Gin is actually the original flavoured vodka, but with juniper berries. Distilled gin is made by redistilling white grain spirit which has been flavoured with the berries. Compound gin is made by flavouring neutral grain spirit...

Gin is actually the original flavoured vodka, but with juniper berries. Distilled gin is made by redistilling white grain spirit which has been flavoured with the berries. Compound gin is made by flavouring neutral grain spirit with juniper berries without redistilling. Gin, like many spirits, is known for its medicinal properties - the old gin bottle conjures images of an original apothecary. The most common style of gin, typically used in mixed drinks like gin and tonic, is London dry gin which is made by taking a neutral grain spirit and redistilling after the botanicals are added. In addition to juniper, it is usually made with a small amount of citrus botanicals like lemon and bitter orange peel.

It is said that during the early years of London Gin the City of London dined on it. Beefeater Gin with its strong citrus notes is a great example of a London Gin. Other botanicals that may be used include anise, angelica root and seed, orris root, licorice root, cinnamon, coriander, and cassia bark. Bombay Sapphire is a great example of a multiple botanical brand.

Gin is often mixed in cocktails with sweeter ingredients to balance its taste, like tonic water or vermouth. Gin and vermouth have become great cocktail friends over the generations. Gin is actually the original flavoured vodka, but with juniper berries. Distilled gin is made by redistilling white grain spirit which has been flavoured with the berries. Compound gin is made by flavouring neutral grain spirit with juniper berries without redistilling. Gin, like many spirits, is known for its medicinal properties - the old gin bottle conjures images of an original apothecary.

At the Purveyor we are very lucky to stock some amazing gins. If you fancy something different, try Hendricks, Sipsmith, Bull Dog or Brockmans. If you want to try something you might find in Duty Free try a Tanqueray No 10 or Beefeater 24. Whatever you fancy there is a good chance we will stock it.