EXPLORING THE GROWING WORLD OF GIN

THE HISTORY OF GIN

Gin starts its production in a similar way as vodka, but to be known as a gin the distilled liquid must undergo a flavouring process. Gin has to have a dominant flavour of juniper, a small blackberry common in Europe, with Dutch origins.

During the 16^th century English soldiers fought side by side with Dutch soldiers in the 30 years’ war, sampling Genever for the first time. The distinctive smell and taste of Genever lead to herbs being added to ease the palate on consumption. A swig of the spirit before battle to steady the nerves led to the phrase– ‘Dutch Courage’.

Production of gin changed dramatically in the mid-18^th century when “Old Tom” Gin a sweetened corn spirit was being created in large unsolicited volumes across Britain. Laws were passed granting only a small group of large gin producers the legal right to distil the spirit and by 1803 only 9 producers of gin attributed to 90% of London distilling capacity.

As time passed and production methods began to progress; the introduction of the Coffey stills and higher quality base spirit lead to the image of gin drastically improved. At its height it was declared as the English national drink and export to the US began to thrive; bartenders saw this as a light, clear spirit perfect for use in a new social drinking craze called, the cocktail! Till the 1960’s gin was king of the clear liquid, but in spectacular fashion it was knocked off the throne. Vodka was sweeping Europe and the US due to its almost odourless smell and delicate taste.

In the late 20^th Century, with its sense of heritage and taste complexity inspiring bartenders to get creative and develop new serves, gin started its comeback... Brands such as TANQUERAY™ 10 immerged showcasing style, brand ability and sophistication and most importantly a lighter more delicate flavour which appealed to the modern drinker.

A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THE LIQUID

Gin is one of the most versatile spirits, so much so that you might see it being labelled and referred to differently.

Gin has four different sub categories:

Juniper Flavoured Spirit Drinks – must be made from 96% Abv spirit or grain spirit, a discernible juniper character, natural or nature-identical flavourings may be used and a minimum bottling strength of 30% Abv.

Gin – 96% Abv highly rectified spirit must be used, a discernible juniper character, natural or nature-identical flavourings may be used and a minimum bottling strength of 37.5% Abv.

Distilled Gin – Redistilling a 96% Abv highly rectified spirit with Juniper berries and other botanicals, natural or nature-identical flavourings may be added and is prepared for bottling with the addition of either/or highly rectified spirit and water. It must taste predominantly of juniper and a minimum bottling strength of 37.5% Abv.

London Dry/ London Gin – This is identical to a distilled gin except that no flavourings or sweeteners can be added to the distillate. There is no geographical delimitation for London Dry Gin.

GIN IN THE 21^ST CENTURY

The 21^st century has brought many changes to gin…

GIN GOT A PASSPORT - In recent years gin has managed to expand its tradition from being a traditional British spirit to a worldly, well-travelled spirit liquid taking inspiration from the various regions and cultures.
GARNISHES GOT INTERESTING - Complimenting this spring of new and fresh botanicals, are the partners in garnish. The lemon and lime wedge or wheel now has a run for its money with rosemary, apple, cucumber and cherries now prominent in the bartenders guide to Gin & Tonic development.
THE RISE OF CRAFT LIQUIDS -The explosion of herbs, vegetables, fruits and spices now being included in the flavouring of gin has set this category ablaze and started a new defining era for this spirit.

The level of innovation and the endless variation of provincial botanicals culminate in an explosion of different flavours influenced by tradition, locality and ritual.

WORLD GIN DAY

On World Gin Day, when we rejoice in the wonderful world of gin, we must pay homage to this humble spirit. Ensure we give thanks to the pioneers of the past four hundred years who have been the custodians of this categories liquid legacy and celebrate what the next 400 hundred years of gin production will deliver.

Happy World Gin Day to you all.

THE ORIGINAL G&T

We recommend mastering this serve before experimenting with the rest of the gin category.

GORDON'S GIN & TONIC

50ml GORDON'S™ Gin

150ml Premium tonic water

METHOD: Fill a highball glass to the top with fresh ice cubes. Pour 50ml of Gordon’s gin over the ice, and top with tonic. Squeeze in a wedge of lime before dropping it in, and then give your G&T a final stir.

(1.9 standard drinks*- 1.6 units per serve)

THE GORDON’S RUBY COOLER

50ml GORDON'S™ Gin

100ml Cranberry juice

Top up with ginger ale

Cubed ice

Cranberries to garnish

METHOD: Fill a highball glass with lots of ice, pour over your Gordon's gin and the cranberry juice. Then top up with ginger ale. For the finishing touch, garnish with fresh cranberries (or a wedge of lime). Serve in a highball glass.

(1.9 standard drinks*- 1.6 units per serve)

Sign up and become a member of Diageo Bar Academy today and unlock the latest industry news, trends and tips to keep your bar knowledge up to speed!

(*One standard drink contains 8g of alcohol)