About Gin
Rich History
Gin has a rich and storied history dating back to the 17th century. The highs and lows of gin’s past are substantial but today, gin stands as one of the most versatile and beloved spirits in the world, enjoyed in classic and contemporary cocktails. Its journey from medicinal spirit to craft favorite reflects a dynamic history that is shaped by cultural, economic, and social shifts.
Origins and Early Development
Ancient Medicinal Roots: The earliest ancestor of gin was likely a juniper-flavored medicinal spirit that dates back to ancient times. Juniper was used in many cultures for its supposed medicinal properties, and its berries were often infused in alcohol to create a rudimentary tonic.
Dutch Genever: Modern gin’s most direct ancestor is the Dutch spirit genever (also spelled “jenever”), which emerged in the 16th century. Genever is a malted grain spirit flavored with juniper and other botanicals and was originally consumed as a medicinal remedy. Dutch physician Franciscus Sylvius is often credited with inventing it, though evidence suggests similar spirits were around before his time. Genever became popular across the Netherlands and eventually England, thanks in part to British soldiers who were introduced to it during the Eighty Years’ War (1568–1648). They nicknamed it “Dutch courage” for its warming and calming effects.
The Rise of Gin in England
Gin Craze: Gin found its way to England in the late 17th century and became immensely popular. When William of Orange, a Dutchman, ascended to the English throne in 1689, he encouraged gin production to reduce the influence of French brandy. This spurred a gin boom and eventually led to the infamous Gin Craze of the early 18th century. At the height of the Gin Craze, gin was cheap and widely available, leading to widespread consumption across social classes, especially among the poor. This led to social issues, health problems, and an increase in crime, prompting the government to pass a series of “Gin Acts” in an attempt to regulate and reduce consumption.
Regulation and Reform: The 1751 Gin Act was a turning point; it imposed stricter controls on gin production and distribution, requiring licenses and discouraging unregulated sales. By limiting access to gin, this law curbed some of the excesses associated with the Gin Craze. Gin production evolved to focus on quality over quantity, with distillers refining recipes and techniques.
Development of Modern Gin
London Dry Gin: By the 19th century, the style of gin known as London Dry began to emerge. Unlike the sweeter genever, London Dry gin is distilled from a neutral spirit with a dry, clean, and aromatic profile, making it ideal for mixing in cocktails. The style became popular globally and still forms the backbone of most classic gin cocktails.
Gin in Cocktails: Gin became an essential ingredient in many cocktails in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Prohibition in the United States (1920–1933) further boosted gin’s popularity, as it was relatively easy to produce illicitly. Many iconic cocktails, such as the Martini, the Tom Collins, and the Negroni, became staples in this era.
Modern Craft Movement
Craft Gin Renaissance: Starting in the late 20th century and into the 21st, gin experienced a resurgence thanks to the craft distilling movement. Small-scale distillers began experimenting with unique botanical blends, resulting in a new wave of gins with innovative flavors and local ingredients. This trend continues today, with a focus on artisanal production and creative recipes.
International Influence: Gin production has spread worldwide, with regions like Spain, the United States, and Japan developing distinctive gin styles. Botanical diversity has flourished, giving rise to a wide variety of gins with regional character, from citrus-forward Mediterranean gins to umami-rich Japanese gins.
Real Ingredients you can taste.
Gin is a perfect spirit for cocktails because of its versatility and depth of flavor. Its botanical elements add complexity, allowing it to work beautifully in both simple drinks and elaborate creations. With the craft gin renaissance, mixologists have been exploring gin’s versatility in new ways. Whether you prefer a classic or a twist, gin’s range of botanicals makes it endlessly adaptable to your tastes. Get creative and have some fun with this incredible spirit. Cheers!
