All You Need to Know About Gins

New Zealand’s gin culture has steadily grown, with several boutique distilleries producing unique, high-quality gins. The country’s abundant natural resources, including native botanicals such as kawakawa and manuka, provide a rich and diverse range of flavours for gin makers to work with. Kiwi gin enthusiasts have also embraced the trend of locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, with many distilleries using organic and wild-foraged botanicals. The result is a vibrant and exciting nz gin scene, with a range of small-batch gins gaining national and international recognition.

The following section of this article will explore everything you need to know before you try out this versatile drink.

Gin’s Unique Flavour Profile

Gin is a spirit that has been around for centuries and is enjoyed worldwide. This deliciously versatile drink has gained popularity due to its unique and complex flavour. Be it a classic gin and tonic or a creative cocktail, gin offers a range of options to tantalise your taste buds.

It is made from various grains, including barley, wheat, corn, and rye. The primary gin flavour comes from juniper berries, which infuse the spirit with a distinct piney flavour. This is why gin is often described as having a “botanical” flavour profile. In addition to juniper berries, gin may contain various other botanicals, such as coriander, angelica root, citrus peel, cinnamon, and orris root. These botanicals give gin its complex flavour profile and can vary widely from one brand to another.

Choosing the Right Gin

When choosing the proper gin, there are many factors to consider. The first is the style of gin. Once you’ve chosen a style of gin, you’ll want to consider the botanicals used in the gin. Some gins use a few botanicals, while others use a complex blend of many. Consider the flavours that you prefer and look for a gin that will suit your taste. Look for gins that use high-quality botanicals and avoid those that contain artificial flavours or colours.

Creating a Delicious Gin and Tonic

One of the most popular ways to enjoy gin is in a classic gin and tonic. To create the perfect gin and tonic, you’ll need a few key ingredients: gin, tonic water, ice, and a garnish.

When choosing tonic water, look for one that is high-quality and has a clean, crisp flavour. Avoid tonic waters that are overly sweet or contain artificial flavours.

To create the perfect gin and tonic:

1. Fill a glass with ice and add one or two shots of gin.
2. Top with tonic water and stir gently.
3. Top it up with a slice of lime or cucumber, and enjoy!

Exploring Creative Gin Cocktails

While a classic gin and tonic are delicious, many other creative gin cocktails exist to explore. From fruity and floral to spicy and savoury, a gin cocktail suits every taste. Another delicious gin cocktail is the Negroni. To make a Negroni, combine gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari in a rocks glass with ice, stir well and garnish with an orange twist.

Summing Up

Gin is a delicious and versatile spirit that offers a range of options to stimulate your taste buds. Whether you prefer a classic nz gin and tonic or a creative gin cocktail, there is a gin to suit every taste. When choosing a gin, consider the style, botanicals, and quality of the ingredients. With some experimentation, you’ll soon discover your favourite gin and enjoy it for years. So go ahead, sip, sip, hooray.