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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.