Gin: The Quintessential British Spirit.
Gin has been distilled and enjoyed in Britain for centuries, with its roots becoming increasingly entrenched within the culture of the British Isles. Gin has been an integral part of British history, having been sipped during evening salons, enjoyed in pubs, and even featured in classic literature. Today, it is the spirit of choice for discerning drinkers, and has perhaps even surpassed whisky as the classic British tipple.
Gin is a type of spirit that is made using juniper berries and other botanicals. While there are a variety of gin styles available, London Dry Gin is probably the most recognisable, and is a blend of botanicals and junipers that have been steeped before distillation. London Dry Gin is often the main base for classic cocktails such as the G&T, Martini, Aviation, and Negroni.
The history of gin is long and varied, and its roots can be traced back to the Netherlands and Belgium in the 15th century. It was traditionally a home remedy with a juniper berry infusion, and was used to treat various ailments. Juniper berries were also used to flavour beer, but it wasn’t until the 16th century that a particularly strong juniper spirit known as jenever began to gain popularity in the Netherlands. This spirit eventually made its way to the British Isles, where it was known as gin.
The popularity of gin grew in Britain during the 17th century, becoming so popular in fact that it attracted the ire of the government, which introduced a series of punitive taxation acts and regulations, in an attempt to control the booming trade. Despite this, gin drinking became an integral part of British culture, and by the mid-18th century had become the nation’s favourite tipple.
The 19th century saw the creation of classic gins and the popularity of gin-based cocktails began to grow. By the early twentieth century, gin had become inextricably linked with the social scene and was one of the most popular spirits enjoyed in high-end establishments.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of gin and new small-batch producers are creating artisanal gin with creative botanical blends. There are now many producers making distinctive gins from traditional and modern ingredients, offering a huge range of flavours, fragrances and styles. Gin has, once again, become one of the most popular spirits in the world, and its popularity shows no sign of waning.
If you’re a discerning drinker looking to enjoy the unique flavours of classic and modern gins, then you’ll be spoilt for choice. From classic cocktails to new and inventive drinks, gin can be enjoyed in many different ways and can add a touch of sophistication and style to any social occasion. So why not indulge your taste buds and discover why gin is the quintessential British spirit?