Everything you need to know about Gin | How to Drink

Summary

In this episode of 'How to Drink,' the host delves into the diverse world of gin, exploring its history and various types. Starting with the notion that gin is essentially flavored vodka, the discussion covers the evolution from jenever to modern styles like London Dry and Plymouth. The show also touches on the myth of gin's invention by alchemist Franciscus Sylvius and the significance of the coffee still in shaping gin's character. A tasting session of different gin types, including Old Tom, Plymouth, and even a unique pink gin, highlights the distinct flavors and botanical influences, providing an educational and sensory journey through the spirit's rich heritage.

Takeaways

• 🍸 Gin is a distilled spirit predominantly flavored with juniper, often described as 'flavored vodka'.
• 🌿 The term 'gin' is believed to have originated from the Dutch word 'jenever', which means 'juniper'.
• 🏰 The myth that gin was invented by alchemist Franciscus Sylvius is not supported by historical evidence, as gin-like spirits were taxed and regulated in Holland before his time.
• 📚 Gin's history dates back to the 1200s in Northern Europe, with 'jenever' being a precursor to modern gin.
• 🍾 There are various types of gin, including Jenever, Old Tom, London Dry, Plymouth, and flavored gins like Pink Gin and Sloe Gin.
• 🎩 Old Tom gin is a sweeter style that doesn't fit neatly into other gin categories and is considered a 'catch-all' for unique gins.
• 🏛 London Dry gin is characterized by its production process involving a column still and a pot still with a gin basket, resulting in a dry, juniper-forward flavor.
• 🌊 Plymouth gin is less sweet and less malty than London Dry, with a more earthy and bitter profile, traditionally made in a pot still.
• 💖 Pink gin gets its name and color from the addition of angostura bitters, which were mixed with gin by British sailors to mask the taste of the bitters.
• 🍇 Sloe gin is made by infusing gin with sloe berries, resulting in a fruity, floral flavor that is quite distinct from traditional gins.

Q & A

What is the primary flavoring agent in gin?

The primary flavoring agent in gin is juniper berries.

Is there a historical debate regarding the origin of gin?

Yes, there is some debate about the exact origin of gin, with a myth that it was invented by an alchemist named Francis Sylvius, but this is not supported by historical records as gin-like spirits were being regulated in Holland before his time.

What is the relationship between jenever and gin?

Jenever is considered a kind of gin or a predecessor to it. Gin is essentially jenever translated into English, and they are both part of the same family of spirits.

How does the flavor of genever (jeniver) compare to other types of gin?

Genever has a very malty nose and sweetness due to its base as a malt wine, which is then infused with juniper and other botanicals.

What is the significance of the term 'Old Tom' in gin?

Old Tom gin is a style that became popular in the 18th century and is characterized by being sweetened, sometimes aged, and can be made from malted grains or other agricultural products. It's considered a catch-all for gins that don't fit other categories.

What is the difference between London Dry Gin and other styles of gin?

London Dry Gin is made from neutral grain spirits that are redistilled in a pot still with botanicals like juniper. It must be made in a specific way involving a column still and a pot still with a gin basket, and it cannot have any added sugar.

What is Plymouth gin and how does it differ from London Dry Gin?

Plymouth gin is a style of gin that, unlike London Dry Gin, is not very sweet and has a more muted, earthy, and bitter flavor profile. It is made in a pot still rather than a column still and is not subjected to a second distillation.

What is Pink Gin and why is it called that?

Pink Gin originated from British sailors mixing Angostura bitters, which were prescribed for sea sickness, with gin to mask the bitter taste. The term 'pink' comes from the color of the mixture, which is a result of the bitters.

What is the role of the coffee still in the production of London Dry Gin?

The coffee still, a type of column still, plays a crucial role in the production of London Dry Gin by allowing for the creation of very pure, high alcohol content spirits that are then redistilled with botanicals in a pot still to create the flavored gin.

What is the significance of the term 'dry' in London Dry Gin?

The term 'dry' in London Dry Gin refers to the lack of added sugar in the gin. It indicates that the gin is made with a specific production process that does not include sweetening agents.