Gin is a popular spirit that has been enjoyed for centuries around the world. It’s a versatile spirit with an array of different styles and flavor profiles, each with its own distinct characteristics. This article will explore the different types of gin, their history and production processes, and how they are used in cocktails.
Gin is generally categorized into four main styles: London Dry, Old Tom, Genever (or Dutch-style), and Modern. Each style has its own unique flavor profile and is used in different cocktails. London Dry gin is the most popular style of gin, characterized by its dryness and juniper-forward flavor profile. Old Tom gin is sweeter than London Dry and has a more malty profile from the addition of sugar or other sweetening agents. Genever (or Dutch-style) gin has a malty flavor from its primary ingredient, malted barley, which gives it an earthy quality unlike any other type of gin. Finally, modern gins are made with a variety of botanicals that can vary greatly depending on the brand or distillery producing them.Gin is a popular spirit made from juniper berries and other botanicals. It has a distinct taste that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a cocktail. There are many different types of gin available, each with its own unique flavor profile.
London Dry Gin is the most popular style of gin. It is dry and aromatic, with prominent flavors of juniper and citrus. London Dry Gin must be made from at least 70% neutral grain spirits and must not contain any added sugar or other sweeteners.
Old Tom Gin is similar to London Dry Gin, but it has a sweeter flavor due to the addition of sugar or other sweeteners. It is slightly less dry than London Dry Gin, but still has the same juniper and citrus flavors.
Plymouth Gin is a style of gin that originated in Plymouth, England. It has a distinctive flavor profile that includes subtle notes of coriander and cardamom, as well as hints of citrus and juniper. Plymouth Gin must be made in Plymouth in order to be labeled as such.
Genever is an older style of gin that originated in the Netherlands. It is made from malt wine instead of neutral grain spirits, giving it a malty flavor with notes of licorice and herbs. Genever can be either dry or sweet depending on how much sugar or other sweeteners are added during production.
Flavored Gins are gins that have been infused with different botanicals or fruit flavors to create unique flavor profiles. They can range from subtle flavors such as cucumber or lavender to more bold flavors like strawberry or raspberry. These gins are often used in creative cocktails for an extra layer of complexity.
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Traditional London Dry Gin
Gin has been a popular spirit since the 1700s and has been enjoyed by many generations. Traditional London Dry Gin is made in London, according to the rules and regulations set forth by the British government. This particular style of gin is known for its dry taste and strong juniper flavor. In order to be classified as a Traditional London Dry Gin, it must contain certain ingredients, such as juniper berries, coriander, angelica root, and other botanicals, but there are no restrictions on what type of alcohol is used. The traditional method for creating this gin is to distill the botanicals in a copper still with neutral grain spirits. The result is a smooth spirit with a distinct taste and aroma.
Traditional London Dry Gin is often used in cocktails such as the classic Martini and Gimlet, but it can also be enjoyed on its own or with tonic water or soda water. It pairs well with citrus fruits such as lemons and limes, as well as herbs like basil or rosemary. With its dry taste and strong juniper flavor, it can add depth and complexity to any cocktail or drink.
History of Old Tom Gin
Old Tom Gin is a style of gin that was popular during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is made using slightly sweeter recipes than the more modern London Dry Gin. It gets its name from the wooden plaques that were used to dispense it in pubs in England. The plaques were usually shaped like a cat, thus giving rise to the name “Old Tom”. The gin was also known for its higher proof, which made it more popular with drinkers who wanted to enjoy a stronger drink.
Production of Old Tom Gin
Old Tom Gin is produced by distilling botanicals such as juniper berries, coriander, angelica root, orris root, and citrus peel. These botanicals are steeped in neutral grain spirit for several hours before being distilled. The distillate is then blended with sugar or other sweeteners to give it a distinctively sweet flavor. Depending on the recipe, spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon may be added as well. After blending, the gin is filtered before being bottled and sold.
Tasting Notes
Old Tom Gin has a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other gins. Its sweetness comes from the sugar or other sweeteners added during production. It has a smooth texture with hints of juniper and citrus peel on the nose. On the palate, there are notes of spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon which adds complexity to its flavor profile. The finish is medium-length with lingering sweetness from the sugar or sweeteners used in production.
Popularity
Old Tom Gin was once very popular in England but lost its popularity after World War II when London Dry Gins became more fashionable. Recently however, Old Tom has seen a resurgence in popularity due to its unique flavor profile and versatility for use in cocktails. Bartenders have been incorporating it into classic cocktails such as Negronis and Martinez as well as creating their own original drinks.
What is Genever or Dutch Gin?
Genever or Dutch gin is a juniper-flavored spirit that originated in Holland and Belgium. It is made from a blend of malted barley, rye, corn, and wheat mixed with botanicals such as juniper, coriander, aniseed, and fennel. It has a much higher ABV than regular gin and has a malty flavor that gives it a distinctive taste. It is usually served neat or on the rocks with a splash of water. Genever can also be used in cocktails as an alternative to other gins.
History of Genever
Genever has been around since the 16th century and was traditionally distilled in copper pot stills. The name comes from the Dutch word for juniper, genievre which means juniper berry. It was originally used as medicine to treat ailments such as kidney stones and stomach aches. Over time it evolved into an alcoholic beverage that was enjoyed by many and eventually spread throughout Europe.
Production Process of Genever
The production process for genever is similar to other spirits such as whiskey or vodka but with added botanicals during the distillation process for flavoring. The grains are milled and mashed before being fermented into beer-like liquid known as “wash”. This wash is then distilled multiple times in copper pot stills before being mixed with botanicals like juniper berry, coriander seed, aniseed, fennel seed, licorice root, etc., then redistilled once more.
After distillation the genever is aged in oak barrels which mellows out the flavor and adds complexity to the spirit before bottling. The aging process varies depending on type of genever being produced but generally takes anywhere from one month to two years to achieve desired results.
Types of Genever
There are three main types of genever: oude (old), jonge (young), and corenwyn (rye). Oude genever is made using malt wine that has been aged for at least one year while jonge genever uses unaged malt wine which gives it a lighter flavor profile than oude genever. Corenwyn is made with rye instead of malt wine giving it a spicier taste than other types.
Genever can also be flavored with herbs or fruits like cherry or raspberry which adds sweetness to the spirit. Some producers also age their gin in sherry casks which imparts a rich flavor to the final product.
History and Origin
Gin has been around since the mid-17th century, when it was first produced in Holland. It was then introduced to England by William of Orange and quickly became popular among the English nobility. The most iconic type of gin, however, is London Dry Gin, which originated in the early 19th century in London. Its production involves distilling a combination of grains like barley, wheat and rye with botanicals such as juniper berries, citrus peel and coriander. This produces a clear spirit that is then blended with water to make a dry gin. One of the most famous brands of London Dry Gin is Beefeater London Dry Gin, which has been produced in London since 1820.
Production
Beefeater London Dry Gin is made using a combination of nine botanicals including juniper berries, coriander seeds, angelica root and almond essence. These botanicals are left to steep for 24 hours before being distilled in copper pot stills to extract the flavourful oils from them. Once this process is complete, the gin is blended with pure English grain spirit and water to create an exceptionally smooth taste with notes of juniper and spice.
Tasting Notes
Beefeater London Dry Gin has a light floral aroma with hints of citrus peel and sweet spice on the nose. On the palate it has a well-balanced flavour profile with notes of juniper berries and citrus peel that are complemented by subtle hints of sweet spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The finish is smooth yet slightly dry with lingering notes of juniper berries.
Cocktails
Beefeater London Dry Gin makes an excellent base for many classic cocktails such as the Martini or Negroni. It can also be used as an ingredient in more modern creations such as the French 75 or Aviation Cocktail. However you choose to enjoy it, Beefeater London Dry Gin will add a unique depth of flavour to your favourite drinks!
New American Style or Contemporary Gins
Gin is a spirit that has been enjoyed for centuries and is now seeing a resurgence in popularity. New American Style or Contemporary gins are the latest trend in gin. These modern gins are made with unique ingredients, often sourced from local farms and distilleries, and feature flavors not found in traditional gins. They offer a more complex flavor profile, enhanced aromatics, and often a more balanced finish than traditional gins.
New American Style gins are typically made with juniper berries, coriander, citrus peels, and other herbs and spices. They often contain botanicals such as lavender, elderflower, rosemary, and chamomile that give the gin its distinctive flavor profile. These gins can be dry or sweet depending on the ingredients used and the distillation process.
Contemporary gins are also made with juniper berries but typically have more unusual botanicals such as cucumber peel or even Thai basil to give their flavor profile a unique twist. Some of these gins can be very floral or even spicy depending on the ingredients used. The flavor of contemporary gins can range from light and citrusy to herbal and woodsy.
Whether you prefer classic style gin or something more modern, there is sure to be a gin out there for you! With so many different varieties available it can be hard to choose which one to try first. Be sure to do your research before purchasing so you can find the perfect gin for your taste buds!
Navy Strength or Overproof Gins are a type of gin that is considered to be the strongest form of gin in terms of its alcohol content. This type of gin is usually distilled to a higher proof than regular strength gins and is traditionally bottled at 57% ABV or higher, although some brands may bottle their Navy Strength gins as high as 94% ABV. While this level of alcohol can be a bit intimidating for some, it’s actually an incredibly versatile spirit that can be used in a variety of cocktails from classic martinis to modern tiki drinks.
Navy Strength Gin has been around since the 18th century when it was used by the British Royal Navy to make their daily ration of rum more palatable. The term “Navy Strength” was coined due to the fact that this high-proof spirit was potent enough to withstand gunpowder being set off near it without igniting, which made it ideal for seafaring vessels.
The high alcohol content in Navy Strength Gin makes it an ideal choice for creating balanced cocktails with bold flavors. The higher proof gives the drink a noticeable kick without being too overwhelming and provides a nice balance between sweet and sour flavors. Since Navy Strength Gin has such a high alcohol content, it also stands up well when mixed with other ingredients like citrus juices and syrups, allowing for more complex flavor combinations.
Overall, Navy Strength or Overproof Gins are an incredibly versatile spirit that can be used in many different cocktails from classic favorites like martinis to modern creations like tiki drinks. Its high proof make it an ideal choice for creating balanced cocktails with bold flavors and will help you stand out from the crowd at your next cocktail party.
Flavored Gins
Gin has been around for centuries, and it’s still a popular drink today. But as with any trend, new flavors have been introduced over the years. From classic to fruity and herbal, there’s something for everyone when it comes to flavored gins.
Classic gins are made from juniper berries, which gives them their iconic flavor. They’re usually combined with other botanicals such as cardamom and coriander to give them a more complex flavor. These varieties of gin are perfect for classic cocktails like the martini or the gimlet.
Fruity gins are becoming increasingly popular, with flavors like raspberry and strawberry taking center stage. These gins are perfect for summertime drinks, or even just sipping on their own over ice. They’re also great for making fruity martinis or other creative cocktails.
Herbal gins are a more recent addition to the gin world, and they’re gaining in popularity quickly. These gins often have notes of lavender or rosemary, which makes them perfect for sipping neat or in cocktails that feature other herbal flavors like rosemary or thyme.
No matter your preference, there’s a flavored gin out there that will suit your taste buds perfectly. Whether you prefer classic flavors or something more creative, you can find the perfect gin to suit your needs. So why not give one of these delicious varieties a try?
Conclusion
Gin is a popular spirit, with a variety of types and styles to choose from. Each type of gin has its own unique characteristics and flavor profile, making it a versatile and interesting choice for cocktails and other drinks. From the classic London Dry to the more complex Old Tom and Genever gins, there’s something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for a classic, traditional gin or something more contemporary, there’s sure to be a type of gin that fits your taste.
No matter what type of gin you choose, it’s important to remember to enjoy your drink responsibly. Cheers!
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