Shaken, not stirred – probably the most famous drink in film history is a martini. The favorite drink from 007 contains one thing in England: gin , But what is that? Where comes gin and what is special about it?

definition

Like Bond himself comes from the gin from England. Their main flavor is the juniper berry. It also helped the drink to his name: Based on the Dutch precursor Genever, which in turn was derived from the Latin word for juniper berry – Juniperus. gin is nothing more than a normal liquor, to which spices are added for flavoring. In addition to juniper is especially coriander in it. The other ingredients depend heavily on the manufacturer.

Because there are strict rules for alcoholic beverages in the EU, it has to be genuine gin the alcohol content is at least 37.5% by volume. More is always better: you do not want to just taste the spices. The production is also standardized: starch-containing substances are added to the spices during distillation. This later gives the gin its distinctive taste.

story

As early as the seventeenth century, Dutch Genever was introduced to England. Soon, local manufacturers moved to the popular beverage, because of course, still without standards, such as in terms of alcohol content. As a result, gin became popular with members of the lower classes in particular: the strong but cheap booze promised a quick intoxication.

To contain the abuse, the government took drastic measures at the end of the eighteenth century. She introduced strict quality controls and gave the gin a hefty tax, making it artificially more expensive. Gin promptly became interesting for the upper class – and has since become a symbol of British art of living.

manufacturing

The advancement in England led to a refinement of the formulations. Although the main components are always the same. However, due to the nature of the distillation and the accompanying spices to great differences, especially of a flavored nature. In most cases, the flavor carrier is added to multiple distillation, but even once distillation is possible. In the latter method, however, the so-called „compound gin“, the additives do not develop their full taste.

Better and therefore higher quality is the multiple distillation, in English: „destilled gin“. The best-known varieties here are London Gin, which was distilled four times, so it is particularly taste-intensive. Even the dry gin is a gin lover a term – he is unsweetened, because sugar additives are prohibited here. Nevertheless, like every gin, it has a very aromatic note. And no matter which variety you prefer, the taste is always tart and rather dry.

grades

But there are thousands of flavor variations. Even juniper, for example, distinguishes between fresh and earthy notes. Of course, the other additives also influence the taste: whether citrusy or peppery, whether with herbal notes such as rosemary or thyme – the variety is virtually limitless.

Incidentally, flowers are also called additives such as lavender or rose flavor. This goes in a direction that has little to do with the classic gin. But because the drink is just as versatile, that is also tolerated – as extravagance. Very British. But always Gin is particularly well suited for mixed drinks. Everyone knows the long drink Gin Tonic, the cocktail Martini as well. Also Gin Fizz or White Lady enjoy great popularity and have long been a place on the menus of the world.