GIN Flashcards
What is Gin?
Gin is made from distilled spirit, normally from grain, with a clean neutral flavour. It is then fermented with juniper berries and other botanicals to create a specific fusion of flavours.
“Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.”
-Humphrey Bogart
as Rick Blaine in ‘Casablanca’ ~ 1942
What are botanicals?
Botanical recipes are unique to each brand and are often a closely guarded secret. They are likely to include:
Lemon, Lavender, Nutmeg, Hops, Mint, Rose, Corn, Almond, Apples, Barley, Grapefruit, Pepper, Olives, Basil, Orange, Ginger, Liquorice, Aniseed, Cucumber, Honeysuckle, Cinnamon, Barley …
Where did Gin come from?
Gin originated in Holland in 1550 as a cure for stomach issues using the diuretic properties of Juniper berries.
The Word ‘GIN’ comes from the dutch word Genevere.
What are the categories of gin?
Though gin categories are generally not classified as precisely as wine or whisky, there are a few overall groupings a bottle may belong to; Traditional / London Dry Plymouth Gin Genevere Modern Sloe Flavoured
What are the characteristics of a London dry or traditional gin
Light and crispy and dry in style with a predominant Juniper flavour.
This is the most common category and are generally considered the safest for mixing
What is Plymouth Gin?
Plymouth Gin is only made in Plymouth by one distillery who has the rights to the term Plymouth Gin. It is relatively full bodied compared to London dry and is clear slightly fruity and very aromatic.
What are the Characteristics of Genevere Gin?
Dutch style Gin
Old Genevere Gin is the original style it is strawberry hued and is sweet and aromatic with a slightly malty taste that makes it more similar to whisky than other types of gin.
Young Genevere Gin has a drier palate and lighter body
Genevere Gins tend to have a lower alcohol percentage.
What a is a modern Gin?
Modern Gins depart from traditional distillation processes by adding unique or uncharacteristic botanicals creating a unique flavour.
There are more classic cocktails made with gin than any other spirit.
Name a few.
Examples
Gin and Tonic
Classic Martini - Gin, Dry vermouth opt:bitters
Tom Collins - gin, lemon, soda, sugar
Moon River - gin, apricot brandy, cointreau, galliano, lemon juice
Pink Gin - gin, bitters
Fallen Angel - Gin, creme de menthe, bittlers, lemon juice
Pimm’s Cup - gin, pimms, lemonade, mint.
Gin and Juice
What is a Sloe Gin?
Usually made by infusing sloe (or blackthorn) berries with a gin base.
Has a red hue and lower alcohol percentage than traditional gin. The gin gains almond-like essence from the sloes’ stones, giving sloe gin a particular aromatic flavour. Some recipes include a small amount of almond essence. Another variation is the addition of a few cloves and a small stick of cinnamon.
What are Flavoured Gin?
Flavoured Gins have one very distinct flavour such as orange or raspberry that dominates the taste.
Gives a strong specific taste rather than the more complex combination of flavours of traditional gins.
