, from its early beginnings to its current revival.

2. Origins of Gin

The origins of gin can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is believed that gin was first created by monks who were looking for a medicinal tonic. They discovered that juniper berries had properties that could help cure various ailments, and they began to experiment with distilling them into a spirit.

3. Genever: The First Gin

The first type of gin was called genever, and it was created in the Netherlands in the 16th century. Genever was made by distilling malt wine with juniper berries and other botanicals. It was originally intended as a medicinal tonic, but it soon became popular as a recreational drink.

4. Gin in Britain

Gin was introduced to Britain in the 17th century, where it quickly gained popularity. The British began to produce their own version of gin, which was made by distilling grain spirit with juniper berries and other botanicals. It was often consumed in large quantities by the working class, and it soon became associated with drunkenness and debauchery.

5. The Gin Craze

In the 18th century, gin became the subject of a moral panic known as the Gin Craze. The working class had become addicted to gin, and the government was concerned about the social and economic effects of widespread drunkenness. The Gin Craze led to the introduction of the Gin Act of 1751, which imposed high taxes on gin and restricted its sale to licensed distillers.

6. The Gin Act

The Gin Act of 1751 was intended to curb the consumption of gin and its associated social problems. However, it had the unintended consequence of creating a black market for gin. Unlicensed distillers began to produce and sell cheap, low-quality gin, which became known as "rot-gut" or "parliament gin".

7. Victorian Era and Beyond

During the Victorian era, gin became a fashionable drink among the upper classes. The introduction of new distilling techniques and the use of higher quality botanicals led to the creation of a more refined and complex gin. This trend continued into the 20th century, with the creation of new gin cocktails such as the Martini and the Negroni.

8. Gin Today

In recent years, gin has experienced a resurgence in popularity. A new generation of distillers has emerged, creating innovative and unique gins using a wide range of botanicals. Gin bars and distilleries have popped up all over the world, and gin festivals and events have become increasingly popular.

9. Popular Gin Cocktails

Gin is a versatile spirit that can

be used in a wide variety of cocktails. Here are some of the most popular gin cocktails:

1. Gin and Tonic - A classic and simple cocktail made with gin, tonic water, and a slice of lemon or lime.
2. Martini - Made with gin and dry vermouth, garnished with a lemon twist or olive.
3. Negroni - Made with gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, garnished with an orange peel.
4. Tom Collins - Made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and club soda, garnished with a cherry and an orange slice.
5. Aviation - Made with gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and crème de violette, garnished with a cherry.

10. Conclusion

The history of gin is a fascinating tale of innovation, creativity, and social change. From its humble beginnings as a medicinal tonic to its modern-day revival, gin has played an important role in the development of the spirits industry. With its complex flavor profile and versatility in cocktails, gin continues to be a beloved spirit among drinkers around the world.

11. FAQs

1. What is gin made from? Gin is primarily made from juniper berries, but it can also include other botanicals such as coriander, citrus peel, and spices.

2. What is the difference between genever and gin? Genever is a type of gin that is made by distilling malt wine with juniper berries and other botanicals. It has a smoother and sweeter flavor than other types of gin.

3. How is gin made? Gin is made by distilling a neutral spirit with juniper berries and other botanicals. The botanicals are typically added to the spirit in a copper pot still and then distilled.

4. What is the most popular gin cocktail? The most popular gin cocktail is the Gin and Tonic, which is made with gin, tonic water, and a slice of lime.

5. Can gin be aged like whiskey? While gin can be aged in oak barrels like whiskey, it is typically not aged for as long. Aged gin is also known as Old Tom gin, and it has a darker colour and a more complex flavour profile than unaged gin.

We have a select range of full strength gins as a well as gin based RTDs for you to choose from.