What Does Gin Taste Like | Learn Exactly The Tastes Gin

Are you curious as to what does gin taste like? Are you interested in exploring the unique and complex flavor profile of this beloved spirit? Gin has been around for centuries, but its popularity continues to grow. In fact, some people believe that gin is poised to become one of the most popular spirits in the world. It’s no wonder; with its herbal and fragrant notes, delicate aroma, and refreshing finish, there are few boozy beverages that can compare. Here”s a comprehensive look into what makes gin so special – delve into all aspects of tasting gin from nose to swallow.

What Is Gin? 

Gin is a distilled spirit that is derived from juniper berries and other botanicals. It has been around since the 17th century and originated in the Netherlands as a medicinal drink. However, it quickly gained popularity as a recreational drink due to its distinctive flavor profile. Today, gin is produced all over the world and comes in various styles such as London dry, Old Tom, and genever. Each style has its own unique characteristics but all are made using a base of juniper berries.

Demystifying the Flavor

All gins start with a base of neutral grain spirit, like vodka. But unlike vodka, gin derives its signature flavor from juniper – the dried berries of the juniper bush. By distilling juniper and other botanicals with the spirit, gin takes on the piney, zesty bite of juniper up front.

Beyond juniper, gin makers carefully select botanical blends to provide complexity and balance. Common botanicals include:

• Coriander – Provides a subtle spiciness, like citrusy black pepper. Warms up the juniper.
• Citrus peels – Bright, fresh notes of lemon, orange, grapefruit, or lime. Lift the flavors.
• Angelica root – Earthy, musky notes. A backbone botanical.
• Orris root – Floral, lightly sweet. Rounds out harsh edges.
• Licorice – Subtle anise/licorice flavor. A touch of sweetness.
• Cinnamon – Warming spice, but used sparingly.
• Cardamom – Light citrusy spice. Uplifting and complex.

The possibilities are endless, with contemporary gins exploring everything from hibiscus, to rose, to seaweed! While juniper still leads, the supporting botanicals shape gin’s final flavor and character.

Exploring Gin Styles

Not all gins are created equal. Let’s break down the flavor profiles of the major gin styles and types:

Juniper-Forward Gins

These traditional gins let the juniper take center stage. They taste dry, piney, and often quite bitter.

• London Dry Gin: The most popular style, London Dry gins balance juniper with citrus and spice botanicals. Versatile for cocktails. Beefeater and Tanqueray are classic examples.
• Barrel-Aged Gin: Mellowed and conditioned in barrels, these gins take on honeyed vanilla and oak flavors that smooth the juniper bite. Try Ransom Old Tom or Copper & Kings Barrel Aged.

Beyond Juniper Gins

With contemporary twists, these gins downplay juniper to highlight other botanicals. They taste bright, fruity, and refreshing.

• Contemporary or “New Western” Gin: Emphasizing citrus, flowers, herbs, and fruit, these gins like Aviation or The Botanist add exciting new flavors.
• Old Tom Gin: Sweeter and less dry than London Dry, with warming spice and often licorice notes. Hayman’s Old Tom is a classic brand.
• Irish Gin: Irish gins like Dingle offer diverse botanicals beyond juniper – look for anise, orange, lemon verbena, even seaweed!

There are many other delightful gin styles like Navy Strength, Genever, Sloe Gin, and more to discover. Gin’s breadth of flavors is part of its enduring appeal.

Serving and Enjoying Gin

Now that we’ve explored gin’s flavors, how do we actually drink it?

Neat or On the Rocks

For unadulterated gin flavor, sipping it neat (no ice) or on the rocks really highlights the botanical blend. Try a snifter glass to appreciate gin’s aromatics.

Gin Cocktails

Of course, gin shines brightest in classic cocktails:

• The Gin and Tonic reigns supreme – refreshing lime and bubbly tonic water is gin’s perfect foil.
• The icy Martini – either dry (gin only) or wet (with vermouth) – elegantly showcases gin’s herbal side. Olives or a lemon twist garnish.
• The Tom Collins blend of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water is crisp and delicious on a hot day.
• The Last Word – gin, green chartreuse, lime, and maraschino liqueur – a Prohibition era classic seeing a comeback.
• The Negroni – equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth – a bitter, sophisticated Italian favorite.

And those are just the beginning of endless cocktail possibilities! Tailor your gin to the drink – milder gins for sours or fizzes, robust gins to cut through tonic or juices, and so on. Gin’s diversity means there’s one for every taste and occasion.

Deepening Your Gin Journey

Hopefully this guide has enriched your appreciation of gin as a complex, flavorful spirit! Here are a few final tips for your gin exploration:

• Most gin averages 40-50% ABV (80-100 proof). Higher strength can mean more intense flavor when sipping.
• Don’t fear the juniper! Many gin misconceptions stem from poor quality “bathtub” gins of the past. Today’s gins are smooth and refined when enjoyed properly.
• For more gin knowledge, pick up a cocktail book like “The Joy of Gin” by Adam McDowell or “The Big Book of Gin” by Rowan Hisayo Buchanan.
• Try a gin tasting flight at a craft bar to sample different styles side by side. Or make one at home using mini tonic cans as tasting glasses!
• Hunt down special limited release and single barrel gins for unique cask strength and aged expressions worth collecting.

The gin journey offers a lifetime of delightful discovery for spirit lovers. With this overview as your guide, go forth and enjoy gin’s diverse pleasures! Your taste buds thank you in advance.