“Gin O’Clock: An Exploration of Everything Gin.”
Gin, the juniper-infused, clear spirit, has been a mainstay in the alcoholic beverage industry for many centuries – but in the last few years, it’s become more popular than ever. Clear and aromatic, gin is a spirit with a lot of personality. It makes a great base for cocktails and can also be enjoyed straight with plenty of ice. But where did this iconic boozy treat come from? What makes it so special? Let’s dive into the deliciously botanical history of gin.
Gin’s origins trace back to medieval European healers and physicians who distilled and infused grain alcohols with medicinal herbs and plants. The term “gin” first appeared in the mid 1600s, derived from the French and Dutch words for juniper, ginnef and genèvre, respectively. The origins of the spirit we all know and love today, however, come from a Dutch physician and alchemist named Franciscus Sylvius. In 1650, Dr. Sylvius began distilling a spirit called jenever, which he believed demonstrated medicinal qualities and could assist with digestion. This distinctive form of gin became popular with the Dutch and Belgians who enjoyed its distinctive flavor and botanical notes.
By the mid-1700s, thought to be popularized by the armed forces of England and Portugal, gin had spread to Ireland and the United Kingdom. London, in particular, was no stranger to gin establishments. It’s said that there were more than 7,000 “gin palaces” in the city by 1800 – more than the city’s coffeehouses, tea houses and alehouses combined. While gin has its roots in medicinal remedies, it was quickly adopted as a social drink.
This led to the infamous period of “Gin Craze,” during which drunkenness and public disorder became so widespread that lawmakers had to step in. Various laws and regulations eventually brought the Gin Craze to a halt. Even today, London is known for its gin bars, which offer an array of specialty drinks, craft gins and artisanal offerings.
From there, gin has become synonymous with craft devices and innovations. Once the exclusive province of large-scale distilleries, gin has become a major contender in the DIY craft spirit market. At-home distilling has been on the rise, with companies like FEW Spirits offering kits filled with all the necessary components for making your own small-batch gin. With homemade gin, you can tweak the botanical notes and flavors to create something entirely unique and one-of-a-kind.
So, why is gin such an important cocktail ingredient? Gin offers up a number of herbal, citrus and floral notes – making it one of the most versatile spirits out there. It’s different from other alcohols in that juniper is the star flavor, but the secondary botanicals can range widely in taste and type – from classic to unique. This makes gin the perfect choice if you’re looking to experiment with flavors.
Whether you’re a lover of traditional spirits or enjoy homemade concoctions, gin has something to offer everyone. The spirit’s long and storied history, full of innovation, lore and culture, makes it a true classic. Here’s to raising a glass to centuries of gin!