I gin: The best gin at discount prices only at xtraWine

Gin is a dry distillate, usually colourless, obtained through the distillation of a ferment derived from wheat and barley, in which a mix of spices, plants, roots, and juniper berries are steeped to give it that particular flavor and aroma. Long maligned as it was thought to lead to addiction, it began to gain fame when it was associated with the remedy for combating malaria. In fact, British colonizers who had occupied the Indian subcontinent in 1800 were decimated by this disease that was transmitted through a mosquito bite. Doctors, to cope with the first deaths, resorted to quinine, a plant with countless therapeutic qualities that, however, was a little bitter: that's why soldiers mixed it with sugar and gin to attenuate the bitterness, thus giving rise to the famous gin and tonic. There are numerous types of gin that you can find on xtraWine, not only from Italy but also from other parts of Europe such as Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain, with proposals also from overseas, especially from the United States. Our selection is characterised by different flavours and aromas: ranging from fruity notes given by lemon and orange to more spicy ones of cardamom and juniper.

Gin: origins and history

Gin, the world-renowned distillate, has a fascinating and varied history rooted in the distant days of 17th-century Holland. The invention of Gin is attributed to Franciscus Sylvius De La Boe, a Dutch physician who sought to create a diuretic and digestive elixir from juniper and other spices. However, the practice of using juniper and spices for curative purposes was already known in antiquity and the Middle Ages.

Initially called 'Acqua Juniperi' or 'Jenever', Dutch Gin quickly became popular due to Holland's thriving merchant fleet and accessibility to valuable spices. England, however, was where Gin found its celebrity and its place at the heart of British culture. In 1677, with the marriage of Mary Stuart and William of Orange, the use of Jenever became widespread in England, thanks in part to William's concerns about French Catholic hegemony. This encouraged the local production of juniper-based gin.

During the 18th century, Gin became widely popular in England, so much so that it was used as a supplementary wage for sailors and workmen, causing a rise in alcoholism among the lower classes. This led to the enactment of laws to regulate its consumption and prices. During the Victorian Age, in the 19th century, England saw an improvement in social conditions and the rise of the first large distilleries of premium gin.

Types of Gin

Today, Gin enjoys great popularity globally, from Holland and England to the Philippines, America and Japan. There are different types of Gin, each with its own unique characteristics. Dutch Jenever, the oldest type, is made by distilling rye, maize and barley malt, with juniper and spice flavouring. English Old Tom Gin, sweet and smooth, is inspired by Dutch Jenever. London Dry Gin, one of the best known and most popular types, is characterised by freshness and dryness, with no added flavouring after distillation.

Gin production can vary, with some versions using the distillation of herbs and spices in neutral grain alcohol(Gin Distilled) and others employing the cold maceration method(Gin Compound or Bathtub). Italian distilleries are gaining in popularity, offering unique interpretations using local herbs.

xtraWine: an online showcase of high-quality gins from around the world. Our selection includes the best brands and different types of Gin, from the classic to the most innovative. Discover the treasures of the Gin world on xtraWine and find your favourite at an affordable price. Whether you are an enthusiast or a neophyte, you are sure to find a bottle of Gin perfect for you.