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What Is Gin?

HomeHM Gin Blog What Is Gin?

What is Gin? The Short Answer

So, what is gin? Gin is a distilled spirit whose dominant flavour comes from juniper berries. Beyond that one rule, makers have almost total freedom. They can add citrus peels, spices, flowers, roots and native botanicals to create a spirit that can be crisp and piney, soft and floral, or bright and zesty.
That creative freedom is exactly why gin has become one of the most exciting spirits in the world, and why there is a gin to suit nearly every palate.

What is gin?

What Makes Gin, Gin?

To be called gin, a spirit must be made from a neutral base alcohol and flavoured with botanicals, with juniper as the leading note. Most gins sit between about 37% and 47% alcohol by volume (ABV), although some “navy strength” gins go higher.

A Brief History of Gin

Gin’s roots trace back to the Netherlands, where a juniper-flavoured spirit called genever was made centuries ago. British soldiers and traders brought it home, and the style evolved into the gin we know today. In the 1700s it became hugely popular in England, and by the 1800s refined, drier styles had appeared, paired with the tonic water that made the gin and tonic a classic.

Today, gin is made all over the world, including right here in Australia, where distillers are putting their own spin on the spirit.

The Main Styles of Gin

Not all gin tastes the same. Here are the styles you’re most likely to come across:
Crisp, dry and juniper-forward. Nothing but water can be added after distillation. Despite the name, it can be made anywhere.
Made by redistilling alcohol with botanicals. It can have flavourings added afterwards, which gives makers more room to experiment.
Made by simply flavouring neutral alcohol, without redistilling. It’s the most basic method.
Slightly sweeter and rounder, historically used in early cocktails.

•         A bolder, higher-proof gin, usually around 57% ABV.

Juniper is still present, but other botanicals such as citrus, florals or native Australian ingredients take the lead.
What is gin?

What Does Gin Taste Like?

Juniper gives gin its distinctive pine-like, slightly resinous flavour. Around that, you’ll often find citrus, herbal notes, warm spice and floral aromas. A good gin should taste balanced: juniper up front, supported by the other botanicals rather than drowned out by them.

How to Enjoy Gin

Gin is wonderfully versatile:
Gin and tonic: The icon. Use plenty of ice, a quality tonic and a garnish that suits your gin, such as lime, lemon, grapefruit or a sprig of rosemary.
Martini: Gin and dry vermouth, stirred and served very cold.
Negroni: Equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth.
Gimlet or Gin Sour: Gin with citrus for a sharp, refreshing sip. =
Neat or on the rocks: A great way to taste what a well-made gin is all about.

View all our favourite gin recipes

Is Gin Gluten-Free?

Gin is distilled, and distillation generally removes gluten proteins, even when the base spirit is made from grain. If you have coeliac disease or a serious sensitivity, check with the producer about their process.

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