Gin is one of Europe’s most distinguished distilled spirits, primarily recognized for its unique juniper flavor. However, it is a much more complex and versatile drink than it might seem at first glance. Let’s take a closer look at what makes gin distinctively gin and what varieties can be found around the world.
What is Gin?
Gin is a distilled alcoholic beverage characterized by the dominant flavor of juniper berries. Its alcohol content typically ranges from 37.5% to 50%, although versions with higher alcohol content also exist. In addition to juniper berries, gin production often incorporates other botanical components such as coriander, ginger, cinnamon, citrus peels, and many others.
According to EU regulations, gin must be dominated by the flavor of juniper berries (Juniperus communis), which gives it its characteristic profile and distinguishes it from other distillates.
Origin and History of Gin
The roots of gin trace back to the 13th-14th centuries in the Netherlands, where a drink called jenever was produced – considered the predecessor of today’s gin. Jenever was originally a medicinal distillate to which juniper berries were added for their healing properties.
In the 17th century, the drink reached England, where it became extremely popular. The British version was called “gin” and evolved into a distinct type of alcohol. The 18th century saw the so-called “Gin Craze” in London, when cheap and easily accessible gin caused serious social problems.
Modern quality gin was born in the 19th century, when the development of continuous distillation techniques made it possible to produce higher-quality base alcohol.
How is Gin Made?
At Junimperium distillery, you can see firsthand how craft gin is made. Generally, gin production follows this process:
- Creating the base alcohol – Gin begins with a neutral fruit or grain-based spirit.
- Adding botanicals – Various botanical components are added to the neutral alcohol. Juniper berries are mandatory for gin, but many other herbs and spices are also used.
- Distillation – The base alcohol with botanicals is distilled again. This process can occur in several ways:
- Steeping distillation: botanicals are soaked in alcohol and then the mixture is distilled.
- Vapor infusion: alcohol vapors are passed through a basket containing botanicals.
- Vacuum distillation: distillation at lower temperatures to preserve delicate flavors.
- Filtering and dilution – After distillation, the resulting distillate is diluted to achieve the desired alcohol content.
Junimperium’s gin masters work closely together to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. Jaan Mõttus prepares different botanical distillates, which are later mixed according to recipes. According to him, about 60 different botanical components are used in creating Junimperium’s gin selection, testifying to the complexity of craft gin.
Main Gin Types and Styles
The world of gin is surprisingly diverse. Here are the most important styles:
London Dry Gin
This is the most well-known gin style. Despite the name, it doesn’t have to be produced in London. London Dry is a dry, juniper-focused gin characterized by a strict production process – all flavorings are added during distillation, and after distillation, only water and a minimal amount of sugar may be added.
Junimperium Distillery’s Blended Dry Gin represents this category perfectly – with a strong juniper flavor, slightly citrusy and with a small peppery note.
Navy Strength Gin
These are higher alcohol content gins (at least 57.1%), named after the British Royal Navy practice. Historically, gin was stored near gunpowder on ships, and gin strength was tested by pouring it on gunpowder – if the gunpowder ignited, the gin was strong enough.
Junimperium’s Navy Strength Gin has a powerful profile while maintaining a balanced flavor bouquet, despite its higher alcohol content.
Old Tom Gin
Historically a sweeter gin style that was popular in the 18th-19th centuries. Old Tom’s flavor profile is between London Dry and jenever – slightly sweeter and softer than London Dry.
Plymouth Gin
Originally produced only in Plymouth, England. Today, the production rights belong to one company, making it quite a special category.
Flavored Gins
Over the last decade, gins with various added flavors have gained popularity, where berries, fruits, or other flavorings are added to traditional juniper-flavored gin.
Junimperium is known in this category for its seasonal approach and creativity:
- Cherry Edition Gin – slightly floral gin with strong cherry flavor
- Rhubarb Edition Gin – aromatic gin with distinctive rhubarb flavor
- Summer Edition Gin – gin created for summer days with fresh flavor nuances
- Winter Edition Gin – unfiltered gin with lingonberry extract, characterized by warm and spicy character
Barrel Aged Gin
A trend of the last 10-15 years is aging gin in various wooden barrels. Barrel aging gin gives it an additional dimension – the flavor characteristics of the wood and the drink previously held in the barrel (whiskey, sherry, port, etc.). Junimperium’s Barrel Finished Cherry Gin is an excellent example of how gin develops when aged in barrels, acquiring a more complex and deeper flavor bouquet.
Sloe Gin
Strictly speaking, this isn’t a classic gin, but a gin liqueur – gin to which sloe berries (blackthorn) and sugar have been added. The result is a sweeter, fruitier drink, with an alcohol content typically between 15-30%.
Contemporary Gin
In recent years, gins have emerged that push traditional boundaries, using unusual botanical components or reducing the dominance of juniper berries to highlight other flavors.
Junimperium Craft Gins
Junimperium Distillery is Estonia’s most awarded craft gin producer. Their production facility and bar are located in Tallinn’s Telliskivi Creative City, where gin factory tours are also held, allowing enthusiasts to get a closer look at the art and history of gin making.
Junimperium gins are characterized by careful craftsmanship, strong juniper flavor, and a diverse portfolio – from classic dry gins to seasonal and experimental limited editions. For example, they created a special jubilee release to celebrate their 100th batch.
How to Enjoy Gin
Gin is classically consumed as a mixed drink – the famous Gin & Tonic is the most popular way, but gin also suits many other cocktails, such as Martini, Negroni, or Gimlet. Quality craft gins are also worth trying neat or with ice to notice all the nuances.
Junimperium Distillery offers tonics and other non-alcoholic mixers alongside their gins to enjoy the true taste of their gins in perfect combinations.
The world of gin is an exciting journey of discovery – from the dominance of juniper berries and traditional production to innovative flavor combinations and barrel aging. Try different styles and discover which gin best suits your taste buds!