What is Gin?
Gin is a spirit that takes its name from the juniper berry, with most gins including juniper as one of the defining botanicals. Gin get its characteristic flavor from a combination of botanicals, herbs, and spices which are distilled into a clear or pale yellow liquid. Depending on the type of gin, these ingredients may vary. Some of the more popular types of gin include London Dry Gin, Navy Strength Gin, Old Tom Gin, and Genever Gin.
It’s believed that the first form of gin was made in the 16th century when juniper was mixed with distilled spirits as a home remedy. They called it Genever and it was widely used at the time as a cure-all tonic and as an alcoholic beverage. In the 18th century, the British perfected their own style of gin, known as types of London Dry gin. This gin was then exported to other countries, and hence the popularity of gin spread.
Gin has grown in popularity in recent years and can now be found in a variety of different styles. Regardless of the style, gin always prominently features juniper and tends to be a clear or pale yellow color.
Botanicals
Botanicals are an essential part of gin and can be used to create signature flavors, textures, and aromas. In general, these botanicals are derived from plants, seeds, fruits, flowers, and roots, and each type of botanical adds its own unique flavor. Some of the more traditional botanicals used in gin include juniper, citrus, coriander, angelica root, orris root, licorice root, cinnamon, cassia, nutmeg, and cardamom.
Juniper
Juniper is by far the most important botanical when it comes to gin. Juniper berries, also known as juniperus communis, have a sharp, piney flavor and aroma, which gives gin its quintessential flavor. Juniper berries were first used as a medicine in the 14th century, and since then have been regularly used to flavor distilled spirits. Generally, the juniper flavor should be the first flavor of a classic gin, but it should also be well balanced with other ingredients.
Citrus Botanicals
Citrus botanicals, such as lemon and orange peel, are typically used to add a tart, citrus-like flavor and aroma to gin. Lemon and orange peel have long been used in cooking, baking and flavoring drinks. These flavors pair well with juniper and help to create complex, interesting gins.
Coriander
Coriander has a mild, lemon-like flavor and aroma and is commonly used in cooking. Coriander has long been used to flavor distilled spirits and add a unique flavor to gin. Coriander is especially popular in Clear Gin, Dutch Gin, and Old Tom Gin.
Angelica Root
Angelica root is a perennial herb used to produce an earthy, spicy flavor and unique aroma. Angelica root has long been used to produce medicine and as a culinary herb, and it’s often used in gin to add complexity and depth of flavor.
Orris Root
Orris root is the root of the iris plant and has a sweet, floral taste and aroma. Orris root is often used to sweeten and add complexity to gin, and it pairs particularly well with other botanicals, such as angelica and juniper.
Licorice Root
Licorice root has a sweet, herbal flavor and aroma and is derived from the licorice plant. Licorice root is often used to sweeten gin and add complexity to the flavor profile.
Cinnamon, Cassia, and Nutmeg
Cinnamon, Cassia, and Nutmeg are all closely related spices that are used to add a warm, slightly spicy flavor to gin. These spices are typically used in small amounts to add depth to the flavor of gin.
Cardamom
Cardamom is a spice that comes from a plant in the ginger family and has a sweet, herbal flavor and aroma. Cardamom is quite popular in India, where it’s used to flavor tea and dishes, and it’s also featured in many gins.
Conclusion
When it comes to classic gin, there’s no one-size-fits-all recipe. Each gin has its own unique blend of botanicals, herbs, and spices. However, the most traditional and popular botanicals used in classic gins are juniper, citrus, coriander, angelica root, orris root, licorice root, cinnamon, cassia, nutmeg, and cardamom. Each of these ingredients brings its own flavor, aroma, and complexity to a gin and helps to create the unique flavor profile that classic gins are known for.
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