Gin & Genever

Or a martini. Or a vesper. Gin is a clear colorful cultural asset that has left its mark on history for thousands of years. Sometimes good, sometimes less so, but always gin.

Gin - The Wonder of the Juniper Bush

Gin has been a subject of interest for scholars and enthusiasts alike. Thousands of years ago, the connection between alcohol and juniper berry was researched for its medicinal properties. The mixture was said to be good for heartburn, rheumatism, gout, and digestive issues. Patients were pleased. It quickly became clear that the so-called sick were more likely to be fakers. Gin became a luxury beverage. Today, just like back then, gin offers an immeasurable variety of types and ingredients that make each gin creation from a distillery unique. 3 production methods, about 12 gin types, and 120 so-called botanicals—calculate the possibilities or try the wealth of gin enjoyment at VINELLO.

Gin Taste

The main focus of gin is on the juniper berry, a cypress plant that gives the distinctive note to the agricultural alcohol, which is obtained from grain and rarely from molasses. A gin must have a minimum alcohol content of 37.5% vol., with an unwritten rule stating that more alcohol results in a smoother gin. What follows is the individual combination of about 120 ingredients, also known as botanicals. These include exotic plant ingredients, precious herbs, and intense spices, such as nutmeg, gentian, iris, ginger, rose, lemon and orange peels, and much more. Depending on the distillation process, the alcohol takes on the aromas and active ingredients of the ingredients and becomes gin. But gin is not just gin. A classification determines which designation the mixture can carry on the label. Among them are:

• Dry Gin
• London Dry Gin
• Sloe Gin
• Plymouth Gin 
• Original Genever
• Distilled Gin
• Gin de Mahón
• New Western Dry Gin
• Vilnius Gin
• Old Tom Gin
• Reserve Gin

The English touch has been acquired by gin over the centuries, but the story begins in another place.

The Great History of Gin

Alchemists, witches, and monks have experimented with alcohol and juniper since ancient times due to its medicinal properties. It really took off in the 17th century when a juniper spirit called genever made the sick happy in the Netherlands. The medicine was so popular that it was soon sold as a luxury beverage over the counter. Apparently having become a national drink, the Dutch soldiers always carried a bottle with them into battle. The allied English redcoats took a liking to the tasty genever as they fought together against the Spaniards. With a few bottles in tow, the Englishmen returned home and made genever—colloquially referred to as “Juniperus” or simply gin—known.

Gin became a secret tip on the British Isles. Then William III of Orange-Nassau ascended the English throne. He had always had a knack for winning over his subjects. In short: He brought gin from the Netherlands, made it tax-free, and imposed high taxes on French products. Everyone was allowed to open their own distillery in their house and officially sell gin after 10 days. Thus began the gin craze, the gin crisis, which had devastating consequences for the poorer population.

Gin was cheap and subjected to no quality standards. What was in the gin didn't matter. As long as it packed a punch. Crime rose, as did child mortality. Everyone was intoxicated, and the rest lay fallow. The overall death rate even exceeded the birth rate, with newborns entering the world already dependent on gin. The macabre name "Mother's Ruin" was established. It was a dark time, which the government recognized as well. The Gin Act of 1751 put a stop to the revelry. The licenses to distill gin became extremely expensive, the quality standard and price increased significantly. Gin became the drink of the upper class.

With the global spread of the British Empire, gin spread accordingly. The redcoats in India particularly fought against mosquitoes and malaria. To protect themselves, they had to consume quinine, found in tonic water. To make the very bitter taste more tolerable, the soldiers mixed tonic water with gin—with resounding success that continues to this day. Less for malaria, but who really knows.

During Prohibition, the term bathtub gin emerged in the United States, which even today stands for inferior gin. The spirit is quite easy to make, and the only large usable vessel was usually the bathtub. Quality was less of a concern, but alcohol was abundant. It's best not to order bathtub gin—better to go for a Mother's Ruin.

Types of Gin

The categorization of different gin types refers to origin, production, and ingredient list. Every distillery has dedicated itself to one or more styles. A small overview of the most popular types helps navigate the variety.

Genever

The original of Dutch origin. Also known as jenever, from the Dutch jeneverbes for juniper, is commonly regarded as the precursor to gin. The alcohol is derived from barley or rye and refined with the botanicals cumin, roasted aromas, and coriander. A smooth representative of this genre is the Old Style Genever from De Borgen, which seduces the palate with intense notes of grain and juniper.

London Dry Gin

This is not necessarily gin from London, but rather a style. In dry gin, no artificial flavors are added, and the sugar content is limited to 0.1 g per liter. Notable representatives of this type are Bombay Sapphire, Tanqueray Dry Gin from the C. Tanqueray & Co distillery, and Elephant London Dry Gin.

Dry Gin

This type features a pronounced juniper aroma and, unlike London Dry Gin, cannot be enriched with plant materials. However, it's possible to give the gin a unique color through colorants. Ideal for cocktails or your own home bar. Examples of dry gin include Gin Mare and Friedrichs Dry Gin.

Sloe Gin

Sloe gin stands out a bit on its own. It is not a true gin, but rather a liqueur with less alcohol, yet is still counted as gin. The dark red color comes from the sloe. It presents itself as much sweeter and fruitier than dry gin. Elephant Sloe Gin is highly recommended for this type.

Plymouth, Vilnius, and Gin de Mahón

These gins are defined by their geographical locations. They must be produced in these places and usually have unique botanical compositions. For example, Plymouth Gin from the Black Friars Distillery is produced only in the English port city, and its juniper aroma is much less pronounced.

Interesting Facts about Gin

What is Gin?

Gin is a clear spirit that is predominantly dominated by juniper and coriander. Originally from the Netherlands, gin has developed into a typically English beverage. Gin is often used for creating cocktails and long drinks.

How is Gin Made?

There are 3 common methods for making gin.

Maceration: The botanicals are added to the alcohol until the flavor is released. The mixture is then filtered and diluted.

Digestion: During hot extraction, the crushed botanicals are added to the alcohol. The mixture is cooked at about 70°C to fully develop the range of aromas.

Percolation: The most noble and elaborate production method. The alcohol is vaporized and passes through several sieves filled with the desired ingredients into the next kettle. Finally, the gas is turned back into liquid, and the gin is ready.

What Pairs Well with Gin?

Gin is a key ingredient in many cocktails. The best-known is gin and tonic. The possibilities for using gin in mixed drinks are virtually endless. Just try it out and enjoy.

How to Store Gin?

Gin should ideally be stored cool, dark, and upright. A cellar is ideal for protected and consistent storage. Even opened bottles can last several months or even years, as long as they are closed. Depending on how much gin is still in the bottle. Because the more oxygen, the faster the gin oxidizes.

Buy Gin Online Cheap

A sip of world history, because wherever you go, gin has already been there. The world-class spirit is just waiting to be enjoyed in countless varieties. From around the world, we have created a select assortment for you. Order your favorite gin from all corners of the world online. Whether with friends, for a celebration, or as an aperitif. Discover our large selection of high-quality gins. Buy online and easily receive affordable distillates in a package full of gin, wine, and other spirits directly at your doorstep. We deliver reliably and insured via climate-neutral shipping. Wherever you want, pay how you want, for what you want. Of course, also affordably gin at VINELLO - your wine retailer with heart for spirits.