Good old gin

HONORARY AGE Gina

Among drinks gin is one of the major sites. He appeared in the Netherlands in the 16th century as a medical device, and two centuries later in England, he caused the death of thousands of people. He was considered the drink of the plebeians, but in the early 20th century aristocracy liked him since gin has acquired the status of the most fashionable strong alcoholic beverage in the world. Today cocktail "gin and tonic" - the most popular long drink in the world.

These and other facts in more detail.

OFFICIAL AUTHOR

Based on Juniper

It is believed that the genie owes its birth to a specific person. Medieval Dutch city of Leiden pharmacist named Franciscus Sylvius experimented with popular in those days herbal product - juniper. The doctors at the time firmly believed in its healing properties. During the plague, which killed more than Europe's 25 million people, people even wore masks, which were sewn juniper berries, believing that the disinfected air, passing through the mask. Indeed, juniper wood has an amazing ability to resist rot and yagodopodobnye juniper cones - enough strong diuretic.

It is worth recalling that mozhzhevelnih has long been known as the primary means of treatment of diseases of the bladder and kidneys. Mention of this plant is in the works of Avicenna and Roman scholars.

"Dutch courage"

Since gin insists on juniper berries and had their scent, the first brand of Dutch gin was called in French Genievre (juniper). Over the years, the word was transformed into an English version - gin.

Exported to many countries in Europe, the Dutch liqueur enjoyed particular success in the UK. At the end of the XVI century, it gained it the nickname "Dutch courage."

Real prosperity in the popularity of gin came in the late XIX century. In the Victorian era, it has become more dry and fragrant. Change his social status: rough swipes lower classes turned into an elegant drink. While Scotch whiskey high society considered an outcast and did not take to their circles, gin enjoy the same prestige as the Bordeaux wine.

To a large extent contributed to the expansion of the popular invention of gin tonic, carbonated soda water with tincture of cinchona.

LONDON AND DUTCH WAY

Manufacture of gin

Currently gin are two ways.

The first of them - a London dry - is that distillation is used rectified alcohol in the presence of ingredients, among which necessarily includes juniper berries can also add coriander seeds, peels angelica, cardamom, cinnamon, cubeb, angelinovy ​​root, anise, lemon and orange peel, and a number of other components.

There is a variety of options for getting the genie when the rectified spirit make essential oils of juniper and other above-mentioned plants.

To obtain alcohol use rye or corn, and as saccharifying material - dry malt barley (30%), which are mixed, zabrazhivayut and distilled. Second distillation unit produced in the bottoms.

Another way to obtain alcohol - Dutch - is that the ingredients are made directly to the wort just before distillation. The resulting short-lived aromatic alcohol undergoes an aging process in barrels. For the manufacture of a harmonious drink it enough to withstand a few weeks in the barrels, if pursued goal - a little touch up the gin. If gin should remain colorless, contain it in glass jars. It contains 53,6-56% vol. anhydrous alcohol.

Gin, made by the Dutch, has a stronger flavor than the London. However, London gin is more popular, and its range is very wide.

TOP BRANDS GINA

However, the names of the types of gin "London" or "Dutch" does not mean that they are solely in those countries. Gin, especially dry, actively made in the USA and most European countries. This drink has no "permanent residence" as, say, brandy or tequila, gin or make similar drinks with him in any country.

The most well-known brands of gin: Gordon's Dry, Beefeater, Plymouth Gin, Old Tom Gin, Golden Gin, Gilbey's, Greenall's Original, Bombay Sapphire and many others.

The U.S. produced Seagram's Extra Dry; France - Old Lady's, Black Jack, Bosford; in Spain - Giro, Larios, Rives; Holland - Genever VO, Claeryn and others. In Russia and CIS countries are also produced gin, dry type, "Baltic", "Peter", "Captain", "Alcon".

ESSENTIAL AFFILIATES

Combinable drink

Since gin - is a strong alcoholic drink (average 45%), it is rarely used in its pure form or with ice. But it can often be seen in cocktails. This is a great item to mix - an aromatic, soft, with a great potential. And use it with fruit juice, cola or other soft drinks. Any experiment in mixed drinks are not forbidden.

But we should remember that there are some essential gin companions, combined with it best:

• Vermouth - a dry martini cocktail.

• Tonic - a gin and tonic.

• Soda - the cocktail Gin Rickey.

• Ginger ale.

• Orange juice.

• Lemon juice / lime juice.

• Grapefruit juice.

• Cranberry juice.

FEATURES Gina

Good gin, wine tasting in pure form, should give a strong feeling in the mouth of cold ("cold as metal" - talk about gin in England), which serves a counterweight burning of alcohol.

Juniper flavor of a good gin should be stronger than the other flavors of spices, but at the same time not to drown the smell of lemon, orange, coriander, almond and other plant components.

Gin drink as well as other spirits such as vodka and bitters: in the early afternoon for a snack, and in cocktails - according to their type, but most of all - as an aperitif.