WHAT IS GIN?

Gin is a spirit defined by its predominant flavor of juniper berries, combined with a diverse array of botanicals that create endless variations on this classic category. While juniper must be the dominant flavor, distillers can incorporate dozens of other ingredients, from citrus peels and coriander to more exotic botanicals.

The spirit has its roots in 17th-century Holland, where it was originally produced as a medicine called genever. English soldiers fighting in the Low Countries brought the taste back home, where distillers adapted and refined the recipe, eventually creating the London Dry style that would become the global standard.

Modern gin production typically begins with a neutral grain spirit, which is redistilled with botanicals. The most common method involves steeping the botanicals in the spirit before distillation, though some producers use vapor infusion or a combination of techniques to achieve their desired flavor profile.

The gin renaissance of recent decades has seen an explosion of innovation, with craft distillers around the world creating regional styles that incorporate local botanicals. From Scottish gins featuring heather and sea botanicals to Japanese expressions with yuzu and shiso, the category has never been more diverse.

Gin's versatility makes it indispensable in the cocktail world. It's the foundation of numerous classics including the Martini, Negroni, and Gin & Tonic, each of which showcases different aspects of the spirit's complex botanical profile.