The history of gin is a story that is both rich and complex. From a herbal remedy in the 16th Century, through the 18th Century Gin Craze we explore how gin has evolved into all the fantastic brands and varieties we enjoy today.
Times have not always been good for gin drinkers, a fact highlighted in some of the wonderful engravings found is this post. But drinking gin responsibly is thought to have several medicinal benefits. Packed full of herbs, spices and botanicals, today it’s considered the healthiest spirit out there.
What is Gin?
The history of gin starts with it being used as herbal medicine in the 16th century, helping to treat gallstones, gout and stomach issues. Today, it’s an alcoholic drink that contains juniper berries, along with a wide range of different flavoured botanicals, creating a drink where no two are identical.
Without juniper berries, gin would be considered a vodka and not gin. Legally, the alcohol content of gin must always be at least 40% in volume to be classed as a gin. Although most commonly mixed with tonic water, some consumers also enjoy it straight. Gin contains less sugar than many other spirits, so is considered friendlier on your waistline than many tipples.
Who Invented Gin?
Gin’s main flavouring, juniper, has been added to alcohol dating clear back to as early as 70 A.D. Italian monks in Solerno around the 10th century were even using juniper to bring pleasant flavourings to their distilled spirits.
However, the forefather to the gin we drink today originated in the 16th century in Holland, when the Dutch began producing a spirit called jenever or Genever. The liquor contained juniper, which helped to cover up the bitter taste of the malt wine base. The drink was especially popular in the Netherlands and Belgium during this time.
Many historians have claimed that the Dutch physician Franciscus Sylvius was the originator of gin, but this statement is false. We know this because a play called ‘The Duke of Milan’ referenced gin drinking when Franciscus was only nine years old.
The city of London has also played a key role in the history of gin. The English came across it when they were fighting the Spaniards in the Thirty Years’ War in the early 1600s. On their return Londoners quickly adopted the tipple as their own.
The Gin Craze.
Once gin arrived in London it quickly became a favoured drink among the poor. When the Dutch ruler William of Orange and his wife Mary came to the English throne, the distilling of gin became heavily encouraged and widespread.
Back then, gin wasn’t taxed and was cheaper than beer. Virtually anyone could make it, and in some cases, wages were even paid in gin. In fact, during the 18th century, 10 million gallons of it were being distilled throughout the city of London every year. Not surprisingly, gin started to take its toll on the population.
By the 1730s, gin was being heavily abused by the people of London, so the Gin Act of 1736 was put in place, which made gin far more expensive. The law resulted in riots, while the distilleries ignored it, so by 1742, the act had been repealed.
Why is it Called Dutch Courage?
The expression “Dutch Courage” came about after the Anglo-Dutch Wars and was a phrase used particularly by sailors. The Dutch were known for their reputation for drinking a lot of alcohol. Dutch courage is a slur word that means confidence gained by drinking alcohol. Both performers and soldiers would drink it for its calming effect and the bravery that it gave them.
Why Is It Called Mother’s Ruin?
Gin had a substantial negative impact on the people of London during the 18th century. It didn’t help matters that gin was safer to drink than the water supply. Gin became an obsession with many folks and took the blame for the rising crime rate, higher death rates, lower birth rates and all of the madness and misery of that time.
At gin joints, women were now allowed to drink with men for the very first time. Many women began neglecting their children, and prostitution soared because of it. For such dark times, it’s no wonder why gin became known as “Mother’s ruin.”
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The Different Types of Gin
You can’t discuss the history of gin without considering the numerous different styles that exist. Each bottle of gin has a unique flavour profile, and consequently, it’s own story to tell. If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between types of gin, here are seven types summarised.
Genever or Dutch Gin
In the history of gin, Genever lays claim to being the oldest gin. Genever goes by many names, including Dutch Gin, Geneva, Holland Gin and Jenever. Genever has long been popular in the Netherlands and Belgium and is arguably the closest to the 16th Century gin.
It’s a distilled malt spirit, similar to an unaged scotch. Usually blended with a neutral grain spirit and then re-distilled and infused with several spices and herbs.
London Dry Gin
London dry gin is an extremely popular gin and traditionally was used as the benchmark for a high-proof, clean and therefore high-quality gin.
The benchmark arose to distinguish quality gin from the backstreet spirits made from questionable ingredients in dodgy equipment that were heavily sweetened to disguise their true nature.
Therefore, to qualify as a London dry gin, a neutral spirit of 96% ABV is re-distilled with botanicals, with nothing other than water added after this process.
Plymouth Gin
Historically, Plymouth gin was the only U.K. gin to ever have a Protected Geographical Indication; In other words, if it was called a Plymouth gin, it was made in Plymouth. In recent years it has given up this protection and now considers itself a London gin.
Plymouth gin is said to have an earthy flavour with extra sweetness from the root botanicals with which it is distilled. Softer in style than many London dry gins it has long been considered an excellent base for cocktails.
Old Tom Gin
An Old Tom gin’s recipe dates back to the 18th century in England. This gin is closer in flavour to the Dutch Genever and is sweeter than the London dry gin. Sometimes aged in oak barrels for an extra touch of malt and sweet flavor, it has been described as the missing link between Genever and modern gins.
Just like its name suggests, Navy strength gin packs a powerful punch. It is essential a higher proof version of London Dry gin. Gin was on board many sea vessels during the 18th century, used as a tonic for fighting illnesses and diseases.
Sailors would test the gin by lighting the spirit with a mixture of gunpowder. If the flame burned clear, it was proof that the gin was the required strength. If it didn’t, the gin was deemed unacceptable and not up to standards. You’ll notice hints of extra spices in the Navy strength gin and that it goes nicely in many cocktails.
New Wave Gin
In recent years, gin has truly made several leaps and bounds, as far as the spirit category is concerned.
New Wave gin producers aim to bring non-gin drinkers into the market by reinventing gin. These gins are typically lighter on juniper, favouring other botanicals as the lead flavour.
Other considered to not be true gins by some; there is no doubt that New Wave gins are becoming increasingly popular.
Fruit Gins
Much like New Wave gins, Fruit Gin producers have pushed the boundaries on what gin is. Fruit flavoured gins are now phenomenally popular, and new products seem to be released weekly.
Thankfully, gin has come a long way as far as the taste and quality goes throughout the centuries. Now you understand a little of the history of gin, click over to Gin Botanicals: What is gin made from to learn about the botanicals used to create a gin and the processes used to make it.
