Gin
Gin Overview
Gin is a distilled alcoholic spirit that is predominantly flavored with juniper berries, giving it its distinct pine-like, herbal taste. Here are the main characteristics that define gin:
1. Base Spirit: Gin is usually made from a neutral grain spirit, which is then infused or redistilled with botanicals.
2. Primary Flavor: The dominant flavor in gin must be juniper berries, though many gins incorporate a variety of other botanicals such as coriander, citrus peels, angelica root, and cardamom.
3. Distillation Process: Gin is typically produced by either steeping botanicals in the base spirit (infusion) or passing vapor through the botanicals during distillation to extract flavors.
4. Types of Gin: There are several styles of gin, including London Dry, Plymouth, Old Tom, and Contemporary or New Western gins, each varying in flavor intensity and sweetness.
5. Alcohol Content: Gin is usually bottled at a strength of at least 40% ABV.
Gin is widely known for its use in classic cocktails like the gin and tonic, martini, and negroni.
Deeper Dive Into Gin
Overview of Gin Production
Gin is a distilled spirit that derives its predominant flavor from juniper berries (Juniperuscommunis). While the specifics can vary greatly between different styles and producers, the fundamental process of making gin involves the following steps:
- Base Spirit Production: Gin production starts with a neutral base spirit, which is typically a high-proof ethanol (around 95-96% ABV) made from the fermentation of grains (such as wheat, barley, corn, or rye), molasses, sugar beets, potatoes, or even grapes. This base spirit is often produced in a continuous column still to achieve a high level of purity and a neutral flavor profile. Some gin producers may distill their own base spirit, while others purchase it from commercial producers.
- Botanical Infusion: The defining characteristic of gin is its flavoring from botanicals, with juniper being mandatory. A wide array of other botanicals can be used to create complex flavor profiles. Common examples include:
- Citrus peels: Lemon, orange, grapefruit
- Spices: Coriander seeds, angelica root and seeds, orris root, cardamom, cinnamon, cassia bark, nutmeg, ginger
- Herbs and flowers: Lavender, rosemary, thyme, chamomile, rose petals
- Fruits and nuts: Almonds, licorice root
- There are several methods for infusing these botanicals into the base spirit:
- Maceration: Botanicals are steeped directly in the base spirit for a period ranging from a few hours to up to 48 hours, allowing the alcohol to extract their essential oils and flavors.
- Distillation (Steeping in the Still): Botanicals are placed inside the pot still along with the base spirit, and the mixture is redistilled. As the spirit vaporizes, it passes through the botanicals, extracting their flavors.
- Vapor Infusion: Botanicals are held in a basket or chamber above the liquid in the still. The vaporized spirit passes through this basket, extracting the aromatic compounds without direct contact with the botanicals. This method is often used for more delicate botanicals.
- Distillation: After the botanicals have been introduced to the spirit through maceration or directly in the still, the mixture undergoes distillation in a pot still or a column still (or a combination of both). This process further refines the spirit and ensures the botanical flavors are fully integrated. Some gins may be distilled multiple times for added smoothness and purity.
- Cutting and Bottling: The distillate, now infused with botanical flavors, is typically very high in alcohol content. It is then diluted with demineralized water to the desired bottling strength, which is usually around 40-47% ABV, but can vary. Some gins may have a small amount of sugar added after distillation (though this is restricted for London Dry Gin). Finally, the gin is bottled and labeled.
Differences Between Top 15 Sold Gins in the United States
Identifying the exact top 15 best-selling gins in the U.S. can be dynamic and proprietary information. However, based on available reports and market trends, we can discuss some of the prominent and widely consumed gin brands and their general characteristics. Please note that market share and rankings can fluctuate.
Here’s a general overview of some well-known and likely high-selling gin brands in the U.S., highlighting their key differences:
- Bombay Sapphire: Known for its distinctive blue bottle and vapor-infused botanical blend of 10 ingredients (including juniper, coriander, lemon peel, orris root, angelica root, almonds, cassia bark, licorice, cubeb berries, and grains of paradise). It offers a lighter, more floral and citrus-forward profile compared to some traditional London Dry gins.
- Hendrick’s Gin: A Scottish gin famous for its unique infusion of cucumber and rose petals after distillation, in addition to traditional botanicals. This gives it a distinctly floral and fresh character, making it stand out from more juniper-heavy gins.
- Beefeater London Dry Gin: A classic London Dry gin with a recipe dating back to the 19th century. It’s known for its bold juniper presence balanced with citrus (Seville orange and lemon peel) and earthy notes from angelica and orris root. The botanicals are steeped for 24 hours before distillation.
- Tanqueray London Dry Gin: Another quintessential London Dry gin, recognized by its green bottle. It has a relatively simple botanical recipe of four key ingredients: juniper, coriander, angelica root, and licorice. This results in a very dry and juniper-forward gin, highly favored for classic cocktails like the Martini.
- Gordon’s London Dry Gin: A widely popular and affordable London Dry gin with a long history. Its recipe is famously kept secret but is known for its prominent juniper flavor with hints of citrus and other botanicals. It’s a versatile gin often used in mixed drinks.
- New Amsterdam Gin: An American gin known for its smooth and slightly citrus-forward profile. While it contains juniper, it often emphasizes other botanicals like citrus peels, coriander, and angelica, making it approachable for those who find traditional gins too juniper-heavy.
- Empress 1908 Gin: A visually striking gin from Canada, naturally colored indigo blue by butterfly pea flowers. It has a unique botanical blend including juniper, rose, coriander, grapefruit peel, ginger, cinnamon, and the butterfly pea blossom, which also causes it to change color to pink when mixed with acidic ingredients like tonic or citrus. It offers a floral and slightly sweet profile.
- Citadelle Gin: A French gin that emphasizes a complex blend of 19 botanicals, including juniper, coriander, cardamom, cubeb, fennel, licorice, and more. It’s known for its well-balanced and nuanced flavor profile, often described as floral, spicy, and citrusy. They also offer various flavored expressions.
- The Botanist Islay Dry Gin: From the Bruichladdich distillery in Scotland (primarily known for whisky), this gin features an impressive 22 foraged local botanicals from the Isle of Islay in addition to the traditional ones. This gives it a complex, herbaceous, and slightly earthy character, reflecting its terroir.
- Plymouth Gin: Historically a geographically specific style (though the PGI has lapsed), Plymouth Gin is traditionally produced at the Black Friars Distillery in Plymouth, England. It’s known for being slightly less dry and more earthy than London Dry gins, with a balanced botanical recipe that includes juniper, coriander, orange peel, lemon peel, angelica root, orris root, and cardamom.
- Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin: A complex German gin with a staggering 47 botanicals, many of which are locally sourced from the Black Forest. It’s known for its intense and multi-layered flavor profile, encompassing floral, fruity, spicy, and herbal notes with a strong juniper backbone.
- Tanqueray No. TEN: A premium expression from Tanqueray, distilled in a smaller “Tiny Ten” still and featuring fresh citrus fruits (white grapefruit, lime, and orange) along with juniper, coriander, and chamomile flowers. It’s known for its exceptionally smooth and citrusy character, making it ideal for Martinis.
- Seagram’s Gin: A widely available and often budget-friendly American gin. It typically has a more straightforward flavor profile with a noticeable juniper presence, often accompanied by citrus and other traditional botanicals. They offer different expressions, including “Extra Dry” and “Distiller’s Reserve” (which is aged).
- Aviation American Gin: An American gin that gained popularity partly due to its association with actor Ryan Reynolds. It’s known for its “New Western” style, where juniper is less dominant, and other botanicals like cardamom, coriander, lavender, anise, and sarsaparilla take a more prominent role, resulting in a more floral and less piney gin.
- Roku Gin: A Japanese craft gin from Suntory, featuring six Japanese botanicals (sakura flower, sakura leaf, yuzu peel, sencha tea, gyokuro tea, and sansho pepper) in addition to traditional gin botanicals. It offers a unique and delicate flavor profile with floral, citrusy, and slightly spicy notes.
The differences among these gins lie in:
- Botanical Blend: The specific types and proportions of botanicals used significantly impact the aroma and flavor profile.
- Distillation Methods: Variations in distillation techniques (pot vs. column, single vs. multiple distillations, vapor infusion vs. steeping) can affect the texture and intensity of the gin.
- Base Spirit: While most use grain-based spirits, some may use other bases, which can subtly influence the final product.
- Post-Distillation Processes: Some gins, like Hendrick’s, have additional flavorings added after distillation.
- Regional Style: Gins can be broadly categorized into styles like London Dry (dry, juniper-forward, all botanicals introduced during distillation), Plymouth (slightly less dry, more earthy), Old Tom (slightly sweeter), and New Western/Contemporary (less juniper-focused, emphasizing other botanicals).
This overview provides a glimpse into the diversity of popular gin brands in the U.S. Each offers a unique drinking experience, making gin a versatile spirit for various cocktails and preferences.
Listen for an overview of gin and the differences between some major brands. You’ll be surprised.
Links to articles that we’ve read and feel have merit
How to Make the Perfect Martini – 10 Top Ten Tips From an Expert
Monkey 47 Releases Distillers Cut Capparis Gin
Understanding the 4 Main Types of Gin, According to Experts
The 9 best gins, recommended by expert mixologists
Robb Recommends: The Kenyan Gin That’s Better Than Your Beefeater
A revolutionary gin from Sir Isaac Newton’s iconic apple tree
The Best Gin Brands of 2024 to Elevate Martinis, Negronis, and Gin and Tonics
Exploring the Bold Flavors of The Botanist Distiller’s Strength Gin
Nordic Gins Are the Most Exciting Trend in Spirits Right Now
The Best Gin Brands in the World
We Asked 18 Bartenders: What’s Your Go-To Gin? (2024)