What is Gin? All About its Origins, Distilling Process, and Perfect Pairings
You have probably heard of it, you may well have tasted it, many of us really enjoy it, but who actually knows, WHAT IS GIN? There has been a real gin movement in the last decade with this well-known botanical drink gaining in popularity and now more than 1.7 million people in the UK say they drink gin once a week or more. Which is great as it means that more people than ever want to try our incredible small batch craft gin, and we get to make even more of it!
We frequently get asked, what exactly is gin, what is it made from, where does it come from and how do we make it. So, let us answer all your gin questions and shed a little light on one of the UKs best loved bevvies.
What is Gin?
Gin is a clear alcoholic beverage consumed all over the world in various forms. You might have known that part already, but did you know that there is stringent legislation around what constitutes gin, what it can be made from, how strong it must be and what botanicals are used to flavour it?
Legally speaking, the following parameters must be met in order to label your product as ‘gin’. In 2008 these regulations became EU law and were later updated in 2019 and 2021 to apply to a post-Brexit UK.
• Flavour – gin must have a predominantly juniper flavour.
• Alcohol content – to be classed as gin, your spirit must have a minimum strength of 37.5% alcohol by volume or ABV.
• Production – gin must be made with a base neutral spirit with a minimum distilled proof of 96% alcohol by volume or ABV.
Whilst the second two requirements above are fairly straightforward to adhere to, the third regulation is largely subjective and what constitutes a predominant juniper flavour will be different for everyone.
The interpretation of this requirement is the reason that all gins taste different and allows distillers to create their own unique flavours.
UK law includes definitions for what distinguishes gin, distilled gin and London dry gin and as such each have their own legislation in addition to that above.
Gin can have approved artificial or natural flavours added and can be sweetened and coloured.
Distilled gin must be made in a gin still by distilling ethyl alcohol with juniper and can include other botanicals so long as the overriding flavour is that of juniper.
To be labelled as a London dry gin, the gin must be made with ethyl alcohol which has an agricultural origin, that is it must be made from natural elements such as wheat, potatoes, grapes or apples for example, it must not contain any artificial colours or flavours, and it must be made with juniper. The overall flavour of a London dry gin must be created from the distilling process only and strictly not afterwards.
Simple, right?!
Essentially, it’s UK legislation that dictates the basic flavour, strength and ingredients of gin. After these requirements have been met, the real art of creating flavoursome craft gin begins
Where Did Gin Come From?
In its oldest from, medicinal tonics made from juniper berries were used by alchemists, monks and healers as far back as the 11th century. Juniper was used as a cure for coughs, colds, aches and pains across Europe for centuries before it became known as the modern liquor we know today.
The first modern gin can be traced back to the Netherlands where it was called jenever after the Dutch word for juniper, later shortened to just gin.
Jenever was a spirt made from distilling malted barley or malt wine with juniper berries, infused with spices such as coriander, anise and caraway, and used to treat ailments such as stomach problems, gout and back pain.
During the 17th century the British government allowed unlicensed gin production, which coupled with heavy duties on imported spirits, lead to a period known as the gin craze, where gin was consumed nationwide as it was cheap and readily available.
What is Gin Made From?
As mentioned above, gin is made from two main elements, a base neutral spirit and juniper.
Grain Neutral Spirit
Gin is usually made from a base neutral spirit called a grain neutral spirt or GNS. It is the high proof ethanol alcohol you get from distilling fermentable grains such as corn, wheat, barley or rye. You can also make a neutral spirit from fermentable fruits such as grapes and apples, or from vegetables such as potatoes, which is essentially what vodka is.
It doesn’t taste of anything, is clear in colour and is used as the base spirit for spirits such as gin, flavoured liqueurs and blended whiskey. It has a proof of over 95% ABV and can either be made from scratch or bought ready made from a specialist producer.
The process to make base alcohol is intense and many gin distillers choose to buy in this neutral grain spirit.
The way the neutral spirit is made, and its core ingredients will subtly contribute to the overall flavour of the final gin product, which is why the distilling of gin is such a fascinating craft. Gin makers are alchemists and each gin brand will produce a different gin flavour according their unique mix of ingredients.
Juniper
Juniper is a coniferous tree or shrub that is prolific across the northern hemisphere in a range of conditions. This evergreen plant has needle like leaves and the female plants produce blue juniper berries which are aromatic and used as a spice in cooking, have a long history as a medicine and are used as the primary flavouring in gin.
The juniper bush is very distinctive and can be found low to the ground in wooded areas or scattered across scrubland at higher altitudes. The climate of the juniper will affect the sweetness of the berries which will in turn affect the flavour profile of the finished gin.
Botanicals
Botanicals are plants or parts of plants that are used for their scents, flavours and benefits when used in food, drink, supplements or oils. When combined with juniper in the gin making process, botanicals help to produce distinct flavours of gin.
What Mixes with Gin?
Historically, gin was drunk neat or diluted with water. These days the British palate is much more discerning, and one prefers tonic with one’s gin.
The subtle spiced flavour of gin pairs wonderfully well with tonic water which is made from quinine, carbonated water and sugar. Like gin, tonic can also be flavoured with botanicals so there are literally hundreds of gin and tonic combinations to choose from.
Gin is also used in a wide variety of cocktails, from the classic martini to a negroni, Tom Collins and long island iced tea. For more gin cocktail ideas, check out our blog.
The fresh, herbaceous flavour of gin makes it a versatile spirit and it’s no wonder that it is so popular.
How to Make Gin
How you make your gin drink will depend on what kind of gin you’re intending to make. A gin cocktail will typically be shaken over ice, however a classic gin and tonic would not.
To make a gin and tonic drink, first choose a gin glass. Gin classes can be short tumblers or tall goblets. Your chosen gin drink might well dictate whether you need a long or short vessel, so consider the volume of your final gin drink carefully.
A traditional British gin and tonic is served as 1 part gin to 1-3 parts tonic, depending on how strong you want it.
Next, pour a measure or two of your chosen craft gin over some large cubes of ice. You want your gin and tonic to be cold, not diluted!
Finally, select a complementary tonic and pour over between 1 and 3 parts tonic water.
You can add a slice or lemon or lime, if your chosen gin warrants it or you can sip as is without.
Remember to always drink gin and tonic responsibly folks!
Black Cat Distillery make beautiful craft gin from our gin distillery in Penrith, on the outskirts of the stunning Lake District.
Located within the historic Brougham Hall, our gin makers handcraft a selection of flavoursome gins including a spiced London dry gin, a florally fruit gin and a wonderfully savoury herbal gin.
Come and visit us or buy gin online. Or if you fancy getting stuck in, come and make your own gin at one of our gin workshops.
Explore our gin distillery and blend your very own gin flavours. A wonderful gin gift or experience for yourselves and loved ones!
