GIN
GIN
DEFINITION
Gin is a flavored
alcoholic beverage produced by redistilling high proof spirits with juniper
berries and other botanicals.
·
Gin originated
over three centuries ago in Holland when Franciscus ‘de la Boe’ Sylvius,
professor of medicine in Holland’s University of Leiden mixed juniper berries
and alcohol to cure kidney complaints.
·
The word “Gin” is
an abbreviation either derived from the French word ‘genievre’ or the
Dutch word ‘junever’ both meaning juniper berry.
·
British soldiers
took the drink before going into battle in the Netherlands which gave them
‘Dutch Courage’.
·
They developed
liking for the taste and took the art of making this spirit to England.
·
By 18th
Century Gin became a cheap remedy for London’s poor and there was no control
over the production of Gin and was produced all over London.
·
The famous phrase
came about because of the cheapness of Gin. “Drunk for a penny and dead drunk
for two pence, clean straw or nothing”.
·
Some employers
even gave Gin to their employees as part payment of wages.
STYLES OF GIN
•
Dutch Gin /
Holland Gin / Schiedam Gin / Genevar Gin / Geneva Gin
•
London Dry Gin /
Dry Gin / English Gin
CHARACTERISTICS OF DUTCH
GIN
•
Full-bodied with
clear and pronounced malty aroma and flavor
•
Not ideal for
mixed drinks/cocktails as its own taste is predominant
•
Maturation is not
required
•
Color is adjusted
with caramel
•
It is best enjoyed
straight and chilled
•
Bottled in stone
crocks – excellent bar display
CHARACTERISTICS OF LONDON
DRY GIN
•
Originally made in
and around London (most English gins are still made there). Now it’s a generic
term.
•
Dry means nothing
as all gins are dry.
•
It is colorless
and light bodied.
•
It is used mainly
in the preparation of mixed drinks/cocktails.
BRAND NAMES
Dutch
Gin – Bols, Kokma, De Kuyper, Hasekamp, Jonga Graan Jenver
London
Dry Gins - Booth’s, Gordon’s, House of Lords, Calvert, Tanqueray,
Gilbey’s, Beefeaters, White Satin
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