What is Gin? 

You may have heard people say that gin is just flavored vodka. While gin undergoes the same initial distillation process as vodka, strict procedures govern how gin is made that make it distinct as a spirit. Gin is typically fermented and then distilled from a grain like wheat or barley, which is what leads to the vodka comparisons. Where gin becomes distinct from vodka is that botanicals are added during the production process. These botanicals are usually infused into the gin, either by being steeped into the base spirit over time or placed in a basket above the boiling liquid to extract flavors from the botanicals gradually. Of these botanicals, juniper berries must be the primary component for the final product to be classified as gin, but an array of other herbs, flowers, fruits, and spices can also be used. The varying use of different infusions is why different gins differ so considerably from one another. Additionally, to be classified as gin, the final product needs to have an ABV of at least 37.5%. That clarifies that gin is more than just 'flavored vodka.' But where and when did gin originate in the first place? And how did it develop into the spirit goliath it is today?

Gin’s Origin

There are suggestions that European monks may have produced medicinal herbal tonics through distillation as early as the 11th century. However, the predecessor to gin as we know it today came in the 16th century with the creation of genever in the Netherlands. Genever, a malt wine-based spirit flavored with juniper and other botanicals, was enjoyed as a medicinal and recreational remedy. Genever spread to England during the late 1600s and gradually evolved into gin as the distilling process changed. By the early 18th century, gin had become incredibly popular across all classes in England due to its affordability and easy production. This period is known as the Gin Craze, which fueled widespread consumption and also had some notable drawbacks. Unregulated distillation and consumption caused health issues and public disorder, prompting the British government to implement the Gin Acts in the mid-18th century to regulate production and sales.

New Innovations

As the Gin Craze faded and gin production became more regulated, gin's reputation began to recover, and higher-quality, more distinctive gin styles emerged. By the late 18th and early 19th centuries, technological advancements in distillation led to the development of distinct gin styles, including London Dry Gin, Old Tom, and Plymouth Gin. It was also around this time that the gin and tonic was created in India. British soldiers stationed in India were prescribed quinine - which was present in tonic water at the time - as a preventive measure against malaria. Quinine had an extremely bitter, unpalatable taste, so soldiers began mixing it with gin, sugar, and lime, creating the gin and tonic. The refreshing combination quickly became a favorite and helped grow and solidify gin's popularity throughout the British Empire and beyond.

Gin Today

Changes to cocktail culture saw gin endure a drop in popularity in the mid-20th century, as vodka's more neutral character made it a more versatile option for use in many cocktails, while the tiki cocktail movement favored the use of rum. However, gin sales began to pick up later on in the 1900s, and gin has subsequently experienced a significant renaissance in the 21st century. Between 2013 and 2019, global gin sales almost tripled, underlining the great success this spirit has had in recent times. The resurgence in gin's popularity can be attributed to multiple factors, most notably the craft cocktail movement. This era in cocktail making and consumption placed an increased focus on quality over quantity, high-quality ingredients, and meticulous preparation methods. This allowed artisanal distillers to thrive, while gin's flexibility as a spirit made it a perfect candidate for experimenting with to create innovative and unique flavor profiles.

Popular Types of Gin

The growth of gin over the years has led to numerous styles emerging and standing the test of time to remain popular today, including the following:

1. London Dry Gin is considered by many distillers to be among the highest-quality of gin styles. This style strives for purity, requiring that botanicals must be natural and must be added during the distillation process. After distilling, only water and a small amount of sweetener can be added to the gin, in contrast with other styles that allow for the addition of artificial flavors. This process results in a clean, crisp gin with juniper notes standing out as the primary flavor. Despite the name, London Dry Gin doesn't need to be made in London. 

2. Plymouth Gin places more importance on production location, with this gin style needing to be made in Plymouth, Devon, UK. First created in the late 18th century, Plymouth Gin is typically slightly sweeter than London Dry Gin, with a subtler juniper flavor and earthier notes through its use of root botanicals like licorice. Once a gin style made by numerous distillers, there is now only one gin distillery in Plymouth. 

3. Old Tom Gin is a slightly sweeter style of gin, making it ideal for use in spirit-forward cocktails. Considered a versatile gin style, Old Tom can be aged or unaged and can come in a dryer style or a sweet, contemporary style. Old Tom Gin is thought to be the oldest of modern gin styles, first gaining popularity in the 18th century when gins were often sweetened to mask their poor quality at the time. 

4. Contemporary/New Western Gin goes by many names, including New American and American Dry. This gin style is known for going against the grain and using unusual botanicals in addition to juniper, resulting in gins with unique flavor profiles. 

Along with these traditional gin styles that have remained relevant today, there are also some modern gin styles that don't fit into conventional gin categorizations. Flavored gin has become increasingly popular in recent years. This style incorporates additional ingredients like fruit (e.g., raspberry, strawberry), spices, or floral elements for a more approachable, less juniper-heavy drink that can often technically qualify as a gin liqueur rather than a true gin. Sloe gin, which is made with blackthorn berries, is an example of such a gin due to having an ABV of 15-30% and being further sweetened with sugar.

Conclusion

Following its humble medicinal origins, gin has undergone a remarkable evolution to become a key figure in today's craft cocktail culture. Its diverse range of styles, flavors, and uses make it one of the most beloved spirits in the world. Whether enjoyed in a classic gin and tonic, a sophisticated martini, or a creative cocktail, gin's ability to combine with numerous infusions for a range of drinking experiences makes it a favorite for bartenders and consumers alike. No matter your Gin preference, RIEDEL offers a variety of glasses to elevate your enjoyment. 

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