Gin
Gin is thought to be a British adaptation of the Dutch spirit genever, though the origins of both gin and genever are subject to debate. Gin is, in essence, a flavored vodka as it is in fact a neutral spirit with certain flavorings added to it, though gin distillers won’t thank you for saying that. The key, characteristic flavor of gin must be of juniper, and historically juniper has been an overwhelming component of the spirit. In recent years, distillers have moved to tempering the impact of juniper and pumping up other flavors in the bottle, sometimes resulting in a spirit that’s closer to a flavored vodka. In the European Union and some other places gin must be at least 75 proof, while in the U.S. it must be at least 80 proof. “Navy Strength” gins are often bottled at 114 proof. Today, numerous sub-styles of gin have emerged out of the classic London Dry, including a resurgence of the archaic Old Tom gin style, Plymouth gin (which is also a famous brand), and New Western (or New American) gin, which tends to push the flavor boundaries of the spirit. Aside from Plymouth gin, which must be produced in a specific town in England, these gins have no formal, legal definitions or requirements.
Top Gin Posts:
The Botanist Gin
Tanqueray No. Ten Gin
Recipes for National Gin and Tonic Day
Midnight at the oasis / Send your camel to bed The latest from the Hendrick’s Gin Cabinet of Curiosities is inspired by a visit to a Middle Eastern/North African oasis, where I’m not sure any gin has ever been consumed but, hey, who’s counting? Per the distillery: This limited release reimagines Hendrick’s through a lush…
The oddly named Ology is a Tallahassee, Florida-based brewery and distillery (it’s first and only distillery, actually), and to celebrate the city’s 200th anniversary, the operation dropped an unusual special edition: Ology Gin, infused with lavender. They call it a “touch of lavender,” but, as we’ll see, there might be more of the stuff here…
Orion gin is a new gin expression from the Pegasus Distillerie in France. Per the brand; “Maxime Girardin, third generation wine-maker, founded the Pegasus Distillerie in 2021 in the village of Meursault, at the heart of Burgundy, world renowned for its wines. This new venture took up the challenge of producing innovative top-quality spirits reflecting…
It’s still barely above freezing where we are, but it’s only a matter of time before warmer weather hits us, and we start to migrate, ever so slightly, toward lighter, brighter spirits — namely gin. 2024 was a fairly light year for this iconic spirit, but we still found 10 bottlings that are really special…
Here’s a new one, folks. Gin from Mexico. But that’s not the unusual part. There are several Mexican gins (most of which we’ve yet to cover). But there’s no other gin out there made with sotol, that lesser known southwestern spirit made from Dasylirion wheeleri, a member of the asparagus family. It’s the latest creation…
David visited The Industrious Spirit Company (ISCO) back in 2021 when the Rhode Island distillery, the first in the state’s capital since Prohibition, offered only a vodka, gin, and bourbon. They’ve built out that portfolio considerably in recent years with several different vodkas, gins, and bourbons, plus a pair of aquavit and even a “Pizza…
Located in Brooklyn, New York, Fort Hamilton Distillery is named after the nearby Fort Hamilton Army Base and began barreling whiskey in 2016. On their website, they note their particular dedication to producing outstanding rye: On a mission to recapture America’s finest spirits, we celebrate America’s original whiskey style New York Rye. This style was…
Mine Hill Distillery can be found in the hills of Connecticut, where in 2018 it was seen fit to turn an old cigar factory into a distillery cranking out all manner of spirits, including bourbon, rye, vodka, gin, and even amaro. In 2023, the operation was purchased by Zachary Karabell and an investor group, and…
Danielle Leavell is the creative mind behind Astraea Spirits, where she’s both the Founder and Master Distiller. Astraea is a one-of-a-kind spirits brand that’s completely owned and run by women. They make delicious organic gins that are inspired by the rich botanicals and scenery found in the Pacific Northwest. Notable achievements mark Leavell’s journey to…
Monkey 47‘s annual special edition is upon is. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, or the gin, the standard Monkey 47 uses a whopping 47 botanicals in its complex, winning recipe. Every year a special version with a 48th ingredient arrives for a limited time. 2024 marks the 14th installment of the Distiller’s Cut series.…