Spirits - Gin

Question 1

Where did Gin originate?

Answer 1

Gin is an English rendition of Genever. It came about in the late 17th century and hit it’s peak in the later 19th century.

Question 2

What is Genever?

Answer 2

• Dutch precursor to Gin,
• Has to be made in Holland, Belgium or some parts of France/Germany.
• It has to be made from grain, typically driven by Rye.
• Classified as young (Jung) or aged (Oude)

Question 3

What is Old Tom Gin?

Answer 3

• Old Tom Gin was the more prevalent spirit in the US in the 19th century.
• Completely forgotten until 2007/2008
• Sweeter & less aromatic than gin, may or may not be barrel aged.

Question 4

What is London Dry Gin?

Answer 4

The leading style of gin, invented by the English. Classified as Dry relative to old styles like Old Tom & Genever.

Question 5

What is Plymouth Gin?

Answer 5

Has to be from Plymouth England. Similar to London dry but earthier, rounder.

Question 6

What is Navy Strength Gin?

Answer 6

London Dry that is 57% Alcohol.

Question 7

What is New Western Gin?

Answer 7

Dry styles that don’t focus on Juniper.

Question 8

How is gin produced?

Answer 8

Gin is still vodka after first distillation

• Steeping = soaking botanicals in vodka for up to 48 hours then distilling & cutting
• Vapor Infusion = Alcohol vapors passing through basket of botanicals.

Question 9

Describe Aviation Gin

Answer 9

-American Dry, Portland, Oregon

-Pot distilled
, bright clean flavor

Question 10

Describe Bombay Sapphire

Answer 10

• London Dry Style

- Triple/Vapor distilled, very light clean profile

Question 11

Describe Brooklyn Gin

Answer 11

• London Dry Style

- Pot stilled, focus on fresh Citrus, very vibrant profile, sipping gin.

Question 12

Describe Chief Gowanus Gin

Answer 12

• ‘New Netherland’ style

- Inspired by Genever, so made from unaged rye whiskey. All local NYS ingredients, focus on hops.

Question 13

Describe Ford’s Gin

Answer 13

• London Dry Style

- Made by 8th generation distiller. Only 9 botanicals, built for versatility and soft profile

Question 14

Describe Greenhook Ginsmiths

Answer 14

• London Dry Style

- Vacuum distilled, very punchy focused aromatics.

Question 15

Describe Hendrick’s Gin

Answer 15

• London Dry Style out of Scotland

- Combo of Steep/Vapour distillation, huge focus on Fresh cucumber & Rose.

Question 16

Describe Junipero Gin

Answer 16

• London Dry Style, San Francisco

- Very punchy/assertive London dry. Sister company of Anchor Steam Brewing Co.

Question 17

Describe Ki No Bi Gin

Answer 17

• Self-described ‘Kyoto Dry’

- Largely driven by Japanese botanicals/flavors - Yuzu, Japanese Cypress/Bamboo, Green tea & Japanese peppercorn.

Question 18

Describe Martin Miller’s Gin

Answer 18

• London Dry Style

- Pot stilled & cut with Icelandic Spring Water. Big focus on Citrus.

Question 19

Describe Monkey 47 Gin

Answer 19

• Dry Style, Southern Germany
• Original distillery built in 70s. Relaunched as brand in 2006. 47 different botanicals, mostly from Black Forest & Mediterranean

Question 20

Describe No. 3 Gin

Answer 20

• London Dry style produced at 300 year old distillery in Holland
• Only 6 ingredients in play, punchy but approachable style.

Question 21

Describe Nikka ‘Coffey’ Gin

Answer 21

• Dry Japanese Style

- 4 different types of Japanese citrus, along with Japanese peppers and a core of typical gin botanicals. 47 abc

Question 22

Describe Plymouth Gin

Answer 22

• The only Plymouth Styled gin remaining, from Plymouth England
• Less sharp than London Dry - Softer, smoother, earthier, longer finish

Question 23

Describe Roku Gin

Answer 23

• Japanese Dry

- First gin from Suntory. cross section of Japanese botanicals from all 4 seasons along with traditional gin aromatics

Question 24

Describe Scapegrace ‘Gold’ Gin

Answer 24

• London Dry Style, New Zealand

- Won best LDS in the world in 2018. Balance of Tangerine & other citrus w/ nutmeg & baking spices.

Question 25

Describe Sipsmith Gin

Answer 25

• London Dry Style, London

- Extremely dry style, micro distilled in Pot/Column combo in London.

Question 26

Describe Tanqueray/Tanq Ten Gin

Answer 26

• London Dry Style, Scotland
• Recipe dates to 1838, this is the reference point for London Dry. Notable lack of citrus in normal Tanqueray. Tanqueray 10 is their higher end, smoother, citrusy bottling.