Following our highlights of the top 20 international trending classic cocktails, it is only fitting that this week’s coverage goes to gin.

A spirit can only be called gin if it contains juniper. Without the addition of these tiny berries, the spirit remains as vodka. Colourless and full of taste, gin undergoes a dual distillation process in which the base spirit, or ethanol, is infused with a range of botanicals for taste. Depending on the distiller, the first distillation process of creating ethanol can happen in-house or be purchased from a manufacturer. Then comes the re-distillation process where the juniper berries and botanical’s essential oils are introduced and mixed into the ethanol. This heating process is crucial to gin production and can affect the taste and intensity of the spirit.

Once the liquid has cooled, the concentration is reduced with water and bottled for mass consumption. With a predominant flavour of juniper and a careful distillation process, it’s no wonder gin has become the base for many classic drinks that have stood the test of time. Easy to mix with most juices and tonics, gin is versatile and is a staple in bars everywhere.

Types of Gin

London Dry

One of the most popular types of gin is London Dry Gin. Unlike the name suggests, these kinds of gins are not all created in London, although they did get their humble beginnings from there. Known for having little to no sugar added and a pungent juniper taste, these gins are considered ‘drier’ because they aren’t on the sweet side. These gins must also be distilled at 70% ABV (alcohol by volume) or higher without any artificial colours or flavours added.

Old Tom

Lighter and less intense than Genever, Old Tom gins are on the sweeter side and get their flavours from malts or added sugar. One of the most elusive gin styles, Old Tom is making a comeback into the gin world and is an excellent gin for whiskey drinkers who crave heavier undertones in their liquors.

Plymouth

This gin is locally sourced and can only be made in Plymouth, England, to be considered this gin style. Sweeter than London dry gin, this spirit has an earthy taste and makes an excellent base for a gin and tonic. With a softened juniper flavour, this type of gin is dominated by one brand with the same name.

Genever

Considered the forefather of London Dry gin, this heavily malted and savory flavoured gin includes botanicals like fennel to increase its darker tones. Starting out as blend of malted barley, rye, and corn, this grain mix is mashed down and fermented to create the base of this type of gin, giving it the wholesome and similar-tasting qualities as its Scotch brothers.

As the best-selling category in elite bars, gin is a battleground for the big groups, each having its premium brand: Diageo with Tanqueray; Pernod Ricard with Beefeater; Barcadi with the Bombay family of brands and William Grant & Sons with Hendrick’s. This tussle for the top has only ended in one winner over the past five years: Tanqueray. But this year, Tanqueray was usurped by its old rival Beefeater.

Beefeater

Beefeater Gin is classified as a London Dry gin. From James Burrough’s original recipe, Desmond Payne — the world’s most experienced master distiller — oversees a bold and distinct gin that sets the standard for London Dry gins. Since 1863 it has stood the test of time and now claims the title of the world’s most awarded gin. A product of the bold, creative city, Beefeater is proud to still be made in the heart of London. With big juniper character and strong citrus notes, this is a real London Dry for those who enjoy the real taste of gin.

So, this week, let’s raise our glasses in a toast to gin! Cheers!

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Imagine if we embraced life’s moments big and small, without reservation. Together, we might fill the world with contagious joy. Please share with me your wines, spirits and cocktail experiences or comments on the above article at debbiansm@gmail.com, or follow me on IG @debbiansm #barnoneja.

Debbian Spence-Minott

An Alumna of the US Sommelier Association

CEO of the Academy of Bartending, Spirits & Wines

President – Jamaica Union of Bartenders and Mixologists (JUBAM) Limited