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Gin: Definition

A spirit highly appreciated around the world for its freshness as well as its spicy, fruity, and floral aromas, Gin offers a wide variety of styles. It is also very often used in tonic-based cocktails, but can certainly be enjoyed neat.

Gin is a neutral spirit flavored with juniper berries, the only mandatory ingredient in its composition. The base alcohol is often produced from grains such as wheat or barley, but any agricultural raw material is actually possible (rice, potato, sugar cane, etc.). Furthermore, other plants, fruits, and roots are very regularly included in the composition of Gin, such as coriander, angelica root, iris root, cardamom, or citrus peels.

Indeed, a great freedom of composition exists for distillers, allowing them to stand out while consumers have access to a wide variety of aromatic profiles. For example, there are gins with rhubarb, red fruits (the delicious Citadelle), with ginger or even with peach.

Moreover, although this is rather rare, some Gins can be aged in oak barrels, giving them a pale yellow color and woody notes. That is why they are called "Yellow Gin".

The main styles of Gin

There are three main styles of gin:

• London Dry Gin is the flagship category. Here, the gin is distilled from natural ingredients to which no coloring or flavoring can be added. London Dry Gin is dry and features a dominant juniper profile on the palate. The term "London" does not in any way indicate a British monopoly on its production, but simply refers to its production method, which originated in England. Therefore, you can find French, Spanish, or even Canadian London Dry Gins.

• Compound Gin is a gin that has undergone only one distillation: that of its base alcohol. Afterwards, it is simply flavored with natural or artificial aromas. There are no color restrictions, and this style of gin is often sweet.

• Distilled Gin is a gin that has undergone two distillations: one of its neutral base alcohol, followed by an additional distillation, this time with the various botanicals.

It should be noted that other styles of gin also exist, such as Old Tom Gin (very popular in England in the 18th century, slightly sweet and flavored) or Sloe Gin (macerated with sloes and sugar).

Gin and Genever: What are the differences?

While gin and genever do belong to the same family, there are nevertheless differences between these two spirits.

Originally from the Netherlands, genever is the ancestor of gin. However, not all genevers have become gins!

Genever is often described as a cross between whisky and gin. In fact, unlike the latter, the character of genever comes mainly from the malt or fermented grain mash used as its base alcohol.In terms of taste, genever is often described as having more earthy and resinous aromas, with an even more pronounced juniper berry flavor compared to gin.

Furthermore, only spirits produced in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and France can be called genever.

The main gin-producing countries

Although gin has European origins, it is now produced all over the world.

Thus, while the United Kingdom is considered its birthplace, the Netherlands, Spain, the United States, and India are also important countries for its production and consumption.

In France, several distilleries produce high-quality gins.The Christian Drouin distillery, for example, offers a gin with fruity notes, while other French houses such as Citadelle create spirits with a distinctive character.

Moreover, other countries such as Canada, Australia, Ireland (Drumshanbo Distillery) and even Japan (The Kyoto Distillery) have emerged on the scene, each bringing their own cultural and distilling expertise.

Gin-based Cocktails

Gin stands out as one of the most versatile spirits in mixology, offering endless possibilities for creating elegant and balanced cocktails.Whether it’s a London Dry Gin, a Distilled Gin, or a more aromatic gin, the success of a cocktail relies above all on the quality of the ingredients and the respect for proportions.

Among the essentials, the Gin & Tonic remains, of course, a safe bet. The harmony between the gin and tonic water truly enhances the aromas of the gin and other ingredients, offering a refreshing and delicately fragrant experience. For optimal results, choose a premium bottle and serve your cocktail in a balloon glass filled with ice cubes to preserve the freshness of the flavors.

Fans of bold blends will also be won over by the Negroni, a refined combination of gin, red vermouth, and Campari, where bitterness and sweetness are perfectly balanced. Another great classic, the French 75 combines gin, lemon juice, sugar, and champagne for a sparkling cocktail that is both lively and sophisticated.

If you are looking for a more indulgent and fruity touch, the Bramble will win you over. Gin blended with crème de mûre, grenadine, lemon juice, and sugar syrup, this delicious cocktail delights with its balance between acidity and indulgence.

To enhance your creations, the choice of garnishes is also essential. A slice of cucumber will reveal the subtle notes of a Hendrick's Gin, while an orange zest will exalt the aromatic richness of a Tanqueray.

Finally, the type of gin selected greatly influences the final result. Feel free to explore our selection to find the ideal bottle. Whether you are preparing a timeless cocktail or an original creation, the quality of the ingredients makes all the difference. A premium gin paired with exceptional mixers will transform every sip into an unforgettable experience.

As you will have understood, the world of gin offers a multitude of tasting possibilities to connoisseurs, thanks to its flexible specifications that allow distilleries around the world to give free rein to their creativity. Whether you prefer a classic London Dry Gin like Tanqueray, a French craft gin like Citadelle, or a refreshing classic like Hendrick's, there is sure to be one that will delight your palate!

Explore the different expressions of this fascinating spirit and find the gin that suits you, at the best price, with La Cave Éclairée !