The popularity of gin is increasing all over the world. Made from any type of grain mash, a clear, distilled liquid is produced, which is then infused with various botanicals, like juniper, in order to develop other unique flavours. Gin is an extremely versatile spirit that is used in many ways, as well as being the key ingredient in many popular cocktails.
A brief history of gin
Gin, originally known as “genever,” was first created in the Netherlands during the 13th century, by distilling malt wine to about 50% alcohol by volume (ABV). The liquid following this process wasn’t drinkable at first, so herbs and spices were added, including juniper berries for the medicinal properties they were thought to have, to soften the drink and make it more palatable. The resulting liquor, depending on what method was used to distill it, tasted similar to whiskey or vodka.
At the time, the drink was available in pharmacies for medicinal purposes. Doctors prescribed it as a treatment for gout, gallstones and kidney ailments!
British soldiers discovered the drink during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, when they were assisting the Dutch to fight the Spanish in the 80 Years War. Because of the calming properties genever was supposed to have had, the soldiers would drink it before they went into battle, hence the phrase, ”Dutch courage”.
“Genever” was shortened to “gin” when English distillers started making their own version of the drink, after which it slowly increased in popularity all over the world.
The various types of gin available
You need to become familiar with all the styles of gin there are, in order to really understand the spirit. According to the drinks website 31Dover, there are eight types of gin you need to know:
1. London Dry – the original style that was introduced into the UK back in the 17th century, full of juniper flavours, frequently described as “piney.”
2. Plymouth gin – produced in the town of Plymouth, UK, Plymouth gin is similar to London Dry, but softer on the palate.
3. Contemporary gin – a world-wide category that includes gins from the USA as well as from other parts of the world
4. Navy Strength – originally used by the British Royal Navy because of gunpowder still igniting if dampened with gin, this type is an over-proof version of London Dry. Although distillers have to balance the flavours at a higher proof, the taste is basically the same, only hotter.
5. Old Tom – at one time an illegal spirit, this sweetened gin is available today in bottles like all other gins
6. Barrel Aged gin – despite being a part of the contemporary variety, Barrel Aged gin is sufficiently plentiful to warrant consideration on its own
7. Genever/Jenever – the Dutch ancestor of gin as we know it today
8. Sloe gin – a liquor that is gin-based and flavoured with the sloe berry (of the plum family), common in the UK
Gin trends for 2019
According to those in the know, the gin trends for 2019 are as follows:
Gin flavours
Gin flavours are incredibly popular right now and their popularity shows no sign of slowing down. Gin fanatics will be going all out for flavours like berry pink gin, pomegranate and rose, plum and cinnamon, rhubarb and ginger and lemon drizzle, as well as salted caramel, passion fruit gin liqueurs and even bubblegum-tasting gin!
Eco-friendly gin
Gin companies have noticed the important trend of consumer’s plastic-free goals, particularly where straws are concerned, in restaurants and bars. Cocktail menus have changed slightly, with bartenders coming up with ways to minimize their food waste.
It’s wrong when garnishes like egg yolks, limes, lemons and other fruit that are used purely for appearance sake, are tossed away after being used just once. Instead of wasting these garnishes, some bars are using them to make “closed-loop” cocktails, where excess fruit garnishes are used to make natural syrup, or kept for use in pitchers.
Bartenders are noticing the importance of reducing their eco-footprint, especially since spirit manufacturers depend heavily on the land to develop infused gin.
New categories
In 2019, gin brands are hoping to concentrate on a few brand new categories. Gin and spirit manufacturers will start experimenting with flavours and distilling, all of which will be an advantage to gin, as well as those who enjoy drinking it. The experts predict that this experimentation will result in some new and out of this world tastes and flavours that will result in gin becoming even more popular globally, than it already is.
Rumour has it that thousands of gin-lovers have volunteered to be taste-testers for any new gins, before they go on the market!