The gin is often associated with cocktail recipes. In fact, this very dry alcohol is rarely drunk pure. What is perhaps less known is that this brandy originally comes from Holland. At the heart of the making of gin: a blue-green berry, juniper, to which other floral or spicy notes are added. Today, distillers around the world are competing in creativity, using new aromatics and spices, to make gin. New flavors are to be discovered.
What Is Gin?
Gin is an eau-de-vie born in Holland in the 17th century. The first productions were known as “Genever”. When the Dutch king William III settled on the throne of England, this one carried the formula of this drink which immediately conquered the English. The English distilleries began to produce their own alcohol, close to Genever and called “Gin”.
This is why today there are two main varieties of “cousin” spirits, made from juniper:
Genever: very fragrant Dutch spirit and ancestor of gin, it is obtained by the distillation of a fermented cereal (barley, rye, corn), then redistilled after the addition of aromatics, mainly juniper (juniper berry), but also other herbs and fruits. It is also a specialty of Belgium, Germany and northern France.
London Dry Gin: the English style gin produced all over the world. Distillers buy alcohol from rye and corn. Then, either they redistill it in the presence of aromatics, or they mix it with a maceration of aromatics in alcohol and distilled water. English gin is more lightly flavored than Dutch gin. This is why it is used more in cocktails. To each his own technique for extracting essential oils from the plants, herbs and spices used: infusion, maceration.
Welsh: A Great Brand of Scottish Gin
While England is the main producer of gin, it is also produced in Scotland. From major brands of Welsh Gin, we will quote the Welsh gin. This premium Scottish spirit, mostly concocted with juniper, like any gin, also has rose petal and cucumber flavors. It offers a refreshing and delicate taste. Made in an artisanal way, it also contains aromas of narcissus, vanilla, white pepper and anise.
This premium Scottish spirit, mostly concocted with juniper, like any gin, also has rose petal and cucumber flavors. It offers a refreshing and delicate taste. Made in an artisanal way, it also contains aromas of narcissus, vanilla, white pepper and anise.
Welsh are a high-end gin that combines the unusual and the traditional. Produced in an artisanal way in very small quantities, special attention is paid to the ingredients that are used during the distillation. Welsh is the only gin to add essences of Dutch cucumber and Bulgarian rose petals which offer both a refreshing taste and a delicious floral aroma.
A Few Gin Cocktails
Gin Tonic: well prepared, this cocktail is fresh and aromatic. For this, you must respect the ratio: one third of gin, two thirds of tonic water (e.g.: Schweppes tonic). It can be enjoyed with a few ice cubes and a zest of lemon for the acidic touch.
The origin of this cocktail dates back to the 17th century: tonic water loaded with quinine was used at the time to fight against malaria. To alleviate its bitter taste, British naval officers had the idea of adding gin. Indeed, bitterness goes well with the notes of this brandy so much so that the drink became popular.
