What Is Gin Made From?

Between all the varieties of whiskey and the flavor-filled offerings of today's vodkas and rums, gin is often overlooked. However, this bar and restaurant staple has been around for hundreds of years and offers a unique taste that sets it apart. A generally clear spirit with no flavors added, gin makes a great choice for mixed drinks and is the backbone of many classic cocktails. Let the experts at Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville, NJ, help you learn more about this popular liquor and how it comes to be.

The Origins of Gin

Dating back to the Middle Ages, this versatile spirit gets its name from the Dutch word for "juniper," which is "Genever." Popular throughout Europe for centuries, gin didn't make its mark on the United States until the 1800s, and it wasn’t until prohibition that it truly made a name for itself. With bars no longer serving customers, many Americans began making their own gin at home, nicknamed "Bathtub Gin," as it was a quick and affordable way to enjoy alcohol at the time.

Gin, like most other spirits, is created using fermentation and distillation. These two processes help create and separate the alcohol from the water. Distillers start with a base grain or a carbohydrate that is mashed and mixed with water and yeast to form alcohol. Then, during distillation, botanicals are added to provide flavoring. They can be steeped in the alcohol or left on trays above. Shortly after distillation, the spirit can be bottled or left to age in barrels or casks. The entire process can take anywhere from days to years and creates a product that must be at least 40% alcohol by volume (ABV).

Keys Ingredients in Gin

Gin starts with a fermentable grain, starch, or fruit. While its base is flexible, one stipulation regarding gin creation is that it must contain juniper berries. These dark berries help give gin its piney, woody notes, which leads to its universally recognized aroma. Aside from juniper, gin distillers use a variety of botanicals to help their product stand out. These botanicals include honey, citrus, lavender, cardamom, coriander, and more. Many companies will choose local ingredients to help offer an authentic feel that matches their culture.

The Many Styles of Gin

Gin comes in five main styles, each with its own special qualities. These styles are:

• London dry gin: This high-proof variety is juniper focused and features special restrictions. To be considered London dry gin, all flavoring must be added before distillation and all botanicals must be natural. Additionally, the initial spirit must be at least 70% alcohol, however, the product, once bottled, can be lower.
• Plymouth gin: Another gin with its own restriction, this style must be produced in Plymouth, England. Generally offering a lower ABV than London dry gin, Plymouth gin features heavy citrus notes to set it apart.
• New Western dry gin: This gin type provides a more muted juniper flavor and delivers a botanical focus instead.
• Genever: Made in the Netherlands, Genever is created using a carbohydrate base. The result of malted grains is a richer taste that is deeper and sweeter than other varieties.
• Old Tom gin: This style features added sugar to provide more sweetness with each sip. Often aged in casks or barrels, Old Tom gin is viewed as a mix between Genever and London dry.

No matter which gin you choose, its profile makes it an exceptional choice for plenty of classic cocktails. Whether you're looking for a basic mixed drink like a gin and tonic or a martini or want to try your hand at something bold like a Singapore Sling, Aviation, or Clover Club, gin offers the flexibility you need in a spirit.

Discover the Gin Selection at Joe Canal's

At Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville, NJ, we have a wide array of gin brands and styles to suit your needs. We carry all the popular brands, like Beefeater, Bombay Sapphire, and Tanqueray, and have small and large sizes. Let our knowledgeable team members answer your gin-based questions and help you stock your liquor cabinet or bar area with gin and other spirits, wine, and beer. Visit us today at 3375 US Route 1 South in Lawrenceville, NJ, or contact us if you are interested in local delivery. We even ship our products throughout the state if you live farther away.