Gin, with its unmistakable juniper note and the versatility that makes it the star of countless cocktails, is much more than a simple spirit. It is the fruit of a fascinating process that combines science and art, where botanicals and distillation techniques blend to create unique flavor profiles. But how exactly is this liqueur created?
The fundamental ingredients: the soul of Gin
1. Neutral alcohol (base spirit)
This is the starting point: a high-proof, neutral-tasting alcohol, usually obtained from the fermentation and distillation of grains (such as barley, corn, wheat) or, less commonly, potatoes or molasses. Its neutrality is essential because it must serve as a "canvas" on which the flavors of the botanicals can fully express themselves.
2. Juniper (Juniperus communis)
This is the ingredient that defines gin. Without juniper, there would be no gin. Its essential oils give the spirit that characteristic balsamic, resinous, and slightly peppery flavor that is the drink's hallmark. By law, juniper must be the predominant aromatic ingredient.
3. Botanicals
This is where the master distiller's creativity comes into play. Botanicals are a wide range of herbs, spices, roots, seeds, citrus peels, and flowers that are added to the base alcohol to give gin its distinctive and complex aromatic profile. The combination and proportions of these ingredients are the secret to each brand. Among the most common are:
- Coriander: gives citrus and spicy notes.
- Angelica Root: Adds earthiness and helps seal aromas.
- Citrus peels (lemon, orange, grapefruit): They contribute fresh and lively notes.
- Licorice: adds sweetness and a spicy touch.
- Cardamom: Offers a warm, spicy aroma.
- Cinnamon and Cassia: for sweet and spicy notes.
- Almond: Can add smoothness and a slightly bitter aftertaste.
- And many others, such as pepper, rose, iris, cumin, nutmeg, ginger, etc.
The distillation process: The heart of production
Distillation is the key process through which the aromas of botanicals are extracted and concentrated in alcohol. Simply put, distillation exploits the different boiling temperatures of alcohol and the essential oils in botanicals.
What is meant by distillation?
Distillation is a separation technique that allows you to purify or concentrate a liquid or gaseous substance by separating it from other substances. It's based on the principle that different components of a mixture have different boiling points. By heating the mixture, the substances with the lower boiling points evaporate first, turning into vapor. This vapor is then cooled, returning it to a liquid state (condensation), thus separating it from the substances with a higher boiling point. In the context of gin, the goal is to extract the essential oils and aromatic compounds from the botanicals and transfer them to the alcohol. This is easier said than done because the variable temperature comes into play, which fundamentally affects the juniper and botanicals.
The main production methods of Gin
There are several techniques for making gin, each of which influences the final aromatic profile:
London Dry Gin (Classic Distillation)
Process : This is the most traditional and rigorous method. Neutral alcohol is diluted with water and then infused with botanicals. This "mixture" is then heated in a copper still. The alcoholic vapors, enriched with the aromas of the botanicals, rise and are conveyed to a condenser, where they cool and return to a liquid state, forming the gin distillate.
Characteristics : No coloring or sugars are added after distillation (except in very small quantities). This process guarantees a "dry" and clean gin, with the aromas of the botanicals well integrated.
Distilled Gin
Process : Similar to London Dry, but offers greater flexibility. The neutral spirit is distilled with the botanicals. Unlike London Dry, the addition of natural flavors or colorings after distillation is permitted, as long as the predominant flavor remains that of juniper.
Characteristics : Allows producers to experiment with post-distillation aromas, creating more complex or unique profiles.
Compound Gin (Cold Compound / Bathtub Gin):
Process : This is the simplest method and does not involve redistillation. The botanicals are simply infused directly in neutral alcohol for a certain period of time, releasing their aromas. After infusing, the mixture is filtered and bottled.
Characteristics : It often produces gins with a darker color (due to the direct extraction of pigments from the botanicals) and a "rawer" and less refined flavor than distilled gins. It is the oldest and least controlled method in terms of aromatic precision.
Vapor Infusion:
Process : In this method, the botanicals are not immersed directly in the alcohol. Instead, they are placed in a "basket" or "chamber" inside the still, suspended above the boiling alcohol. The rising alcohol vapors pass through the botanicals, gently extracting their essential oils and aromatic compounds.
Characteristics : This method tends to produce lighter, more elegant, and floral gins, as the extraction of aromas is more delicate and selective. It is particularly appreciated for capturing the more delicate nuances of botanicals.
From distillation to bottle
Once the gin distillate is ready, it usually has a high alcohol content (often above 70-80% ABV). It is then diluted with purified water until it reaches the desired alcohol content for bottling (typically between 37.5% and 47% ABV, but this can vary). Some producers let the gin rest for a short time before bottling to allow the aromas to blend. Gin production is an art that requires knowledge of the ingredients, mastery of the distillation process, and, last but not least, a good dose of creativity. It is this combination that allows for the extraordinary variety of gins available today, each with its own history and unique flavor profile.
