Let's Get to the Bottom of It: What Exactly Makes Gin, Gin?

Gin has become extremely popular in recent years, captivating the taste buds of many around the globe. With its various styles and flavors, gin remains a favorite for cocktails and sipping neat. Yet, defining what makes gin “gin” is more complex than it seems. In this post, let’s explore the elements that make this spirit special and exciting.

The Definition of Gin

To begin, it is essential to understand what gin is. By definition, gin is a distilled alcoholic beverage known for its dominant flavor from juniper berries—small, flavour packed berries that provide a distinct taste.

However, gin doesn't rely solely on juniper; it incorporates other botanicals, spices, and herbs, each contributing to its unique flavor profile.

This juniper berry flavor is what distinguishes gin from other spirits like vodka or whiskey, which have different primary flavoring elements. For instance, vodka is often neutral, while whiskey tends to carry rich flavors from aged grains.

The Distillation Process

Next, let’s uncover how gin is made. The distillation process is crucial and varies widely. Most gins start with a neutral spirit, typically a high-proof alcohol.

During distillation, distillers infuse the base spirit with juniper berries and other botanicals. This infusion can happen through steeping or by using a basket to vaporize the flavors into the spirit. For example, a gin produced using the vapor-infusion method can highlight the more delicate flavors of botanicals, offering a brighter profile compared to traditional distillation, which might capture stronger base notes. Different distillation methods can yield vastly different gins, giving enthusiasts plenty to explore.

Types of Gin

In Australia, the two most common types of gin are the London Dry and what is commonly referred to as a Modern Australian Gin.

London Dry Gin

Widely recognized, London Dry Gin is celebrated for its dry and crisp flavor. The intense taste of juniper makes it a popular choice for cocktails, such as the classic gin and tonic, enjoyed by 75% of gin drinkers according to market surveys.

Modern Australian Gin

With the resurgence of gin culture, craft distilleries are pushing creative boundaries, crafting unique gins that might include unexpected botanicals like lavender or even wasabi. The Modern Australian Gin tends to be more citrus forward, slightly less juniper

Our core range of gin, perfect for all occasions!

The Role of Botanicals

The diversity of gin owes much to the variety of botanicals used in its creation. While juniper is the leading flavor, additional botanicals like coriander, angelica root, and various citrus peels often play supporting roles.

For instance, a gin may contain upwards of 15 unique botanicals, leading to flavor profiles that range from floral and citrusy to earthy and spicy. This diversity allows consumers to choose gins that best match their preferences, whether they enjoy refreshing citrus notes or herbal depth. Our Ironstone Farm range of gin on average have around 7 botanicals.

Gin and Cocktails

Gin's versatility allows for an exciting array of cocktails. A classic gin and tonic remains a favorite, but mixologists are also experimenting with a range of refreshing cocktails. Drinks like the Negroni, Gimlet, and Gin Fizz showcase gin’s adaptability. Our Bendigo Dry Gin is used in almost all of The Urban Cellar's gin based cocktails, as it adds a lovely warm citrus zing to the cocktail.

Creating cocktails with gin can be highly experimental. For example, a refreshing Pink Gin Fizz combines our Tia's Pink Gin with strawberries, lime juice, and soda, demonstrating how flavors can harmonize beautifully. The potential combinations and variations generate endless opportunities for creativity, appealing to both seasoned bartenders and casual drinkers alike.

Unveiling the World of Gin

What makes gin truly special? It is defined by the rich, herbal taste of juniper, complemented by an array of botanicals and the intricate distillation process.

From diverse styles and geographic influences to opportunities for experimentation in cocktails, gin offers a vibrant world of flavors and experiences. Whether you enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in a creative cocktail, gin is a spirit that blends tradition with modern flair. Venture into the world of gin, and you might just discover your next favorite drink!

Gin adds an incredible depth to flavour to all types of cocktails, our Golden Sunset Gin used to make this delicious Crimson Blush

For more information on our gin range, head to our website!