Gin

Gin is made from the distillation of white grain spirit and juniper berries, which provides its distinctive aromas flavor. The most common style of gin, typically used for mixed-drinks, is "London dry gin."  The name refers to the distillation process (not to brand, marque, or place of origin) as it is usually produced in a patent still and redistilled after the botanicals are added to the base spirit.

In addition to juniper, gin is commonly made with a small amount of citrus botanicals such as lemon and bitter orange peel. Other botanicals that may be used include anise, angelica root, orris root, cinnamon, coriander, and cassia bark. A well-made gin will be very dry with a smooth texture lacking in harshness. The flavor will be harmonious, yet have a crisp character with a pronounced juniper flavor.

Other Types of Gin:

• Genever: Dutch gin.
• Plymouth: gin that can lawfully only be produced in Plymouth, England.
• Old Tom gin: a lightly sweetened gin said to approximate the pot-distilled 18th century spirit.

Winebow offers Cadenheads Old Raj Gin from Scotland as well as Junipero Gin from Anchor Distilling Company in San Francisco, California.  A recent New York Times article featuring martinis made from over 40 different gins listed these two stable mates in their top three!