Have you ever wondered what makes gin, gin? It’s not just another alcoholic drink, but a distillate with centuries of tradition that has a unique characteristic – the dominant flavor of juniper berries.

Junimperium gin set 8×200 ml – different gins for comparing flavors

What is Gin?

Gin is a strong alcoholic beverage flavored with juniper berries, typically with an alcohol content of 37.5-50%. The roots of this aromatic drink trace back to 13th-14th century Netherlands, where a drink called jenever was made, considered the predecessor of gin. Modern gin, however, became popular in England, where it developed into one of the most beloved distillates.

The defining characteristic of gin is that the flavor of juniper berries must be predominant. This is what distinguishes gin from other distillates and gives it its characteristic flavor profile.

Different Types of Gin

According to European Union legislation, gin is divided into three official categories:

  1. Classic Gin – produced by distilling grain mash (up to 68% alcohol) followed by redistillation with juniper berries and other natural botanicals. When bottled, the alcohol content is at least 30%.
  2. Distilled Gin – produced by redistilling 96% agricultural ethanol in traditional stills with juniper berries and other natural botanicals. Juniper flavor must be predominant, and the alcohol content when bottled must be at least 37.5%.
  3. Compound Gin – made by adding natural flavorings and botanicals to neutral agricultural spirit without redistillation. Again, juniper flavor must be dominant, and when bottled, the alcohol content must be at least 37.5%.

In addition to these official categories, several style designations are used, such as London Dry Gin, Old Tom Gin, and Navy Strength, which refer to specific flavor profiles or production method characteristics.

How is Gin Made?

The gin production process involves several important stages:

  1. Base Alcohol Production – Everything starts with quality neutral spirit, usually made from grain. Good base alcohol should be as tasteless and odorless as possible, so that the botanicals can fully come through.
  2. Preparation of Botanicals – Various botanical components are used for gin production. For making Junimperium gins, about 60 different components are used. The main one is always juniper berries, but coriander, angelica flower, iris, cinnamon, cardamom, orange peel, and many others may also be included.
  3. Distillation – There are two main methods:
  • Steeping Method – Botanicals are soaked in the base alcohol for hours or even days, then the mixture is distilled.
  • Vapor Infusion Method – Botanicals are placed in a special basket in the upper part of the still, where hot alcohol vapor passes through them and picks up flavor and aroma compounds.
  1. Finishing – The distillate is diluted to the desired strength, filtered, and sometimes other flavors or components are added, giving each gin its unique character.

Gin Styles and Their Characteristics

London Dry Gin

This is the most well-known gin style, with a dry and sharp juniper flavor. Junimperium Blended Dry Gin represents this category, offering a rich gin with strong juniper flavor, slightly citrusy and with a small peppery note.

Navy Strength Gin

Historically linked to the British Royal Navy, this gin has an alcohol content of at least 57%. Junimperium Navy Strength Gin is a powerful gin with higher alcohol content, characterized by strong juniper flavor and zesty citrus notes.

Flavored Gins

Modern gin masters increasingly experiment with different flavor nuances. For example, Junimperium Rhubarb Edition Gin is made with rhubarb juice, offering a recognizable rhubarb flavor, aromatic and with a slightly honeyed character.

Barrel-aged Gin

An increasingly popular gin style, where gin is stored in wooden barrels that give the drink additional flavors. The barrel material (oak, acacia, etc.) and previous use (whisky, sherry, wine) significantly affect the end result. Junimperium Barrel Finished Cherry Gin is an example of such gin, which has been aged in French acacia barrels and acquired floral, softer notes with a long aftertaste.

Sloe Gin

Actually a gin liqueur, not gin in the traditional sense. Made by steeping sloe berries in gin. Junimperium Sloe Gin is a rich and freshly berry-flavored gin liqueur with a sweet juniper note and slightly citrusy character.

How to Make the Perfect Gin and Tonic

Gin and tonic (G&T) is a classic cocktail that may seem simple to make, but achieving perfection requires certain attention:

  1. Right Gin Selection – Start with a quality gin that matches your taste preferences.
  2. Quality Tonic – Use quality tonic water that complements the gin’s flavor rather than masking it.
  3. Proportions – For a balanced G&T, the recommended ratio is 1:3 (1 part gin to 3 parts tonic), but this depends on the gin’s strength and personal preferences.
  4. Ice – Use plenty of quality ice that is very cold and not yet melted.
  5. Garnish – Choose a garnish that complements the gin’s flavor profile. The classic choice is a lime or lemon slice, but cucumber slices, juniper berries, pepper parts, or even spices are suitable, depending on the gin’s characteristics.
  6. Glass – Serve in a wide-mouthed glass that allows you to enjoy the drink’s aroma.

Exploring the World of Gin

If you want to learn more about the world of gin, at the Junimperium gin distillery in the Telliskivi quarter, you can participate in tours where you can get acquainted with the history and production methods of gin and taste different gins under the guidance of experts.

The world of gin is diverse and exciting, offering endless possibilities for flavors and cocktails. Start with a quality gin and discover which style suits your taste best!