Understanding the Gin Innovation Evolution
Gin originated as a medicinal liquor made by monks and alchemists across Europe. The modern gin was modified in Flanders and the Netherlands to provide aqua vita from distillates of grapes and grains, becoming an object of commerce in the spirits industry.
Today, there are thousands of varieties of Gin across the world and the evolution has led to innovation at break neck speed. Here’s a primer on Gin and watch out for more upcoming cocktails, recipes and inspiration from Hidden Speakeasy Bars across the world.
Definition of gin
Gin is an alcoholic beverage that is distilled from grains such as barley, wheat, corn, or rye. It is infused with various botanicals, with a focus on juniper, which is a key element in determining its classification as gin.
Curious to learn more? Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your knowledge!
During the Middle Ages, the emergence of gin can be attributed to the creation of a beverage known as “Jenever”, a Dutch liquor infused with juniper, a plant commonly found in the Northern Hemisphere.
According to contemporary standards, the predominant flavor in gin must always be juniper. In 1689, Prince William of Orange, a Dutch Protestant, and his wife Mary were appointed as the joint rulers of England, Scotland, and Ireland. In the midst of the Thirty Years War against France, they swiftly prohibited the import of French brandy and encouraged the production of local spirits. At the same time, English soldiers who were aiding the Dutch in their struggle for independence from Spain, observed their Dutch counterparts consuming ‘Genever’ or gin for bravery (giving rise to the term “Dutch courage”). Due to the ban on French brandy, William and Mary unintentionally allowed for the unregulated production and distribution of this juniper-flavored drink from their own country.
The Emergence of Gin
In the 1600s, gin was thought to have healing properties and was advertised as a remedy for different illnesses, causing excessive consumption. However, in 1751, the issue of excessive production and consumption was regulated by granting exclusive production rights to a few major distillers.
The 19th century saw a significant advancement in gin production with the introduction of Column Stills, which gave rise to the creation of Dry style gins. Furthermore, the incorporation of exotic ingredients such as citrus, anise, cinnamon, and liquorice root contributed to the development of more diverse and flavorful options.
During the same period, soldiers from Britain who were stationed in India were responsible for the creation of the world-renowned Gin and Tonic cocktail, as they mixed their gin rations with tonic containing quinine in order to protect against malaria. Additionally, the Gin Martini, a popular gin-based cocktail consisting of gin, vermouth, and either an olive or lemon twist garnish, gained widespread appeal during the prohibition era in the United States, particularly in speakeasies.
History of Gin
During Prohibition, the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were banned, leading to the rise of underground and often dangerous methods of producing alcohol. Bathtub gin was one such product, typically made by mixing cheap grain alcohol with water and flavorings such as juniper berries to mimic the taste of authentic gin.
Characteristics
The quality of bathtub gin varied widely, and it was often associated with being of poor quality due to the lack of regulation and oversight in its production. Its production was also associated with health hazards as it could be contaminated with harmful substances.
Legacy
Bathtub gin has become a symbol of the Prohibition era and the creativity of individuals in circumventing the law to produce and consume alcohol. The term is sometimes used today to refer to homemade or small-batch gins produced legally but in a style reminiscent of the Prohibition era.
In modern times, “bathtub gin” may also refer to a style of craft gin produced by small distilleries, often with a focus on unique flavors and artisanal production methods.
If you have any further questions or need more information, feel free to ask!
The Resurgence of Gin on a Global Scale
In the 21st century, there was a notable resurgence in the popularity of gin after a period of decline in the mid-20th century. This was largely due to the emergence of craft distilleries around the world, which started creating a diverse range of premium and handcrafted gins. As a result, there has been a renewed interest and appreciation for gin among enthusiasts, marking a renaissance for this spirit.
The resurgence of gin has led to the rise in popularity of festivals and tours specifically focused on gin, providing avid gin lovers the opportunity to discover a variety of brands, sample diverse blends of botanicals, and gain knowledge about the manufacturing process from knowledgeable professionals.
Gin Varieties
Here are some of the common variations – there are many more that we will cover in future blogs and videos
Gin – This is a broad category with no specific production requirements, except for a noticeable juniper taste and a 37.5% ABV (40% in the US). Most gins are likely made using the cold compounding method and are relatively affordable.
Distilled Gin – This type of gin is made by diluting and redistilling a highly purified spirit (96% ABV) with juniper berries and other natural botanicals. It can also have natural or synthetic flavors added after distillation and may be colored.
London Gin / London Dry Gin – All flavors in this type of gin must come from traditional still distillation. Only a small amount of sweetener is allowed, and no coloring is permitted. This term does not indicate a specific location and can be produced anywhere in the world.
Old Tom Gin – During the 19th century retailers (both pub owners and merchants) often made gin by buying raw spirits from distillers and doctoring it up themselves. Typically used things like licorice or a sweetening agent to actually sweeten the gin.
Plymouth Gin – The Black Friars Distillery in the city of Plymouth is the only spot that’s ever made this gin. It’s one of the oldest recorded gin distilleries in the UK, and the place has been through a lot—different owners, a little thing called World War II, the general progression of time and vodka.
Navy Strength Gin – Anything boasting the Navy Strength label has some chutzpah to it, and it comes in the form of 57.15% ABV (at least). For comparison, the alcohol content in London Dry and Dry gin styles typically hovers around 40% ABV. Back in the day, the British Navy transported its gin at a higher proof, which stabilized it for storing alongside gunpowder (quite the bang-up idea).
New Western and Modern Gins – A VinePair article traces the origin of the “New Western Dry” gin terminology to Aviation Gin co-founders Christian Krogstad and Ryan Magarian, who used the name to describe their gin. Other North American distilleries followed, using the name to refer to a dry-style gin accented by regional botanicals—gins that tended to branch out from the customary coriander, angelica, citrus peels, etc. But as gin production boomed around the world, the “New Western” terminology failed to acknowledge the significant scope of gin’s geography.
Japanese Gin – Amid the new wave of modern gins, Japanese gin stands out for its distinct botanicals and relatively fast rise in popularity. Bigger distilleries like Kyoto Distillery pioneered the country’s gin production, introducing KI NO BI Dry Gin, made with ingredients like yuzu, shiso, sansho pepper, and green tea. Before long, other distilleries—many of them shochu manufacturers—started exploring gin production as well.
Aged Gin – “The practice of aging gin has been going on for 500 to 600 years because gin was stored in wooden barrels as a means of transport,” Palazzi explains. Unlike wines and whiskeys, which are often promoted based on the amount of time they’ve been barrel-aged, gins typically age for 3 to 6 months. But there are some outliers, and they’re pretty different from the other gins on the market. If you know aged rum or reposado tequila, then you can recognize the hallmarks of aged gin: White liquor (usually) turns golden brown, and, in addition to the botanicals, the smell and taste become rich with oak and spice notes.
What’s Bathtub Gin?
Bathtub gin refers to a type of homemade, often illegally produced, alcohol that was made during the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933). The term “bathtub gin” originated from the practice of producing gin in small batches at home, often in bathtubs, to avoid detection by authorities.
GIN QUIZ: CHALLENGE YOUR KNOWLEDGE
- Which Dutch physician is often credited with inventing gin as a medicinal tonic in the 16th century?
a) Dr. Johannes Kip
b) Dr. Franciscus Sylvius
c) Dr. Cornelius Drebbel
d) Dr. Herman Boerhaave - What is the specific type of still traditionally used to distill gin, known for its tall columns that allow for multiple distillations in a single run?
a) Coffey Still
b) Pot Still
c) Alembic Still
d) Column Still - What is the key ingredient in the French gin “G’Vine”, known for its distinctive floral and grape-based flavor profile?
a) Lavender
b) Elderflower
c) Grapes
d) Angelica Root - Which famous gin cocktail, popularized in the 19th century, combines gin, lime juice, sugar, and soda water?
a) Gimlet
b) Southside
c) Rickey
d) Tom Collins - What is the name of the process by which gin is flavored after distillation by steeping botanicals in the spirit, often resulting in a more complex flavor profile?
a) Vapor Infusion
b) Cold Compounding
c) Barrel Aging
d) Maceration - Which historic distillery, established in 1820 in London, is known for producing the renowned Tanqueray gin?
a) Beefeater Distillery
b) Sipsmith Distillery
c) Tanqueray Distillery
d) Bombay Sapphire Distillery - What is the botanical ingredient that gives Hendrick’s Gin its distinctive flavor, alongside juniper?
a) Cucumber
b) Rose petals
c) Coriander
d) Angelica root - Which term is used to describe a gin that has been aged in wooden barrels, resulting in a more mellow and complex flavor profile?
a) Navy Strength
b) Barrel-Aged
c) Reserve
d) Cask-Finished - Which of the following is NOT a classic gin cocktail?
a) Aviation
b) Martinez
c) Boulevardier
d) French 75 - What is the historical significance of the term “Navy Strength” in relation to gin?
a) It refers to gin that was historically supplied to the British Royal Navy, required to be at least 57% ABV to ensure it still ignited gunpowder.
b) It indicates gin that was specifically produced for naval officers during the 18th century, known for its higher quality and potency.
c) It signifies gin that was exported to British colonies for naval personnel, noted for its resistance to spoilage during long sea voyages.
d) It denotes gin that was used as part of the naval ration given to sailors, valued for its ability to prevent scurvy due to the inclusion of juniper berries.
Please drop us an email (hello@hiddenspeakeasy.club) to find out the answers and/or subscribe to our newsletter for more quizes
