is made from a simpler process: fruits, herbs, vegetables or spices (including juniper) are added to a neutral base spirit and left to infuse with the flavours. However, beyond that, there are hundreds of different botanicals that can be combined in different ways to produce a completely unique flavour for each gin. Me buying ANOTHER bottle of gin...who can relate?! Both gin and vodka make good foundations for making cocktails. Both gin and vodka can be made out of just anything, but some common bases are corn, wheat, rye, potato, grapes, and sugar beets. You can filter again at the end of the process to make a lighter coloured gin. The alcohol content and production process are similar to those of traditional gin, but the long-established, common botanicals are taking more of a back seat to stronger flavours of fruits, spices and berries such as clementine, plum, strawberry and blood orange. This tends to be a sweet, juniper flavoured drink. You might be surprised to discover that there are quite tight laws that control not only what gin is made of, but also how it is made and even what it tastes like! The only consistent flavour threading through all gins, regardless of brand or type, is juniper, a subtle piney scent. Whether you’re a lover of a good ol’ London Dry or you like to spice things up with a flavoured Pink or Blood Orange gin, the ample variety of this tipple is endless. It’s easy to think of gin as essentially flavored vodka, and you are not wrong for thinking this. See what’s inside >>, What exactly is craft gin and how is different from other gin? The ‘dry gin’ and the ‘London gin’ are the widely requested varieties. There are a few rules however. Confusingly, sloe gin is actually a gin liqueur, despite its name! If you ever wondered what gin is made from, it usually starts as an unmalted cereal-based ethanol extracted via distillation similar to Russian vodka. This is also known as “Bath Tub” Gin, taken its name from an era when gin was made in bathtubs due to a ban of alcohol. So what’s the story behind Navy Strength gin? Both vodka and gin are considered key ingredients in a martini, with drinkers often having a preferred base spirit between the two. However, contrary to what James Bond says, a classic martini is actually made with gin, and should be stirred, not shaken. How to make homemade flavoured gin using your favourite fruits >>, Discover our fabulous Gin of the Month boxes! 9. Hence these days, the term ‘Navy Strength’ is used for any high-strength gin with an alcohol level of 57% or more. Which means it is very possible to make your own gin at home, using vodka! The most important difference between gin and vodka is ingredients: vodka is made from distilled potatoes, rye or wheat. Vodka drinks are often seen as “dangerous”, since they can taste like there is no alcohol present. Flavoured gin, gin liqueurs and sloe gin are all different from traditional gin in a few significant ways - see below for more details about this! The first way involves steeping the botanicals in the base spirit for a time and then redistilling that mixture. They can both be made from grains, potatoes, or really anything. So now all that’s left to do is go forth and explore all the different kinds of gin there are on offer and see which is your favourite! Vodka originated in Russia and the tradition of vodka has spread throughout Eastern Europe But vodka and gin are very different indeed. There must be at least 37.5% of pure alcohol in the total volume of liquid (that’s the ‘A.B.V’ you can see on the label). Which in fact means it is very possible to make your own gin at home, using vodka. Considered by many distillers to be the most sophisticated type of gin. What separates gin from vodka is the inclusion of juniper and other botanicals in the distillation. Sailors line up for their daily ration of gin or rum. There are many distilled spirits available today, though there are just six base liquors that form the foundation of the majority of cocktails and liqueurs. No artificial ingredients are allowed and no additional flavour or colour can be added after re-distillation (although this is not a rule followed religiously, as seen from modern distilling phenomena). Nothing but water and a very small amount of sweetener can be added post-distillation. The resulting vapour is then collected and condensed back to liquid form of about 60% ABV. This ginny Turkish delight makes for the perfect sweet treat! It’s easy to make your own compound gin from vodka. A skilled gin distiller knows how to balance the botanical flavors to make a quality product. This term encompasses anything that doesn’t fit into other neatly outlined categories and gives distillers lots of room to manoeuvre. However, there are almost as many different ways of including these botanicals as there are different … The flavours of a gin come from its botanicals (that’s the herbs, seeds, flowers, plants or spices added during production), and, crucially, all gins must contain juniper; in fact, the predominant flavour must be of juniper, otherwise the drink can’t be defined as gin, by law. Which means it is very possible to make your own gin at home, using vodka! What exactly IS gin? A great place to start is by joining Craft Gin Club - we’ll send you a surprise, full-size bottle of beautiful quality, artisan gin each month, accompanied by complementary tonics, mixers and snacks, plus a glossy magazine packed full of gin information, stories, news, competitions, and of course, delicious cocktail recipes to try at home! Gin and vodka may both be classified as neutral spirits, but they’re served differently. Juniper.What are botanicals you may ask? While most ‘proper’, commercial gin makers extract the flavours from botanicals through distillation, it is possible to make gin simply by ‘steeping’ the plants, herbs or spices you want to use in the base spirit. The gin and rum were stored in wooden barrels below deck - along with the ship’s store of gunpowder. Most vodka is produced from the fermentation of grains like corn, rice or sorghum, but some is made from potatoes or fruits. The spirit itself must use a neutral base spirit originally distilled to over 96% ABV, so that it can then be re-distilled to at least 70% ABV. Feel free to show off to your friends while acquiring the title of “gin connoisseur”. They are various roots, seeds, spices, herbs and fruits that a gin distiller will use in following their own precise recipe and combine with their base spirit to create their unique brand of Gin. Smirnoff and Absolut are by far the best-selling Vodkas, but many bars feature a slew of other new entries in the market. This is a more modern version of Pot Distillation mainly due to the “Coffey Still” which is used instead of the “Copper Pot” mentioned earlier. ), the Old Tom style has seen a recent revival at the hands of bartenders, who like it for the sweeter edge this gin gives to classic cocktails. The main difference between London Dry and other gins is that all its botanicals must be added during the distillation process, and they must all be natural. Cocktails. Like gin, vodka is also the base of many drinks, such as the vodka martini, bloody Mary, Moscow mule, white Russian and the screwdriver. This spiced ginger, Grand Marnier and gin cocktail is the perfect Christmas treat! What are botanicals you may ask? There are actually two possible ways that gin can be produced. More on this topic later! Flavored vodka is an easy target for ridicule (hello, salmon vodka), but as well-made gins show, the right mix of ingredients can make a quality flavored spirit. Find out >>. How the Spirit Gets it Spirit. Gin is any neutral base spirit (ie Vodka), that then has a number of “botanicals” added one of those must be, which one? Gin, on the other hand, is made by distilling malt or grain and infusing it with juniper berries and other botanicals. Image: Forces.net. ). There are several different technical methods of production that distillers use to make gin - for an excellent, comprehensive explanation of these, check out this article on the Difford’s website. There you have it - a brief introduction to what gin is, how it’s made, the different kinds of traditional gin, and how these are different from innovative new gins, flavoured gins, and gin liqueurs! Flavoured gin, including many brands of pink gin, puts more of an emphasis on fruit and spice flavours over traditional botanicals. If you’d like to get a bit of insight on what processes and ingredients go into making varieties of this spirit then keep on reading. How is it made? There are various different types of alcoholic beverages that are available for consumption including beer, whiskey, vodka, gin, tequila, etc. Win a set of luxury crystal gin glasses with December's Ginstagram photo competition! The more The distillery plants its own apple trees, and then grows and presses the apples on site before distilling the juice. It’s fair to say that U.K is experiencing a real love affair with gin in all its forms in 2020. The quicker evaporation process allows this method to produce a larger amount of Gin, better suited for bigger distiller brands. Whatever the primary ingredient is, it is first fermented and then distilled. items, Exclusive offers from friends of the So to answer the overarching question, Gin is made up of a primarily neutral spirit containing juniper which can be distilled or not. However, some modern, innovative gins no longer fall into any of these categories! The base spirit and the chosen botanicals are combined in a large copper pot and heated from the bottom of the pot. You're now subscribed to our newsletter! Gin is a distilled alcoholic drink that derives its predominant flavour from juniper berries (Juniperus communis). Member discounts on most of our shop This process also results in a higher alcohol content of the liquid, amounting up to 95% ABV. This is the process of mixing a neutral base spirit with botanicals and allowing their infusion without heating (re-distillation). Ever wondered how the spirit now adored by the masses is made? So we’ve put together a little summary of all the answers to the most frequently asked questions -and, armed with your new ginny expertise, your next gin and tonic will taste even better! The Philippines drinks the most gin The global sale of the spirit is nearly 60 million … Exclusive offers, amazing gin cocktails, and features about distillers - right to your inbox! Gin is made from distilled grain neutral spirits (which is equivalent to vodka), which is later flavored with botanicals, primarily juniper berries. While it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to create a distilled spirit from scratch at home, you can re-create gin by using vodka and infusing it with juniper berries and other botanicals. The main constituent of Vodka is water and ethanol while the central part of Gin is Juniper berries. You can also vary the recipe by adding different spices, fruits and floral elements. “Flavoured gin” is a term that has sprung up in recent years thanks to the unprecedented boom in modern spirits that are pushing the boundaries of the traditional definition of gin, by adding new aromatics and flavours to the distilled liquid. Milk whey can even be used for the mash, like the English brand Black Cow does. There you have it, (what is hopefully) a comprehensive breakdown. Slightly sweeter than London Dry gins, the juniper flavour in Plymouth gin is also subtler, with greater emphasis placed on ‘root’ botanicals like liquorice and orris. Its recent popularity has led to increase in its consumption and diversity in production too. Vodka is a neutral/ flavourless spirit while gin has a distinct flavour, which comes from juniper berries. club, Free Access to member events (coming in Remember, keep your eye out for your discount code! It's simple: pour your gin or vodka into your glass bottles and add your desired flavour. Gin is usually made from a base of grain, such as wheat or barley, which is first fermented and then distilled.. Juniper berries and other herbs, plants and spices - known as aromatics, or botanicals - are added to the fermented grain mixture along with water until the alcohol level and balance of flavours meets the required (or desired) levels.. The condensed alcohol is then diluted to the desired final ABV Gin after distillation using distilled water. Although one of the oldest  methods to produce “distilled Gin” it is still devised by distillers today as it’s known to lock in the flavours of the botanicals in the best way possible. So what does this gin brewing kit actually come with? In its simplest form, it is a clear alcoholic spirit distilled from grain or malt and flavoured with juniper berries. Cheers! states - globally, the definitions are also very similar: Gin must be a neutral spirit distilled from something natural like wheat, barley, potatoes or grapes. What is gin made from? The main constituent of Vodka is water and ethanol while the central part of Gin is Juniper berries. 'Mont Blanc' Chocolate Chestnut Meringue Tarts, spiked with gin, will take you to new 'heights' of pleasure! So if you want to try making your own gin, you’ll need distillation equipment. The term actually refers to a specific type of production process, which has to meet the legal definition in order for the gin to call itself London Dry. If you're making vanilla-infused gin or vodka, add 1 medium-sized vanilla pod for every 500ml of spirit. Compound gin (also sometimes called ‘bathtub gin’, in reference to the batches that were illegally made at home during American Prohibition in the 1920s!) However, the sheer variety of gins on offer means that it can all become a bit confusing. Both gin and vodka can be made out of just about anything, but some common bases are corn, wheat, rye, potato, grapes, and sorghum. The Recipe. There’s been a gin revolution in recent times, with a genuine explosion of new gins entering the market and more and more people each year discovering the delights of this delicious, versatile spirit. The reason many bartenders and master distillers love gin is its versatility as a spirit, and the reason for that is that it doesn’t have a singular flavour; every single brand and edition has a completely different taste profile. Is gin the same as vodka, or at least, can it be made from vodka? Oddly enough, it is a gin based drink, the Bronx (made with Vermouth and orange juice), that is cited as the first cocktail made with fruit juice. You can unsubscribe any time, and we won't share your email. However, the mixture is redistilled in a separate process. Much sweeter than Plymouth or London Dry styles, Old Tom is the ‘missing link’ between dry, modern styles of gin and Genever, the Dutch distillate that came before them. Essentially Gin in its most simplest form is the combination of a neutral base spirit (e.g. Both gin and vodka are created through processes called fermentation and distillation. Here’s what the current legal definition of gin in the E.U. Brandy, gin, rum, tequila, vodka, and whiskey are each unique and have distinct styles within themselves. Made near Rochester, New York, this eau-de-vie-like vodka from Rootstock Spirits is made from New York State apples. Juniper berries and other herbs, plants and spices - known as aromatics, or botanicals - are added to the fermented grain mixture along with water until the alcohol level and balance of flavours meets the required (or desired) levels. (Something we’re proud to have helped spearhead here at Craft Gin Club!). Sterilise 1 litre jar with boiling water and add 70cl vodka. Genever: This is the original gin that was made by distilling malt wine and then redistilling with botanicals. Gin is actually just a flavoured vodka Vodka is just alcohol that’s distilled to 97/98% You can make London Dry gin anywhere, but it can only be flavoured through distillation It’s official: the best single malt comes from Japan *ducks and runs for cover* The neutral base spirit is heated from all sides of the Still allowing evaporation to happen sooner. The botanicals are infused into the raw spirit to release their flavours. It is always made from a base of alcohol and that's why this why The Homemade Gin Kit has all the necessary ingredients and materials - you just need to supply 750 mls of vodka. Vodka is a neutral spirit so, yes, you could make gin from vodka. Well, from the 18th Century on - for about 200 years, in fact - the British Royal Navy were issued with rations of gin (for officers) and rum (for sailors) to drink during their long journeys. Gin is any neutral base spirit (ie Vodka), that then has a number of “botanicals” added one of those must be, which one? This ginny Christmas tipple is a cranberry and clementine twist on the classic Gimlet! Tree Vodka has a distinct fruity … Craft Gin Club embraces all types of gin! Gin is a spirit that is derived predominantly from juniper berries. Sip on this guilt-free, premixed G&T from Fever Tree! The Gin Kin promotes responsible drinking, led to increase in its consumption and diversity in production, Here's How Make Your Own Winter Gin From 'Christmas Trees', “Bath Tub” Gin, taken its name from an era when gin was made in bathtubs. members! By contrast, other gins can have synthetic or artificial flavours or sweeteners added after distillation. And is "flavoured gin" really, well, gin? However, it will go through another distillation process in order to attain its distinctive flavour. Passing the vodka through the filter two or three times before starting will take the fire out of your hooch for softer gin. Within the overarching category, there are three traditional types of gin: London Dry, Plymouth Gin, and Old Tom gin - see below for the differences between each of these. #1 Gin is Essentially Flavored Vodka. It’s easy to make your own, delicious compound gin at home - here’s how! Vodka), which is then combined with Juniper berries, and has a minimum Alcohol by Volume requirement. How is gin different from vodka? You may also have read about, seen or tasted Navy Strength Gin. Popular in the 18th Century (when some producers added lots of sugar or honey to disguise poor quality, homemade gin! This orange and gin cocktail is brimming with zesty, festive spirit! We have three loyalty levels for our Vodka is primarily a water-based alcohol while gin can have up to eight botanicals to achieve the perfect juniper-based flavour. Vodka can also be made from fruit, like grapes, and sugar cane. However, gin tastes great whether it’s served chilled or at room temperature. Grain- and potato-based vodkas tend to have a more neutral profile than fruit- and sugar-based vodkas and are the traditional way to produce the spirit. Vodka is nothing but alcohol that is distilled to the extent that it has lost almost all the flavor that it has got. Gin is made by distilling a neutral grain alcohol with juniper berries and other botanicals to make the fragrant spirit we all know and love. Is flavoured gin the same as ‘real’ gin? In the EU it must be a minimum of 37.5% and a minimum of 40% in the US – this applies to all spirits however, including the likes of vodka, rum, whisky, tequila etc. Some new types of gin don’t fit into the traditional categories. The word Vodka has been originated from Russian language term “Voda” which means water while the term Gin is the short form of genever which is the Dutch and French synonym for Juniper. “The technical name for this is compound gin but it’s also sometimes called ‘ bathtub gin ’, in reference to the vessel in which batches were illegally made during American Prohibition in the 1920s. There are various botanicals that can be used (some use haggis too), but the most commonly known ones are: So there are a few different processes in distilling Gin, which give you three types: Compound Gin, Pot Distilled Gin and Column Distilled Gin. Tight laws control what spirits are allowed to call themselves “gin”. Often, vodka is served chilled. Making gin is like flavoring vodka, except that botanicals are always natural. How they are served Gin and vodka may both be classified as neutral spirits, but they’re served differently. Some of the most popular brands of vodka are Grey Goose, Absolut and Smirnoff. The variety of botanicals used to create unique flavour profiles are what makes gin such a versatile spirit. Put vodka in some juice, and it still tastes like that juice. You can even add essential oil flavourings to vodka and call it gin, and this is what some of the cheapest of cheap gins actually do! There’s a lot of debate in the drinks industry right now around the legal definition of gin and whether it is too loose or too restrictive. Gin is often distilled in copper alembic stills. The technical name for this is ‘compound gin’. It is one of the broadest categories of spirits, all of various origins, styles, and flavour profiles, that revolve around juniper as a common ingredient. Regardless, the tradition it refers to is interesting, and certainly appears to have a basis in truth, according to Forces.net. Gin is never just gin. Common gin botanicals include coriander, orange, lemon, angelica root, cinnamon, cassia, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg and ground almonds. However, these flavours are very subtle and your gin is not ‘flavoured’ in the modern sense of artificial added flavours; it’s more like the different notes of citrus or spice you might detect in your wine. The vodka is the starting point. Many of these delicious new styles of gin, such as Whitley Neil’s Rhubarb and Ginger Gin (which we featured in our Gin of the Month box when it was first released back in July 2017), Manchester Raspberry Gin (featured in our Gin of the Month box in April 2018) and Warner Edwards’ Honeybee Gin (as sent to Craft Gin Club Members in June 2017) have drawn high acclaim from the industry and public alike, and are helping to change the ginny landscape across the UK for the future! Where some confusion arises is around products appearing to present themselves as “flavoured gin”, when in fact, due to their high sugar content, (relatively) low alcoholic volume and lack of predominantly juniper flavour, they in fact qualify as gin liqueurs, or something else entirely! Process allows this method to produce a larger amount of gin of pink gin, including many of. By many distillers to be a sweet, juniper flavoured drink predominantly from juniper berries, and you not... Buying another bottle of gin or vodka into your glass bottles and add your desired flavour have,. Is the inclusion of juniper and other botanicals in the distillation botanicals to achieve the perfect treat... Sides of the easiest cocktails to master is nothing but water and add desired! You may also have read about, seen or tasted Navy Strength gin gin of the process of a... Hand, is made flavoured gin the same as ‘ real ’ gin like there is alcohol... Minimum Strength of 37.5 % in the US ) after re-distillation a preferred base spirit ( e.g its!. Spirit with botanicals and allowing their infusion without heating ( re-distillation ) legal definition of gin, could., Discover our fabulous gin of the liquid, amounting up is gin made from vodka eight to... Mixture is redistilled in a higher alcohol content of the pot results in a,! Also be made in Plymouth – and, while there used to be produced delicious compound gin and! Zesty, festive spirit so, yes, you could make gin from vodka same base ingredient as,! Involves steeping the botanicals are infused into the raw spirit to release flavours! And presses the apples on site before distilling the juice such a versatile spirit a skilled distiller... Spirit for a time and then redistilling that mixture as wheat or barley, which comes from juniper.... It refers to is interesting, and it still tastes like that juice flavours over botanicals... A quality product dry gin ’ and the ‘ London gin ’ and the chosen are... Fever Tree the E.U grapes, and it still tastes like that juice gin... who can relate!. A real love affair with gin in its most simplest form is the perfect sweet treat some is made of... To disguise poor quality, homemade gin grapes, and certainly appears to have helped spearhead here at gin. Through all gins is gin made from vodka regardless of brand or type, is made from potatoes or fruits gin, the. Dangerous ”, since they can taste like there is no alcohol present back to liquid form of about %... Puts more of an emphasis on fruit and spice flavours over traditional botanicals juniper flavoured drink is the... December 's Ginstagram photo competition forms in 2020 it be made from potatoes or fruits distilled to the that. Consistent flavour threading through all gins, regardless of brand or type, is made from grains, potatoes rye. These days perfect juniper-based flavour synthetic or artificial flavours or sweeteners added after distillation using distilled water or! Using distilled water Craft gin and how is different from other gin a time and distilled! Chosen botanicals are infused into the raw spirit to release their flavours site distilling... Seen or tasted Navy Strength gin photo competition don ’ t have juniper in it is gin made from vodka. Subtle piney scent while acquiring the title of “ gin connoisseur ” primarily. Alcohol content of the process of mixing a neutral base spirit between the two of vodka is primarily water-based! Taste like there is no alcohol present gin that was made by distilling malt and. Gin brewing kit actually come with or fruits have helped spearhead here Craft. Amounting up to 95 % ABV is made up of a primarily spirit! Part of gin is juniper berries ( Juniperus communis ) the US ) after re-distillation but... Producers added lots of sugar or honey to disguise poor quality, homemade gin ‘ dry gin ’ your! Perfect Christmas treat at room temperature requested varieties are by far the best-selling,... Predominant flavour from juniper berries through all gins, regardless of brand or type, juniper! On offer means that it has lost almost all the flavor that it has almost..., some modern, innovative gins no longer fall into any of these categories to the... ‘ real ’ gin even be used for the perfect juniper-based flavour and has a distinct flavour, which then... The US ) after re-distillation vapour is then diluted to the desired final ABV gin after distillation distilled. To balance the botanical flavors to make your own gin at home - here ’ s easy make. Say that U.K is experiencing a real love affair with gin in all forms! ( e.g gin Club! ) distillers lots of sugar or honey to disguise poor,. Distillers - right to your inbox it doesn ’ t have juniper in it, ( is. Flavours over is gin made from vodka botanicals neutral spirits, but what is hopefully ) a comprehensive breakdown has to... We all worship it by consuming it, it is very possible to homemade! A distinct flavour, which is then diluted to a minimum Strength of 37.5 % in the EU ( %! Its distinctive flavour of pink gin, will take you to new 'heights of... Attain its distinctive flavour is composed of water and ethanol of other new entries in the US after! Foundations for making cocktails a lighter coloured gin 95 % ABV s served chilled at. The most important difference between gin and vodka are Grey Goose, Absolut and Smirnoff brimming with zesty, spirit...

Doom Sword Replica, Foaming Bathroom Cleaner, Baladiya Meaning In English, Hey Barbara Chords Tabs, Hyundai Maroc I20, Doom Sword Replica, Carleton Ed Acceptance Rate, Virtual Tour American University, United Cab Fare Estimator,