How is gin made? A look behind the scenes of distillation

Gin has developed from a traditional drink into a modern trend drink in recent years. But what is actually behind this versatile distillate? In this blog post, we take you on a journey through the production of gin. Find out everything about the basic ingredients , the distillation process and the crucial steps that give gin its distinctive taste.

The basic ingredients: The heart of every gin

The basis of every gin is a neutral alcohol , which is usually made from grain, potatoes or molasses. This alcohol serves as a blank canvas on which the botanicals can develop their flavor. The most important ingredient that characterizes every gin is juniper . Without juniper, it simply wouldn't be gin - its spicy, resinous notes are required by law.

In addition to juniper, other botanicals are often added, including:

• Coriander seeds : For spicy and citrus flavors.
• Citrus peels (e.g. orange or lemon): freshness and lightness.
• Angelica or orris root : For earthy notes and balance.
• Cardamom, cinnamon or pepper : For exotic spices.

The Distillation Process: From Alcohol to Gin

Gin is usually produced in a multi-stage distillation process . The neutral alcohol is combined with the botanicals and heated to extract the desired aromas. Here is an overview of the most important distillation methods:

1st maceration

During maceration, the botanicals are placed in the neutral alcohol for a certain period of time (often 24 to 48 hours). This process helps to extract the intense aromas of the botanicals. Juniper and citrus peels in particular benefit from this technique.

2. Distillation in copper stills

After maceration, the mixture is heated in a copper still. Copper plays a crucial role as it neutralizes undesirable compounds in the alcohol and refines the taste. The alcohol evaporates at a certain temperature and then condenses back into liquid - the so-called raw gin .

3. Steam infusion

An alternative method is steam infusion. Here, the botanicals are placed in a basket over the neutral alcohol. The rising steam penetrates the botanicals and absorbs their aromas. This method is often used for particularly sensitive botanicals such as lavender or rose petals.

The role of botanicals: How is the taste created?

The selection and combination of botanicals is the real secret behind a good gin. Each producer has their own recipe that makes the gin unique. Some of the most innovative gins today use unusual ingredients such as:

• cucumber and rose petals (Hendrick's Gin)
• seaweed for a salty note
• Coffee or cocoa for a touch of roasted flavor

The ratio of botanicals is particularly important. An ingredient that is too dominant can make the taste unbalanced. This is why distilleries often experiment for months before finding the perfect recipe.

Filtration and dilution: The finishing touches

After distillation, the gin is often still too strong to be bottled directly. Therefore, it is diluted with water until it reaches the desired drinking strength. Most gins have an alcohol content of between 37.5% and 47% .

Some producers subject their gin to additional filtration to remove residues and produce a particularly clear gin. These steps help ensure that the finished gin tastes great both neat and in cocktails.

The different gin styles: Not all gins are the same

Not all gin is the same - depending on the production process and ingredients, different styles arise. Here is an overview of the most popular:

1. London Dry Gin

The classic among gins. It is produced in a single distillation process and contains no artificial flavors or sweeteners. London Dry Gins are known for their dry and clear taste.

2. Old Tom Gin

A sweeter variant that was popular in the 18th century, this gin is great in classic cocktails like the Tom Collins .

3. New Western Gin

Modern gins such as Monkey 47 or Aviation Gin rely less on juniper and more on creative botanicals. They offer innovative flavours and are often reserved for those who like to experiment.

Conclusion: The Art of Gin Making

Making gin is a mixture of craftsmanship and creativity. From selecting the basic ingredients to the distillation process and the perfect recipe, it requires experience and passion. Thanks to the variety of botanicals and styles , there is a gin to suit every taste.

Whether you prefer classic dry gins or are looking for exotic variants - the world of gin has a lot to offer. Would you like to find out more or find your favorite gin? Visit our online shop and discover a selection of the best gins from all over the world!