What is Gin made of?

As proud purveyors of the finest gins, it’d be remiss of us not to share our intricate knowledge of both gins, and the production processes that result in such wonderful creations. So, while you consider your next tipple (or even make your order), we’d like to share some insight into the gin process, and its key components.

There are many ways in which gin can be made, but to be called a ‘gin’ it must contain the predominant ingredient of juniper. Many gins start with quite a neutral flavour (from the grain), but there are various methods of the distillation process, and this is where the beautiful and unique flavour of the spirit is created.

The steeping of botanicals, and botanical vapour infusion are the two most popular methods of distilling gin. While the first is a more traditional method of putting the liquid into a vessel to be heated, the latter keeps the botanicals separate from the spirit to create a much more subtle and gentle flavour.

There are also other methods, such as compound gins popularised in the home brewing of gins, which mix neutral spirits and natural flavourings, but do not undergo the same redistillation process as other methods do. As a result Compound gins are not considered to be as ‘good as highly distilled gins’. Compound gins were a particular favourite in the 1920s and 30s, especially during the prohibition era in America and Canada, where the distinctively abrupt taste in all likelihood was a key contributor to the production of the many outlandish cocktails that were created during the Jazz era.

From the subtle to the complex, gin is a highly versatile spirit to which almost any botanical can be added. This has resulted in an explosion of styles, flavours and aromas. We’ve brought together some of the best gins from around the world for you to try, infused with everything from rose petals, cucumber and olive, to rhubarb, lavender and cardamom.

The world of gin is rich, complex, and continually expanding, with a huge range of distilleries popping up domestically, and overseas. We’ve brought together some of the best gins from around the world for you to try at our third Gin Festival. Featuring a range of gins infused with everything from rose petals, cucumber and olive, to rhubarb, lavender and cardamom.

Delivering a range of tastes that vary from sweet & fruity, light & citrusy, to more modern & distinctive, or juniper heavy flavours — we have an excellent and varied selection on offer. No matter which way it’s been distilled, we’re sure you’ll find a new favourite to enjoy whilst making your way through our rich selection.

Also, don’t forget to mark off the ones you’ve tried in our handy free Gin Guide