Here at Locio, we are big on gin. We boast a wide selection of wonderful Yorkshire gins, all made locally, and absolutely delicious. There is no doubt that gin is tasty, either paired with a quality tonic, or in a cocktail, but have you ever wondered how gin is actually made?
Gin is a popula
r spirit that has been enjoyed for centuries and the process of making gin is relatively straightforward and involves just a few key steps!
The first thing you need to know is that gin is made from a base spirit, which is usually grain-based. The base spirit is then distilled, which involves heating it until it vaporizes and then condensing it back into liquid form. This process removes any impurities from the base spirit and creates a neutral spirit, which forms the base of the gin.
Next, the neutral spirit is infused with a variety of botanicals. These botanicals are what give gin its distinctive flavour and aroma. Common botanicals used in gin include juniper berries, coriander, angelica root, orris root, and citrus peel. The botanicals are usually added to the neutral spirit in a special container called a gin basket, which is placed in the still during the distillation process. As the neutral spirit vaporizes, it passes through the gin basket, where it picks up the flavours and aromas of the botanicals.
Once the distillation process is complete, the gin is left to mature. This involves allowing the gin to rest in barrels or tanks for a period of time, usually a few weeks, or even months. During this time, the flavours and aromas of the botanicals blend together, creating a smooth and well-rounded gin.
After the gin has matured, it is usually diluted with water to bring it down to the desired strength. This is known as proofing, and the strength of the gin is usually expressed as a percentage of alcohol by volume on the label of the bottle. The final alcohol percentage of gin can vary depending on the producer and the intended use of the gin.
Finally, the gin is bottled and labelled, ready to be enjoyed by gin lovers around the world. The process of making gin is a delicate balance of science and artistry, with each distiller adding their own unique blend of botanicals to create a distinctive gin.
To find out more about Locio’s gin producers and all the different types of gin on offer, head to the Locio website!