What S The History Of Gin Thecollector
Published: Mar 18, 2024written by Greg Beyer, BA History & Linguistics, Journalism Diploma It is well known that the national drink of England is tea. The country, however, also has a national alcoholic drink, and that drink is gin. Originally conceived as a medicinal drink, gin took hold of England in the 17th century and never really let go. It served as a drink for people across the class spectrum, from those wishing to drown their sorrows to those wishing to relax in a summer garden. Since then, gin has become a popular alcoholic drink in many countries around the world and has been the inspiration for craft enterprises wishing to bring something different to the shelves of liquor stores.
Gin is a colorless clear liquor made from grain mash, to which juniper berries are added for flavoring. There are various similar types of gin, with different countries having different laws as to what can be labeled as gin. In the United States, for example, gin is legally classified as an alcoholic beverage of no less than 40% alcohol with the characteristic flavor of juniper berries. Gin has endured a roller coaster ride since its inception. From fashionable 12th century after-dinner tummy trouble reliever, to the scourge of London during a gin craze of the 18th. In the 19th century the spirit formed the backbone of some of the most enduring and classic cocktails of our time, but by the 20th it was the go-to giggle juice for grandmas with...
This is in spite of gin in the 18th century tasting, well to be perfectly blunt, like piss. We can say this with some authority too, with accounts of the awful ingredients used to bulk it out. One being piss. Drinkers called it “piss-quick”. Other customers complained of acid stomach for the first time, possibly because it was occasionally bulked up with sulphuric acid. As you will see, history is packed with classic gins and equally classic gin cocktails.
The earliest gin creations invariably offer interesting tales to tell at the bar. Take the Gimlet. In 1747, surgeon James Lind’s discovered that citrus combatted scurvy – which encouraged the navy to make lime juice standard issue by the 19th century. GIN’S PAST IS ONE OF UPS AND DOWNS, BUT ITS STRATOSPHERIC RISE IN THE PRESENT HAS SECURED ITS FUTURE. GIN IS IN. Greek Physician Galen claims juniper can cleanse the liver and kidneys but is mixing it with alcohol, which somewhat undermines his theory.
Gin has a storied past that dances through centuries, blending tales of alchemists, sailors, and social revolutions into every drop. Imagine sitting in a dimly lit tavern in 18th-century London, where the chatter of dockworkers and nobility alike is punctuated by the clinking of bottles filled with a potent, clear liquid. This isn’t just any spirit; it’s gin—an elixir that has been both celebrated and vilified, driving social change and spurring innovative botanical blends that continue to captivate us today. In exploring the history of gin, we unearth a narrative as complex and invigorating as the drink itself. Born from humble beginnings in the medicinal concoctions of medieval monks, gin has transformed over the ages, mirroring the cultural and economic shifts of the societies it touched. Whether it’s the infamous “Gin Craze” that swept through England or the high-end revival in contemporary craft distilleries, each era adds its own unique twist to the tale.
Join us on this intoxicating journey through time, as we unbottle the secrets and reveal the fascinating history of gin, one sip at a time. Gin’s roots can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it was first used as a medicinal tonic by monks. These early versions of gin were infused with various herbs and botanicals, believed to have healing properties. The word “gin” itself is derived from the Dutch word “jenever,” meaning juniper, which is one of the key ingredients in gin. As time went on, the medicinal qualities of gin became less important, and its popularity as a recreational drink began to rise. In the 17th century, Dutch distillers started producing a more refined version of gin that was smoother and more palatable.
This new style of gin quickly gained popularity in England, where it became known as “Dutch Courage.” During the 18th century, gin underwent a significant transformation in Europe. It transitioned from being a luxury item enjoyed by the upper classes to becoming a drink for the masses. This shift was largely due to changes in distillation techniques and an increase in grain production. By Timo Torner / Last updated on July 10, 2024 The history of gin is linked closely to England - London in particular.
That even shows in the most famous gin type, the London Dry Gin. But the origin of the juniper-flavored spirit lies despite all British influences in the Netherlands. It was a Dutchman who brought the juniper-infused liquor to the British Island. Follow us on a journey from genever to gin, learn how the spirit has established itself in England, and what "Gin Craze" means. Gin, as we know it today, is a strong spirit of at least 37,5% ABV flavored with juniper and other botanicals. It's available in many different types, with London Dry being the most popular.
The term gin is a short form of the English word genever or variations of the word in other languages like French (genièvre) and Dutch (jenever). Ultimately, all are derivations from the Latin word for juniper - Juniperus. Gin is BIG. Don’t believe us? Well, maybe the numbers will convince you… Gin sales in the UK hit just shy of the £2bn mark in 2018. 66 million bottles of the stuff were sold in Britain alone last year.
And it looks as though our thirst for the juniper-based spirit is nowhere near being quenched yet. We can’t get enough of gin. It’s understandable too; there’s nothing quite like the taste of a crisp, well-made G&T. A generous measure of your favourite gin poured into a highball (or Copa de Balon if you’re feeling fancy) with plenty of ice and a nice fat wedge of lime squeezed into it, topped... Drinks simply don’t come more refreshing or refined. This may seem like a modern trend, but the love folk have for gin now is no fad.
Its popularity dates back centuries. The transparent liquor has been around longer than you might have imagined. First things first... Before we get too into the heritage of this fine alcoholic beverage, let’s get the basics out of the way, shall we? Gin is a delicious - if slightly bitter-tasting - spirit. A high strength alcohol (usually 40% or greater by volume), it’s almost exclusively drunk with a mixer.
Tasting notes vary hugely across the world, with different countries, companies and brands taking slightly different approaches and using a wide variety of ingredients, herbs, spices, botanicals and flavours to make their tipple. The distilled spirit known as gin has captivated the world with its unique flavors and rich history. Originating as a medicinal liquor, gin has evolved through centuries, becoming a cornerstone in the world of mixology. This article embarks on a journey through the timeline of gin, from its early days to its current status as a beloved ingredient in many classic cocktails. The history of gin begins in the Middle Ages, with its earliest form being a medicinal liquor made by European monks. These early versions were often crudely distilled and flavored predominantly with juniper berries, known for their diuretic properties.
This medicinal drink laid the foundation for the development of gin. It was in the 17th century in the Netherlands that the spirit truly began to take form. The Dutch physician Franciscus Sylvius is often credited with the invention of gin. He developed a juniper-flavored spirit called 'jenever' as a medicinal tonic. Jenever was soon being produced commercially, and its popularity quickly spread. The English soldiers fighting in the Thirty Years' War discovered jenever and brought it back to England, where it evolved into what we now know as gin.
The early 18th century saw a period known as the 'Gin Craze' in London. The government, attempting to curb the consumption of French brandy, allowed for unlicensed gin production. This led to a massive surge in gin consumption, which became synonymous with social problems and excessive drinking. The Gin Act of 1751 marked a turning point, introducing strict licensing for its production. This led to an improvement in quality, and gin slowly began to shed its reputation as a poor man's drink. By the 19th century, gin had become a refined spirit, with the development of the continuous still leading to a cleaner and more consistent product.
Alcohol in general was believed to have been first consumed by humans as early as 10,000 BC, with the first documented recipe being made from a concoction of fermented rice, honey, and hawthorn fruit. This was a far cry from the craft beers and perfectly balanced cocktails that we enjoy today. The first recorded instance of a beverage being made and consumed by humans that could be interpreted as an early version of gin dates back to the Middle Ages. During this time, an anti-inflammatory medical elixir made from juniper berries was used to treat urinary tract infections and various stomach problems. Like many aspects of history, the exact origins of gin’s development are often debated, with no clear, definitive timeline of its inception. The Netherlands is a common theory for the origin of modern day gin, where it was believed to have been created as well as first commercialised and sold for recreational use.
Professor Sylvius de Bouve is credited as the inventor of gin. In 1572, the Dutch chemist, alchemist, and scholar created ‘genièvre’, a treatment for lower back pain which was made up of a mix of grain spirit and oil of juniper. This concoction was then commercialised 3 years later by the Bols family, who set up the world’s first distillery brand in Professor Sylvius de Bouve home city, Amsterdam. Gin is one of the world's most versatile and beloved spirits. From its origins as a medicinal remedy to its starring role in modern cocktails, it has evolved in style, taste and reputation. Its complex history spans medieval monks, Dutch doctors, British aristocracy and a boom in Spain that has made the country one of the world's largest consumers.
In this article, we explore the origins of gin, its styles, the essential ingredients in its making and its impact on history and culture. Although many associate gin with the United Kingdom, its roots lie in the Netherlands. In the 17th century, Dutch doctors made a distillate from juniper berries, a plant known for its medicinal properties. This distillate, called "genever," was used to treat digestive problems and kidney diseases. During the Eighty Years' War (1568-1648), British soldiers in the Netherlands discovered this drink and quickly adopted it, nicknaming it "Dutch Courage" as it helped them withstand the cold and stress of battle.
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Published: Mar 18, 2024written By Greg Beyer, BA History &
Published: Mar 18, 2024written by Greg Beyer, BA History & Linguistics, Journalism Diploma It is well known that the national drink of England is tea. The country, however, also has a national alcoholic drink, and that drink is gin. Originally conceived as a medicinal drink, gin took hold of England in the 17th century and never really let go. It served as a drink for people across the class spect...
Gin Is A Colorless Clear Liquor Made From Grain Mash,
Gin is a colorless clear liquor made from grain mash, to which juniper berries are added for flavoring. There are various similar types of gin, with different countries having different laws as to what can be labeled as gin. In the United States, for example, gin is legally classified as an alcoholic beverage of no less than 40% alcohol with the characteristic flavor of juniper berries. Gin has en...
This Is In Spite Of Gin In The 18th Century
This is in spite of gin in the 18th century tasting, well to be perfectly blunt, like piss. We can say this with some authority too, with accounts of the awful ingredients used to bulk it out. One being piss. Drinkers called it “piss-quick”. Other customers complained of acid stomach for the first time, possibly because it was occasionally bulked up with sulphuric acid. As you will see, history is...
The Earliest Gin Creations Invariably Offer Interesting Tales To Tell
The earliest gin creations invariably offer interesting tales to tell at the bar. Take the Gimlet. In 1747, surgeon James Lind’s discovered that citrus combatted scurvy – which encouraged the navy to make lime juice standard issue by the 19th century. GIN’S PAST IS ONE OF UPS AND DOWNS, BUT ITS STRATOSPHERIC RISE IN THE PRESENT HAS SECURED ITS FUTURE. GIN IS IN. Greek Physician Galen claims junipe...
Gin Has A Storied Past That Dances Through Centuries, Blending
Gin has a storied past that dances through centuries, blending tales of alchemists, sailors, and social revolutions into every drop. Imagine sitting in a dimly lit tavern in 18th-century London, where the chatter of dockworkers and nobility alike is punctuated by the clinking of bottles filled with a potent, clear liquid. This isn’t just any spirit; it’s gin—an elixir that has been both celebrated...