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Gin 101 Your Liquor Store S Guide To Botanicals And Flavor Profiles

Leo Migdal
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gin 101 your liquor store s guide to botanicals and flavor profiles

Gin has surged in popularity in recent years—no longer just a mixer for martinis, it’s a centerpiece spirit that invites exploration and flavor discovery. At your local liquor store, you’ll often find rows of gins claiming everything from juniper dominance to bold citrus twists. But what exactly makes each bottle unique? In this guide, we’ll dive into gin’s botanical makeup, flavor styles, and tips for selecting the perfect bottle—whether you frequent an ABC Store, a craft-focused liquor retailer, or boutique shop like Sauce Monkey Spirits... At its core, gin is a distilled spirit flavored predominantly with juniper berries. Legally, in many regions, it must be at least 37.5% ABV and feature juniper as the standout botanical.

But the real magic comes in the mix—each distillery blends an array of botanicals to create signature flavor profiles. When visiting a liquor store—be it a state ABC Store or an independent shop—focus on: Tip: Always check the back label for tasting notes. Many craft distilleries clearly list dominant botanicals—handy intel when browsing. Style: London Dry Recommended Botanical: Juniper strong Cocktail Suggestion: Classic Gin & Tonic, Gimlet Gin botanicals are so much more than just ingredients; they are the very essence of this great spirit.

Though the bold juniper presence takes center stage, it is the supporting cast of botanicals in gin that shapes each expression’s unique character. In the meantime, exotic ingredients like sakura leaf (spring), sakura flower (spring), yuzu (winter), ‘gyokuro’ tea carry the palate around the world and seasons. Along with faint spicy, citrus notes, some elements give the gin a menthol, eucalyptus flavour and develop a sensory tapestry that sets this spirit apart from the relative neutrality of vodka. The amazing trip through the botanical terrain of gin shows at its core not just a drink but a story distilled into liquid form—a narrative we at Dread River celebrate with reverence and creativity. The fundamental distinction when considering what is the difference between vodka and gin lies in their production philosophy. Gin seizes complexity via botanical infusion, even while vodka seeks pristine neutrality blank canvas devoid of identifying features.

Without their unique piney scent, a spirit cannot really claim the gin label, no matter its other botanical components; hence, juniper berries stand as the non-negotiable foundation of the identity of gin. Throughout centuries of development, this vital feature has remained constant and serves as the keystone binding the varied gin family. With its genesis in the Netherlands as “genever”, a juniper-based malt wine predecessor—gin was revolutionized when adopted by England in the 17th century. The development of column stills facilitated the creation of cleaner, lighter spirits that showcased botanical nuances with greater clarity. The modern-day global distilling renaissance has pushed gin’s frontiers further again, with craftsmen in Tokyo to Tasmania interpreting this heritage through the prism of native botanicals, yet still respecting juniper’s vital role. Discover more about gin’s interesting history here.

Gin. It’s a spirit that can evoke strong reactions, often rooted in its most recognized note: juniper. But saying gin just “tastes like pine trees” is like saying all wine tastes like grapes. There’s a whole world of aroma and flavor layered within that clear spirit. This complexity comes from a carefully constructed balance of botanicals ranging from bright citrus and warm spice to delicate florals and earthy roots. Understanding these layers is key to appreciating the incredible diversity gin offers, whether you’re sipping it neat, enjoying a classic Gin & Tonic, or mixing up a complex cocktail.

Let’s pull back the curtain on gin’s botanical heart. We’ll explore where those fascinating flavors come from, how they get into the bottle, and how you can train your own nose to pick them apart. We’ll touch on defining styles like London Dry, the impact of different production methods, the story behind Navy Strength, and even build a simple tool to help you appreciate the nuances. Juniper is the legally required dominant flavor in gin, providing a piney, resinous backbone often with hints of lavender, pepper, or citrus. Beyond juniper, gin’s complexity comes from other botanicals like citrus peels (lemon, orange, yuzu), spices (coriander, angelica, cardamom), florals (lavender, rose, sakura), and herbs/roots. London Dry Gin is a production standard, not a location.

It requires natural botanicals added before or during distillation, juniper dominance, no post-distillation flavorings (except water/minimal sugar), and specific ABV minimums. 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 experienced a surge in popularity in recent years and more and more consumers are asking questions about what botanicals are in their favorite drink. Most gin brands don’t like to list what ingredients they’re uses as they’d be giving away their trade secret! To make gin you start with essentially a neutral spirit (like vodka) and then add flavor by distillation or compounding, using juniper and other herbs, fruits, roots, berries, and seeds. These are what we refer to as botanicals!

And while vodkas taste fairly similar, each kind of gin has a much more distinctive taste. In most gin, the alcohol acts as a solvent and extracts away the aromatic that is in the botanicals. These are boiled off first in the distillation column, collected, and proofed down to make the gins you know and love. Many botanicals are used in flavoring gin, however, in this article, we are going to discuss the most popular ones. The easiest method is the ‘maceration’ method. Mix the botanicals (ground juniper, crushed cinnamon, crushed berries, and citrus peel) and the neutral spirit in a pot still for anywhere from overnight to a few weeks.

Then distilll and collect the now flavored alcohol. You then dilute it to the strength you want to use. Explore the history, craft, and enjoyment of gin — from its Virginia roots to how to taste, serve, and pair it like a professional. Gin is a spirit defined by botanicals, with juniper as the signature ingredient. While its origins trace back to the Netherlands and England in the 17th century, Virginia distillers have put a distinctly American stamp on the style. Virginia craft gin reflects a combination of traditional distilling methods and locally sourced botanicals.

Many distillers incorporate herbs, fruits, and spices from Virginia farms, giving their gin a sense of place — from citrusy and floral to earthy and pine-forward. Gin production begins with a neutral spirit, often distilled from grains or corn, which is then redistilled or infused with botanicals to achieve its distinctive flavor profile. For grain-based gin bases, the grains are mashed to convert starches into fermentable sugars.vIf the base spirit is sourced commercially, the distillery may skip this step and start with pre-made neutral grain spirit. Ever wonder what does gin taste like beyond that distinctive pine note? Understanding gin's flavor profile unlocks a world of tasting possibilities whether you're selecting your first bottle or refining your palate. This guide breaks down exactly what to expect from different gin styles, how production methods shape flavor, and how to identify the botanical notes that make each gin unique.

At its heart, gin tastes like juniper—but that's just the beginning. The European Union defines gin as a spirit requiring juniper as the predominant flavor, which creates that signature pine-like character. However, modern gins incorporate up to 50 different botanicals that create remarkable diversity. Here's what you'll typically experience when tasting gin: Unlike vodka which aims for neutrality, what gives gin its distinctive taste is this carefully balanced botanical orchestra where juniper always takes center stage. The method of botanical extraction dramatically impacts how to describe gin flavors.

There are three primary techniques: You’re opening up to various flavors and aromas when entering gin tasting. Each gin’s unique story is crafted from a blend of botanicals defining its character. Whether you’re a novice eager to learn or someone with a refined palate looking to deepen your appreciation, understanding gin’s flavor profiles can transform your tasting experience. You’ll discover the rich complexities that make each gin unique by focusing on key elements like juniper, citrus, spice, and floral notes. Begin by familiarizing yourself with the foundation of gin—juniper.

This botanical is the cornerstone of every gin and lends a distinctive pine-like quality to the spirit. From there, you’ll notice how other botanicals layer on top of this base to create variety. Citrus-forward gins burst with refreshing notes of lemon, lime, or grapefruit, making them ideal for light cocktails. On the other hand, spiced gins feature warm undertones of cardamom, cinnamon, or pepper, perfect for sipping neat or robust drinks. As you taste, please take a moment to identify these elements and appreciate how they interact. Floral and herbal gins bring another level of complexity.

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