GIN
Today, most will think of it as the main ingredient in a Martini or Gin & Tonic, but this iconic drink has a long and complex history. People have been mixing juniper berries with alcohol for over a thousand years, often as medicinal drinks. However, gin as we know it today first emerged in the 16th century thanks to a Dutch spirit called Genever, which used juniper berries to hide its harsh taste. By the 17th century it had turned into what we would call gin and was gaining in popularity, especially in England. The imposition of corn laws, which involved tax breaks for distillation, created a 'gin mania' that swept the country. At some point, a pint of gin would be cheaper than a pint of beer. Some of these self-distilled gins were quite lethal. Even so, Britain was hooked and when the government tried to repress it, they rebelled. Today, things are a little calmer, but gin maintains a special place for many drinkers. It is made from a distillation process that begins with extracting ethanol from a base drink before mixing it with juniper berries and other vegetables such as orange peel, grapefruit peel and cassia peel. Different brands and types of gin have their own distinct flavors. In general, however, this is known for the strong flavor of the juniper berries. Some of the biggest brands include Gordons, London Dry Gin and Hendricks. Different brands and types of gin have their own distinct flavors. In general, however, this is known for the strong flavor of the juniper berries. Some of the biggest brands include Gordons, London Dry Gin and Hendricks. Different brands and types of gin have their own distinct flavors. In general, however, this is known for the strong flavor of the juniper berries. Some of the biggest brands include Gordons, London Dry Gin and Hendricks.
HOW IS GIN MADE?
Different types of gin are made in different ways. For example, London Dry Gin is distilled in a column still with a high alcohol content and a herbal flavor. Old Tom Gin is a blend of malt wine and neutral alcohol that has aged in oak barrels for up to 20 years, giving it rich bourbon tones when consumed straight. Dutch-style gins use open stills that capture more subtle flavors from any vegetables or spices they add, while American gins are based on the London Dry Gin formula but switch from pure alcohol to grain distillates like rye whiskey or bourbon .
HOW IS GIN DIFFERENT FROM VODKA?
The major difference between gin and vodka is that gin is distilled from grains, while vodka is distilled from potatoes. Vodka generally has a more neutral taste than gin because it's simply filtered twice before it goes into bottles, whereas most gins rely on both filtration and abstinence for natural flavours. And vodka will always be less expensive than any type of grain-based spirit because the production process doesn't require grain or additional ingredients like hops, barley malt, or anything else.
WHICH IS THE SOFTEST GIN?
There are some mild gins we recommend. The first is Tanqueray. Another, called Blue Coat Gin, is new to the market and has impressed critics. What we can say about both, though, is that they have a dry taste - no sweetness, even with the addition of liqueurs or tonic water. Another company that makes livable quality gin on the market now is Hendricks.