Ori-gins

The long and groggy history of Gin makes it just as vivid as a symbol of decadence as Absinth. Gin has always been exceptionally received, from the kick-off period of the Gin-Craze to the time of colonialism, when G&T’s replaced the traditional midday cup of tea. Let us trace the lineages of Gin.

The medicinal properties of Juniper — the main ingredient of Jenever (Dutch Gin), London Dry, Sloe Gin and other expressions — have been known since the time of the Greeks. Juni-berries were later used as a weapon against the Bubonic plague, but without much success….

Gin made its first appearance in Netherlands. Surprising? Not really, because the Dutch were one of the earliest masters of distillation. It was supposedly Dr. Franciscus Sylvius who distilled the first Gin, but that was never really confirmed. Once the English soldiers came, the Gin deal was sealed - they fell in love with the drink, scooped up the recipe and took it home.

Tons of exotic spices found their way into Europe during the period of World exploration in the 16th century. Many of those made their acquaintance with Gin… and so English Dry Gin was born. The taxation of beer and ale back then made Gin a cheap and oh-so strong commodity. Things got out of hand pretty quickly, and an epidemic of drunkenness swept the country. It was only after the government regulated its production and made other alcoholic potions widely available, that the thirst for Gin was slowed. When Britain expanded its imperial reach to the Malaria infested lands, the military chaps had problems swallowing the bitter quinine pill… but only until someone mixed it with Gin and voila — the Ginesis of Gin & Tonic (war must be good for something, right?).

The story of Origins concludes with the Old Tom Gin, the long lost link between between Jenever and London Dry. It’s malty-and-sweet body sprang up during the early Cocktail Revolution.

This Juniper berry concoction has many forms, and through history it evolved into many forms and varieties… What we have here for you are some of the best spin-offs of these classics that mark Gin as we know it. It’s all about the Ori-Gins!

Cheers,

The Flaviar Gin Appreciation Society