The Ultimate Guide to Gin

Gin has experienced an unlikely rise in popularity in recent years and it now plays a major role in the mainstream lifestyle of men and women of all ages. From an association with alcoholic writers and its role as a preventative for malaria, the spirit has gone from strength to strength, and it is perhaps, in part, a result of its versatility that makes it the tipple of choice for so many. Whether you’re a fan of all kinds of gin and want to expand your knowledge or you’re hoping to impress family, friends and significant others with your extensive knowledge of gin-based cocktails, we’ve created the ultimate guide for you to learn from.

The History of Gin

Despite often being referred to as a classic British spirit, gin was originally used for medicinal properties in Holland, and was not adopted by the Brits until the late 17^th-century. The government turned a blind eye to illegal gin production and thanks to the high taxes on foreign liquors, there was an explosion of small gin distilleries that were accessible for all. After the government recognised that the ‘gin drunks’ were causing issues, they implemented the ‘Gin Act’ that raised taxes and imposed regulations on the sale of the spirit.

The gin & tonic was created whilst British soldiers were overseas in India, and were required to consume Quinine, which is a type of bark-extract, to prevent and treat malaria. Officers soon discovered that by adding a little sugar, lime, water and gin they had a tasty concoction that could be enjoyed during their time away. Interestingly, todays version of gin and tonic still contains quinine, albeit a lot less. After World War One the spirit continued to flourish, although so-called ‘bathtub gin’ or home-produced varieties compromised the delinquent tasting spirit we have today, cocktails masked the taste and the drink was popular. Regulations soon changed to make it easier for gin distilleries to create the drink at home, meaning quality increased tenfold and the billion-pound business it is today was born.

What is Gin?

Gin can be defined basically as a colourless, ‘neutral’ spirit made from fermented grain that is flavoured with juniper berries. Other than the core, anything goes, and in the 21^st-century more than ever, an array of fruits, spices, herbs and botanicals can be mixed in to enhance the flavour. Interestingly, a gin without juniper would be a flavoured vodka so it is that core ingredient that makes it what it is.

How is Gin Made?

There is a plethora of different kinds of gin, but they are all predominately flavoured with juniper. Any gin begins life as a neutral, before flavours are added through a process called re-distillation. There is an array of different methods, but one of the most common is known as the steeping of the botanicals. This entails the base spirt being placed in a pot still, along with the juniper berries and other botanicals. The process can take up to 48 hours, but some will distil the liquid almost immediately. The other popular method includes vapour infusion, whereby the botanicals never come into contact with the neutral base spirit. Instead, they are placed above the base spirit which then boils, vaporises and rises up to infuses with the botanicals. Water is then added to reduce the strength of alcohol.

Quick Facts:

• Gin is one of the only spirits that should not be drunk by itself under any circumstances and should always be mixed with other flavours.
• Gin and tomato juice was once considered the ultimate hangover cure.
• The country with the world’s highest per-capita gin consumption is the Philippines, with an estimated 25 million cases consumed every year.
• There was a time in London when one in every four habitable structures had a gin distillery.
• International Gin Day is celebrated all over the world on the 10^th of June.
• The minimum alcoholic strength by volume of gin is 37.5%, although many boast much higher percentages.
• At around £450 per 750ml bottle, the world’s most expensive gin is one called Notlet’s Reserve.

The Best Gin-based Cocktails

Given that gin was never meant to be consumed by itself, there are an array of delicious gin-based cocktails that create an infusion of flavour for you to try out.

G&T

A classic, go-to for many be it after a long day at work or before a big night out with friends. Ice, lime, a naturally-flavoured tonic water, a large gin glass and any of your favourite garnishing’s make up this drink and we strongly recommend trying it out if you haven’t already.

Elderflower Collins

Everyone loves elderflower, and in conjunction with gin it makes for a fresh, fruity conjunction that’s ideal to enjoy in sunnier weather. The cocktail consists of gin, lemon, sugar syrup, elderflower cordial and soda.

Bramble

Legendary bartender Dick Bradsell created this delicious gin cocktail consisting of gin, sugar syrup, lemon juice, crème de mure and berries or lemon zest for garnish. Serve with crushed ice for the perfect cocktail and party pleaser.

Are you looking to purchase some fine gins to treat yourself? Look no further than the large collection of gin and other spirits at Havana House! Browse online today, along with a range of cigars for everything you need for a truly special occasion. We have a range of specialty gins, providing more of a choice than those that can be offered at supermarkets, so treat yourself and enjoy the beautiful flavour of whichever gin you choose.