A Quick Guide To Gin How Its Made Types Of Gin Wine Searcher

Gin is a popular alcoholic beverage enjoyed worldwide for its distinctive flavors and versatility in cocktails. Whether sipped neat, mixed with tonic, or used as a base for a classic martini, gin has become a staple in bars and households alike. But what exactly is gin, and what type of alcohol is it? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the process of how gin is made, its various types, its flavor profile, and its historical significance. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what gin is and how it differs from other spirits. Gin is a distilled alcoholic beverage that primarily gets its flavor from juniper berries.

While gin is a type of distilled spirit, it’s distinct in its production process and taste. It’s classified as a flavored spirit, as the key flavor is derived from juniper and various botanicals, which are plants used to infuse the drink with unique flavors. Although gin’s origins date back to the 16th century, it has evolved significantly over time. Today, gin is produced in different styles, each with its own distinct flavor profile and production methods. Understanding these variations is crucial to fully appreciating the depth and complexity of this spirit. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at what makes gin unique, the history behind it, and how it is produced.

We will also explore the various types of gin and their specific characteristics. Let’s start by exploring the key question: What type of alcohol is gin? Discover the essentials of gin—from its rich history and signature botanicals to how it’s made and the key styles to try. Perfect for beginners and gin lovers alike! Gin is one of the world’s most popular and versatile spirits, loved for its unique blend of flavors derived from natural botanicals—especially juniper berries. Whether you’ve heard of London Dry, Old Tom, or New Western styles, understanding what makes gin special starts with learning about its history, production process, and signature ingredients.

Thanks for reading Drink Lore! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll break down the essentials of gin: what it is, how it’s made, the key botanicals that give it its distinct taste, and the different styles you might come across. By the end, you’ll have a solid foundation to appreciate this botanical spirit, whether you’re exploring it for the first time or simply curious to learn more. Gin is a popular distilled spirit made by infusing neutral alcohol with juniper berries and other botanicals. Known for its crisp, herbal flavor, gin has been a staple in bars and homes for centuries.

Published: March 12, 2025 | Last Updated: August 30, 2025 This page may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. With this quick-start guide to gin, you’ll learn everything you need to know about this flavorful and versatile spirit, from how it’s made to the best brands to buy. Whether you’re mixing up a classic cocktail or trying a new recipe, our Gin 101 guide will help you choose the right bottle and make the most of it. *This post may contain affiliate links, meaning Feast + West may receive commissions for purchases made through those links — at no cost to you. All opinions are our own.

Please read our full disclosure for more information. Welcome to Gin 101! This spirit is complex, with layers of herbal, floral and spiced flavors that vary widely from bottle to bottle. People often tell me that they hate gin. And honestly? I get it.

Gin wasn’t always one of my favorite spirits for cocktails, either, but it has grown on me in a big way. When I was younger, the strong, herbal, almost-medicinal taste of cheap gin turned me away. But now, I’m learning to like those complex flavors. Gin has come a long way from its early days as a medicinal spirit — but what is gin made from, exactly? These days, it’s best known as the crisp, botanical base for classics like the G&T or a dry martini. In this post, we’ll answer the question “What is gin made from?” in detail, looking at its core ingredients, how it’s distilled, and why it’s not quite the same as vodka (though they’re more...

Whether you’re just curious or trying to choose the right bottle, here’s what you need to know. At its core, gin is made from two key elements: a neutral base alcohol and a selection of botanicals — with juniper taking the lead. To legally be called gin, the spirit must have a dominant flavour of juniper berries. That’s what gives gin its signature piney, slightly peppery character. But juniper is just the starting point. Gin makers add a variety of other natural ingredients like coriander seed, citrus peel, angelica root, orris, and spices to create their own unique flavour profiles.

The result is a clear, complex spirit that’s both refreshing and versatile. Juniper is what makes gin… gin. Without it, you’ve just got flavoured vodka. Juniper berries (which are technically small cones from the juniper tree) are packed with aromatic oils that give off that fresh, pine-like scent and flavour that gin is known for. Summer is on the way, and what better way to pass the time than with a Negroni or a French 75? But how is gin made?

Regardless of which cocktails get you slurping, gin is one of the most popular bases for various drinks. This juniper-tasting spirit has long been a favorite worldwide, from underground dive bars to fancy cocktail joints. In this guide, we’re going to discuss how is gin made commercially and some of the top drinks that you can shake and mix. Approximately 63% of Americans claimed they were alcohol drinkers, with a substantial number making gin their spirit of choice. Like other types of liquor, gin is created through fermentation. Depending on the distiller or brand, these base carbohydrates can be anything from grain to fruit.

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