Gin (73)

Gin – A Juniper Spirit with a Rich History

Gin is one of the most popular spirits today. It is known for its fresh taste, distinctive juniper aroma, and endless possibilities in cocktail mixing. From the classic Gin & Tonic to modern craft drinks, quality gin has become a staple of every home bar as well as premium cocktail bars. Discover premium gins from around the world, ranging from traditional London Dry gins to modern craft gins with unconventional botanicals.

The history of gin – from medicine to a global phenomenon

The official origin of gin dates back to around 1650, when the Dutch physician Dr. Francisco de La Boie, known as Dr. Sylvius, created a remedy for kidney problems called Genever. The combination of grain spirit and juniper berry oil was originally intended for medicinal purposes. However, the drink quickly spread among people and became a popular part of Dutch and Belgian culture.

Juniper remains the foundation of every true gin. Without its characteristic aromatic profile, gin would not be gin. Over time, this spirit spread to England, where the iconic London Dry Gin style was created, now considered a classic among gins.

How is quality gin made?

The production of premium gin is a combination of craftsmanship, precision, and distiller creativity. The base is a high-quality grain spirit, to which juniper berries and other botanicals are added – herbs, spices, citrus peels, flowers, or exotic ingredients.

One of the most important steps is maceration, during which the ingredients are steeped in alcohol. Many producers use traditional methods, such as the well-known “2 nights 1 day” process, where botanicals are left to macerate for a longer time to achieve a more intense aroma.

This is followed by distillation, which takes place in copper stills or modern distillation equipment. Premium gins often use special suspended baskets for botanicals, through which alcohol vapours pass, gaining more delicate aromatic characteristics. Some gins are then aged in ceramic vessels or barrels, giving them an even more complex character.

Types of gin – what styles exist?

The world of gin is extremely diverse today, and individual styles differ in production method, juniper intensity, and botanicals used. The most well-known style is London Dry Gin – a dry, elegant gin with a strong juniper character and no added sweetening. It is the foundation of classic cocktails and one of the most popular styles worldwide.

Plymouth Gin is also popular, being softer and earthier, or Old Tom Gin with a slightly sweeter character. Modern craft gins often experiment with citrus, herbs, flowers, and exotic spices, creating entirely new flavour profiles. Barrel-aged gins are also highly popular, briefly matured in oak barrels, gaining vanilla and woody notes similar to whisky.

At WinePlanet you will find classic London Dry gins, modern craft gins, and original flavoured varieties from around the world.

What flavours does gin offer?

Modern gin is no longer just about juniper. Today’s premium gins offer a wide range of flavours – from citrusy and fresh to spicy, floral, or herbal notes. Botanicals give each gin its unique signature.

In a quality gin, you may find notes of citrus peel, cardamom, coriander, lavender, rosemary, black pepper, basil, or exotic fruit. Some modern craft gins even use unconventional ingredients such as tomatoes, seaweed, or wild herbs.

Gin & Tonic – an iconic modern drink

Gin & Tonic is one of the most famous and popular cocktails of all time. The combination of quality gin, tonic, and ice creates a refreshing drink ideal for summer evenings, celebrations, and elegant gatherings.

Each gin creates a different flavour combination with tonic. Citrus gins pair well with grapefruit or lime, herbal styles with rosemary or cucumber, and spicy gins with orange peel or berries. Garnish and tonic selection can significantly influence the final flavour profile.

For the perfect Gin & Tonic, we recommend using plenty of ice, premium tonic water, and a balloon glass, which enhances the aromas of botanicals.

Gin and modern mixology

Gin is one of the most important spirits in modern cocktail bars. It is the base of iconic drinks such as Gin & Tonic, Negroni, Martini, and Tom Collins. Its aromatic diversity offers bartenders enormous creative possibilities.

Classic London Dry gins work well in elegant and dry cocktails, while modern fruity and floral gins pair perfectly with tonics, citrus, and fresh herbs. The choice of tonic can greatly enhance the gin’s flavour.

Pink gin – a fruity trend of recent years

Pink gin has become a major trend in modern cocktail bars and home entertaining. This style is popular thanks to its fresh fruity character, mild sweetness, and attractive colour.

Pink gins often include strawberries, raspberries, rhubarb, pink grapefruit notes, or forest fruits combined with the classic juniper base. The result is a lighter, fresher, and highly aromatic gin style, ideal for summer drinks and Gin & Tonic.

Pink 47 Gin is one of the popular premium gins with an elegant and fresh character, perfect for modern gin cocktails.

Non-alcoholic gin – gin flavour without alcohol

A growing trend in recent years is non-alcoholic gin. It is an alternative for those who want to enjoy the taste and atmosphere of gin drinks without alcohol. Non-alcoholic gins contain typical botanicals such as juniper, citrus, coriander, and herbs, but without an alcohol base.

Thanks to modern production technologies, quality non-alcoholic gin retains the aromatic profile of classic gin and works very well with tonic. It is ideal for drivers, athletes, pregnant women, or people who prefer a healthier lifestyle.

Non-alcoholic Gin & Tonic is now one of the most popular low & no alcohol drinks and has become a standard part of modern bar menus.

Premium gins from WinePlanet – recommended brands

At WinePlanet you will find a selection of world and craft gins from various countries. The most popular include:

Toison gin – Slovak craft gin carefully overseen by a Master Distiller.

MOM gin – London Dry gin from González Byass.

Pink 47 Gin – an iconic London Dry gin with strong juniper and citrus character.

Kimerud Gin – premium Norwegian craft gin with Slovak roots, known for its complex herbal aroma.

Black Tomato Gin – unique Dutch gin made from black tomatoes with a slightly salty mineral character.

Nginious! Gin – stylish Swiss gin with a modern aromatic profile and expressive botanicals.

How to serve gin

Gin is most commonly served with quality tonic, plenty of ice, and suitable garnish. Citrus gins are enhanced by grapefruit or lime, herbal styles by rosemary or thyme, and spicy gins by orange peel or cardamom.

Premium gins can also be enjoyed neat or in simple cocktails where their character stands out best. Properly served gin offers a fresh, elegant, and highly aromatic experience.

Discover the world of gin at WinePlanet

Whether you are looking for a classic London Dry Gin, a modern craft gin, a cocktail gin, or an elegant gift for a spirits lover, at WinePlanet you will find a wide selection of premium gins from around the world. Discover the fresh world of botanicals, juniper, and craftsmanship in every glass.