A Few of My Favorite Friends
The Twilight Lounge – December 16, 2011
Gin, sweet, juniper laced, glorious gin. Bombay gin. Beefeater gin. Tanqueray gin. Gin Wigmore (just checking to see if you are paying attention). Hendricks gin. New Amsterdam gin. Seagrams gin. Plymouth gin. London Dry gin, local gin, craft gin…gin, gin, gin. Invented by the Dutch, co-opted by the British, where would we be without it? No martinis – the only civilized way to end an uncivilized day. No gin and tonics. No Aviations. No Singapore Slings or Sleigh Wrecks!
The invention of modern gin is credited to Franciscus Sylvius in the 17th century, although its roots go back to 11th century Italian monks who used juniper berries to flavor crudely distilled spirits. The term gin is derived from the Dutch word genever, their word for juniper. Originally used for what was supposed to be medicinal purposes, the British came upon it during the 30 Years War and called it “Dutch courage” for the effect it had on their bravery when taken before battle.
Gin’s popularity in Britian soared during the reign of William of Orange, who assumed the British throne in 1689. With the taxes placed on brandy from France and on beer being quite heavy, locally distilled gin became the spirit of choice throughout England.
From 17th century England, gin has seen its ups and downs. It its high point in the quintessential martini as enjoyed by FDR and Churchill to it’s low point as bathtub gin during Prohibition, gin has been a staple of cocktail culture for centuries. Over the next few weeks I’ll explore the different styles of gins and include a number of gin reviews as well. In the meantime, have a gin question? Then fire away and I’ll do my best to answer!
Cheers!
There and Back Again, A Cocktail Journey 