For some people, gin is a confusing spirit. Many have had bad experiences in the past and are “gin” shy. Gin originated in the Netherlands and Belgium and was originally a health tonic meant to cleanse the liver. There are several different varieties of gin but to have a good gin, you must start with a good vodka or neutral spirit.
Gin is defined as a clear alcoholic spirit distilled from gain or malt and flavored with juniper berries and aromatics. It is the combination of these berries, herbs, spices, roots and aromatics that define the character of each type of gin.
True gins receive their flavors during distillation as the vapors of the alcohol pass through a metal basket filled with the bouquet of herbs, spices and citrus. There are no artificial flavors added after distillation.
Types of Gin
Jenever or Genever is the original gin. It is the traditional liquor of the Netherlands and Belgium. It is a heavy botanical gin and is usually aged in barrels for one to three years. This gin is not clear, as it retains the color of the wood in which it was aged.
London Dry Gin is the most common style. It is dry, usually 90 proof and has a juniper forward flavor. This is the basis of the dry martini and many cocktails.
Plymouth Strength is a little softer with a lower proof, usually around 82 or 83.
Navy Strength is the gin commissioned by the British Royal Navy and has a traditional strength of 100 proof.
Old Tom Gin is a sweetened gin. Usually the sweetener is simple syrup.
New Western Dry Gin is the newest kind. This gin is not necessarily juniper forward. It may be cucumber forward, citrus forward or botanicals forward. This style lends itself to the craft industry, particularly in creating “terroir” gins. These gins have a bouquet of herbs, citrus, botanicals and aromatics that can be defined as primarily from a particular region or terroir. These gins are very popular in the American West. All the western states have access to juniper berries, desert, mountain or rainforest herbs, roots, berries and obscure botanicals. Some of the botanicals we use in Arizona are sage, pine, fennel, anise, coriander, hibiscus and, of course, citrus. On a good hike you can find enough inspiring smells and tastes to create an interesting gin.
Gin is considered the “King of Cocktails,” being found in more mixed drinks than any other liquor. It is the basis of the dry martini; which apparently, was developed in Western mining camps, as incongruous as that seems. With the variety of gins available today, you can find a gin that is harmonious with anything.
Don’t be gin shy. Stop in to a distillery and try the “local” gin. It may remind you of your last hike after a monsoon rain.
Cheers! QCBN
By Dana Murdock