Unique Flavors for Every Palette: Exploring the World of Craft Gin

Gin is a drink that inspires passion among its fans. It’s a staple of cocktails and mixology, and has been enjoyed for centuries around the world. For many gin lovers, exploring the flavors and styles of craft gin is an exciting and delicious journey.

Traditional Botanical Gin

Classic gin is typically defined by its botanical flavor, particularly juniper. The high concentration of juniper berries in gin gives it a refreshing and piney taste that many people love. There are several other botanicals that are essential to gin, such as coriander, angelica, orris, and citrus peels. Some traditional botanical gins have been made in the same way for centuries, while others have incorporated modern twists to make it taste new and unique.

Beefeater London Dry Gin is a classic example of a botanical gin. It epitomizes the traditional gin style with its strong juniper flavor, subtle citrus notes, and spicy finish.
Bombay Sapphire has a more modern take on the botanical gin. Its recipe includes ten different botanicals, including coriander, angelica, and orris, but also adds almond and cubeb berries for a slightly exotic taste.

Fusion and Innovative Gin

In recent years, craft gin has diversified into fusion or innovative flavor profiles that explore the limits of the distilled gin. These gins can blend, infuse, or mix with a variety of botanicals or even fruits, spices, or herbs that give the gin a one-of-a-kind profile. Some may find it odd or eccentric, while others may welcome the experimentation and creativity that these gin makers have to offer.

The Botanist Gin is an excellent example of fusion gin-making. It blends no fewer than 22 botanicals, 9 of which are native to the Isle of Islay, where it is distilled. These include wild Islay juniper, heather, bog myrtle, and meadowsweet. This makes the Botanist Gin taste like no other gin on the market.
Monkey 47 is another example of innovative gin that mixes botanicals with fruits. It features 47 botanicals infused with black forest cranberries, for a unique and satisfying taste that is recommended to be served neat over ice.

Craft Gin in Cocktails

Cocktails are where gin shines the brightest. Gin-based cocktails require gins that have a good balance of botanicals with a distinct taste that can still blend well with other mixers. Some gins are best served as a neat sipping gin, while others are better suited for cocktails. The type of gin you choose will significantly influence the flavor and quality of the cocktail you make.

Negroni is one of the most famous gin cocktails that features the traditional botanical gin. It is made by mixing gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, resulting in a bitter yet refreshing drink that can be a perfect aperitif.
Bramble is a popular gin cocktail that is perfect for warm days. It mixes gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and crème de mure, a blackberry-flavored liqueur. It has a sweet and sour taste that is well-rounded and refreshing.

In Conclusion

Craft gin is a fascinating and diverse world to explore. There are many traditional flavors and unique fusions to choose from, each with its distinct character and profile. Whether you are a gin enthusiast or just someone looking to try something new, craft gin has something to offer for every palate.