Selects: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Gin - Stuff You Should Know Recap

Podcast: Stuff You Should Know

Published: 2026-03-21

What Happened

Gin's history is intertwined with distillation processes, legal regulations, and the use of juniper as a key flavoring. Traditionally made from a neutral grain spirit at 80 proof or higher, modern gin often involves creative experimentation with botanicals beyond juniper. Ben Harrison's smoked gin and tonic exemplifies such innovation by incorporating smoked juniper berries.

Gin's versatility allows it to be crafted from various base spirits, including wheat, rye, corn, barley, potatoes, or even milk. Bertha's Gin in Ireland uniquely uses fermented whey, a byproduct of cheese making, as its base. Typically, the base spirit for gin is 96% ABV ethyl alcohol, providing a neutral canvas for diverse botanical infusions.

The evolution of gin includes distinct styles like London dry gin, known for its unsweetened profile, and Old Tom gin, which historically contained sugar to mask inferior base spirits. Navy strength gin, tested by igniting gunpowder soaked in it, has a minimum ABV of 57.1%. Geneva, a precursor to gin, originated in the Netherlands and was introduced to the UK by returning soldiers.

Historically, gin has been linked to social issues, particularly during the 18th-century 'gin craze' in the UK when low-quality gin was widely consumed. This period led to societal problems akin to the crack epidemic and resulted in eight parliamentary acts to control its production and sale. The advent of the continuous still in 1830 enabled purer alcohol production, influencing the development of London dry gin.

British colonial power and naval exploration contributed to gin's global diversity in botanicals. Quinine, derived from chinchona bark, was used to combat malaria and became a key ingredient in tonic water. The combination of gin and tonic water, popularized by British sailors, reflects this historical context.

The Martini, a mix of cultural influences, includes Dutch and English gin, French vermouth, Mediterranean olives, German Jewish pickled onions, and Caribbean lemons. Prohibition in the 1920s led to a resurgence of gin, often of poor quality, prompting the creation of classic cocktails like the Manhattan, gin fizz, and gimlet to mask its taste.

The modern revival of gin, sometimes referred to as the 'ginissance', began with Bombay Sapphire's introduction to the US in the late 1990s and continued with Hendrix in 2003. Sipsmiths was notable for being the first company in 200 years to obtain a license for small-batch gin distillation in England, marking a significant point in gin's resurgence.

Key Insights

• Gin is made from a neutral grain spirit distilled at 80 proof or higher, with juniper as the traditional flavoring. However, modern distillers may use a variety of botanicals, sometimes excluding juniper altogether.
• Gin can have diverse base spirits, including unconventional sources like fermented whey. Bertha's Gin in Ireland uses whey, showcasing the spirit's versatility and adaptability.
• The 'gin craze' in 18th-century Britain led to widespread social issues, prompting eight Gin Acts by Parliament over 22 years to control its production. These acts were intended to mitigate issues similar to those of the crack epidemic.
• The Martini is a culturally rich cocktail, combining elements from various regions: Dutch and English gin, French vermouth, Mediterranean olives, German Jewish pickled onions, and Caribbean lemons, highlighting the global influence on gin.