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Gin and Tonic 101

GIN’S SECRET POWER

Gin begins, like vodka, as a neutral spirit (the base can be malt, corn, rye and/or molasses) IT IS THE INTRODUCTION OF JUNIPER AND OTHER BOTANICALS THAT DEFINES GIN. Sometimes these potent flavorings are infused; often they are re-distilled; a third method has trays of herbs, roots, berries and spices work like a filter to flavor the steam of the distillate.

In the end,  gin is the extreme opposite of a neutral spirit. THE PARTICULAR MIX OF BOTANICALS - ALWAYS A GUARDED SECRET, WHETHER IT'S SIX, OR A DOZEN OR MORE - DRIVES EACH BRANDS IDENTITY.

Flexibility of production is one reason that many styles of gin have developed over several eras of the spirit’s varying popularity—as well as why so many craft distillers are joining the gin game. And while London Dry is arguably still the standard, it functions like a trunk of a very complex tree. No matter which direction gin goes, it goes with power and personality.

GIN BOTANICALS: BUILDING BLOCKS OF CHARACTER

Gin’s personality is a heady mix of assertive aromatics and flavors, led by spirit-defining juniper. A coniferous plant; Juniper’s contribution to gin’s character should be clean, green and pinelike (those juniper “berries” are actually tiny, smooth, pinecones). The juniper also works as a foundation for a variety of other spicy and savory botanicals—the exact combinations of which, naturally, are well-guarded secrets.