Gin aka Dutch Courage
Gin has been around for a very long time dating back to 16th century Holland where a juniper dominant spirit named Genever was produced. During the 30-year war (1618- 1648), English troops were sent to support the Dutch and could not help but notice the courage of these fierce, fighting men. Well, it turns out they were receiving a pint of Genever a day to help their nerves in battle, hence the term “Dutch Courage” was given.
With the ascension of William the Orange, a Dutch king to the British throne in 1688, his first order of business was to put a ban on all French goods...yikes, no more Cognac to be had! In place of that, he allowed the unlicensed production of gin. This took off in a crazy way with the working class, partly on account of gin being taxed less than beer and partly a little something stronger helped to endure the poor living conditions back then. Or perhaps it was just a blind allegiance to a Dutch king?
18th Century Gin Craze
By the 1730’s, the gin craze started to emerge. Half of London was drunk on gin which shut down a chunk of industrial England. Anyone could make gin and many were using short-cuts such as adding turpentine to give that pine-like aroma instead of juniper berries. It was not the civilized drink we know today with an average of 40-45% alcohol. No, this was torch your house down along with your stomach lining straight firewater. Factories were shutting down and the death toll was rising.
Through a series of many Gin Acts, London was finally able to curb consumption and gave out distillery licenses to 8 middle-class families for legal gin production. You might recognize some of these classic names today...Gordon’s, Booth’s and Tanqueray.
Gin All Day, Every Day
Flash forward to not quite a gin craze, but today, people are rediscovering gin as they look for a variety of nuances in flavour that vodka has a hard time offering. There is nothing a refreshing as sipping a great G & T on a summer afternoon patio.
Gin must always be juniper dominant. This can be achieved through maceration and distillation or by the simple addition of essences. Juniper berries are typically sourced in the mountainous regions of Italy.
A gin producer may let you know their key botanicals but you will never find out the exact recipe as they keep this under lock and key. Botanicals such as coriander, orris root, cardamom, anise and citrus peel take on a supporting role. With the surge of all the creative gins now, you may see rose, cucumber, tea, yuzu or lavender in the mix. There really is a gin out there for everyone, and here are some “Coles” notes on some of the styles we can find in the market today:
Styles of Gin
London Dry Gin - may be produced anywhere in the world but it must be a distilled gin meaning no flavouring essences may be added after distillation.
Navy Strength Gin - must be a minimum of 57% alcohol and is similar in style to a London Dry Gin. The Navy used to store their gin next to the gunpowder. On rocky voyages out to sea, the barrels of gin would slosh onto the gunpowder. If the gunpowder would not light, it meant they were cheated and sold a watered-down gin. Gunpowder can light at 57% abv and there would always be a gunpowder test before purchase.
Old Tom Gin – a very old style that erupted from the legalization of gin forcing illicit producers to sell out of back alleys. Allegedly, an old tom cat carved on a back-alley shutter could give you a shot of gin through a copper pipe. Old Tom gins typically use some sweeter botanicals in the blend such as anise and liquorice.
Sloe Gin - Sloes are little berries sometimes known as blackthorn. The Brits have been making sloe gin for hundreds of years by infusing the berries in high-proof gin, along with a little bit of sugar. This made for a warming drink during the cold damp winters. Nowadays, it’s also popular as a summer drink, add some citrus and soda and you have a Sloe Gin Fizz.
Genever – from the Netherlands using a % of malt spirit which gives an oily richness to the mouthfeel. This style is often aged in oak.
We have huge gin savings on this month up until September 05th. Head into one of our 13 JAK’S locations come gin-o-clock and take the win on gin. Check out some of our gin-tastic deals featured below.
Gin-tastic Sales
Royalmount Gin – Sale @ $ 48.99
Reg @ $56.99 - $8.00 Savings
A Montreal-based distillery crafting top-quality spirits. Anticipate aromas and flavours of citrus, roses, and juniper, along with cucumber notes. It's medium-bodied and brimming with floral notes with a long-lasting finish. Such a summery fun gin!
Collective Arts Plum & Blackthorn Gin – Sale @ $ 44.99
Reg @ $53.99 - $9.00 Savings
Plum and blackthorn contribute the pretty mauve hue while giving this gin a fruitiness that complements the heat of black peppercorns and ginger. The nose shows a complex array of aromas with cardamom, orange peel, juniper and plum. We are thrilled to be carrying this gin that placed Gold at the World Gin Awards in 2019!
Madison Park Breakfast Gin – Sale @ $ 48.99
Reg @ $56.99 - $8.00 off
Crafted at the 1769 Distillery in Quebec, this unique gin is distilled with the addition of bergamot with a final infusion of blended teas. Lifted aromas of orange blossom and lemongrass mingle with notes of freshly brewed tea with juniper, citrus a hint of cinnamon spice on the palate. We love this gin and it gives a different twist to a French 75 (gin, lemon juice, dash of sugar syrup and top with Champagne or sparkling wine)
Lynn Coulthard is Director of Brand Management and Education for JAK’S. On the side, she teaches WSET Wine and Spirits and the Gin Ambassador Course. When not working, she can be found on a patio.... sipping gin.