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What Is Gin Made From The Ultimate Guide Taste Trot

Leo Migdal
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what is gin made from the ultimate guide taste trot

If there’s one spirit that has stood the test of time while constantly reinventing itself, it’s gin. As a bartender, I’ve seen gin evolve from the backbone of classic cocktails to the star of modern mixology. Whether you’re a spirit enthusiast, an aspiring bartender, or someone who loves a good drink, understanding gin is essential. Its history, flavors, and best serves will elevate your appreciation for this juniper-led marvel. So, what exactly is gin? Why has it remained a staple behind the bar for centuries?

Let’s dive into the history of gin. We’ll explore how it became a global phenomenon, the most famous gin cocktails, and the best gin brands to try. By the end, you’ll be a gin expert or the most knowledgeable one at your next cocktail party. Before we get into the fun stuff, let’s cover the basics. Gin’s story starts in the Netherlands with Genever, a maltier, richer ancestor of modern gin. Originally created in the 16th century as a medicinal tonic (juniper was believed to cure ailments), Genever was soon embraced as a drink.

Dutch soldiers even drank “Dutch courage” before battle, a tradition that spread gin’s popularity. When British troops encountered Genever during the Thirty Years’ War, they brought it home, dubbing it “gin.” By the 18th century, gin had exploded in London, but not in a good way. Cheap, poorly made gin led to the Gin Craze, a period of mass consumption (and public drunkenness). The government eventually stepped in with regulations, leading to better-quality gin. By the 19th century, gin had cleaned up its act. The invention of the column still allowed for smoother, more refined spirits, giving birth to London Dry Gin – a crisp, juniper-forward style that remains the gold standard today.

By Timo Torner / Last updated on July 1, 2024 Currently, Gin is the most commonly used base spirit in mixology. No other is featured in so many cocktail recipes. One reason is that Gin was very popular and one of the first ever used in mixed drinks. The second reason is probably that the variety of flavors in Gin offers countless options for new and exciting flavor combinations. In a nutshell, Gin is made of a base spirit and flavored with a list of botanicals which must include juniper berries.

The base spirit is often made of grains like rye but could be literally anything. For instance, there are Gins made of potato, grape, and even grape spirits. So what makes a Gin a Gin? Here's a quick overview of the ingredients and what else a spirit needs to be classified as Gin. Simply put, the base ingredients of Gin are: Gin is a spirit that marries tradition with innovation, offering a world of flavors through its complex blend of botanicals.

From juniper-forward classics to contemporary takes featuring unique ingredients, gin’s versatility has cemented its place in cocktails and on bar carts worldwide. But what exactly is gin made from, and how does it differ from vodka? Let’s go into the ingredients, techniques, and stories behind this timeless spirit Gin begins with a neutral base spirit, typically distilled from grains such as wheat or barley. This base serves as a blank canvas for botanicals, which define the gin’s flavor profile. By law, juniper must be the predominant botanical, giving gin its characteristic piney, herbal taste.

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. A Dutch Genever barrel. Image: Flickr / cheeseslave

Battle Scene from the 80 Years War. Image: Flickr / David Teniers the Younger "Gin Lane," an etching used by the British government as anti-gin propaganda during the Gin Craze. Image: Wikimedia / Samuel Davenport A bottle of Hendrick's gin. Image: Flickr / TheDeliciousLife

A mash tun. Image: Wikimedia / Kernel Saunters

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