What Is Gin Made From? Juniper, Botanicals and How Gin Is Distilled
What is gin made from? Gin starts as a neutral spirit made from grain or another fermentable base, then is flavoured with juniper berries and other botanicals. Juniper is the one flavour that must lead, and everything else, from citrus peel to coriander seed, shapes the style. This guide explains the base spirit, the botanicals, the main production methods and how to choose a bottle.
What is the base spirit in gin?
Gin begins as a neutral spirit, usually distilled from grain such as wheat, barley or rye. Some producers use other bases such as grapes, potatoes or sugar cane. The goal is a clean, high-strength spirit with very little flavour of its own, so that the botanicals can take centre stage.
Because the base is neutral, it is similar to vodka, which is why vodka and gin are close cousins. The difference is what happens next: gin is redistilled or steeped with botanicals, while vodka is bottled with no added flavour.
Why is juniper the key botanical?
Juniper berries give gin its piney, resinous and slightly peppery character. By definition, juniper must be the predominant flavour in a spirit sold as gin. Without juniper, the drink is simply a flavoured spirit.
Juniper is a berry-like cone from the juniper shrub. When crushed or steeped it releases oils with notes of pine, herbs and citrus, which is why a good gin smells fresh and forest-like when you pour it.
Which other botanicals are used in gin?
Most gins use a handful to more than a dozen botanicals. The usual supporting cast includes coriander seed for a citrus-spice note, angelica root to bind and dry the flavour, and orris root for floral depth. Citrus peels such as lemon and orange add brightness, while cassia, cinnamon, cardamom and liquorice add warmth.
Modern and Australian gins often add local botanicals such as native pepper berry, lemon myrtle or finger lime. These ingredients explain why two gins can taste so different even though the base is similar. Compare styles in our gin collection.
How is gin made?
There are three common methods. In distilled gin, botanicals are added to the neutral spirit and redistilled in a still, so the vapour carries their flavour into the finished spirit. London dry gin is a strict form of distilled gin where all flavour comes from the botanicals during distillation and no artificial flavouring or colouring is added after, apart from a tiny amount of sweetener.
Compound gin is made by flavouring neutral spirit with essences or by steeping botanicals without redistilling. It can be good, but it is generally less refined than a distilled gin. Check the label to see which method the maker used.
What are the main styles of gin?
London dry is crisp and juniper-led, and it suits a classic gin and tonic. Old Tom is slightly sweeter. Navy strength gin is bottled at a higher alcohol level, commonly 57 percent ABV. Contemporary gins pull back on juniper and highlight citrus, floral or herbal flavours.
Pink gin has a fruit or botanical infusion that turns it pink and slightly sweet. See our guide to pink gin and browse the pink gin collection to try the style.
How do you serve gin?
The classic serve is a gin and tonic: a measure of gin over plenty of ice with chilled tonic and a citrus slice or herb garnish that matches the gin. Gin also works in a martini, a negroni and a gimlet, and it mixes well with soda, grapefruit juice and ginger beer.
Use fresh, large ice cubes so the drink stays cold without diluting too quickly, and chill the tonic. Measure the gin rather than free pouring so each drink stays balanced.
How do you choose a gin to buy?
Decide how you plan to drink it. For a gin and tonic, a juniper-forward London dry such as Bombay Sapphire is a dependable choice. For sipping or a martini, look for a gin with a cleaner, more refined profile. For gifts, choose a recognisable bottle and a presentation you like.
Compare prices, sizes and ABV across the full gin collection. We deliver insured across Australia and an adult (18+) must sign for every parcel.
What is the difference between gin and other clear spirits?
Vodka is bottled without added flavour, while gin must taste mainly of juniper. White rum is made from sugar cane and has sweet, grassy notes, and white tequila is made from agave and tastes of pepper and cooked agave. Gin is the only one of these defined by its botanicals.
If you enjoy herbal and aromatic spirits, gin is the natural next step from vodka. Try a classic with tonic first, and then move on to martinis and negronis as your taste develops.
How do you taste gin properly?
Pour a small amount into a glass, add a few drops of water and smell it. The water opens up the aroma. Note the first impression, usually juniper or citrus, then look for spice, floral and herbal notes. Taste it neat, then with a mixer.
Tasting gin neat shows you its character and quality. A well-made gin should feel balanced, with the juniper supported by the other botanicals rather than hidden by them.
How do you buy online from Doctors of Whisky?
Doctors of Whisky is a Sydney-based online bottle shop. Browse the collection, add bottles to your cart and choose PayID, bank transfer, Bitcoin or USDT at checkout; paying with Bitcoin or USDT takes 12% off.
The minimum order is $300 AUD. Orders of $1,500 AUD or more ship free by express courier, and a flat $75 AUD fee applies below that. Delivery is insured, and an adult (18+) must sign for every parcel.
How can you drink responsibly in Australia?
The Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol recommend no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than four standard drinks on any one day. A standard drink contains 10 grams of alcohol, and the label on every bottle shows the number of standard drinks.
Pace yourself, eat before and while you drink, alternate with water, and never drive after drinking. You must be 18 or over to buy alcohol.
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Bombay Sapphire Gin
Bombay Sapphire Gin (700ml) is a gin from Bombay, made in United Kingdom / Australia. Buy it online from Doctors of Whisky with insured delivery across Australia. Searching for bombay sapphire gin price? This page lists the price, size and insured delivery details.
Def Leppard Animal Gin
Def Leppard Animal Gin (700ml) is a gin from Def, made in United Kingdom / Australia. Buy it online from Doctors of Whisky with insured delivery across Australia.
Ghost Juniper Gin
Ghost Juniper Gin (700ml) is a gin from Ghost, made in United Kingdom / Australia. Buy it online from Doctors of Whisky with insured delivery across Australia.
Frequently asked questions
What is gin made from?
Gin is made from a neutral spirit, usually distilled from grain, flavoured with juniper berries and other botanicals.
Is gin made from juniper berries?
Juniper is the main flavouring, but the alcohol itself comes from a fermented base such as grain. Juniper is added for flavour.
What is the difference between gin and vodka?
Both start as neutral spirit, but gin is flavoured with juniper and other botanicals while vodka is not.
What does London dry gin mean?
London dry is a style where the flavour comes from botanicals during distillation, with no artificial flavouring added afterwards.
Where can I buy gin online in Australia?
You can buy gin online from Doctors of Whisky with insured delivery across Australia. An adult (18+) must sign for every delivery.
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