Gin! The Gin-credible Spirit!

Gin has gradually become one of the most popular spirits in the world. Nowadays, every bar, speakeasy, club, lounge or tavern will have a classic Gin & Tonic on their menu. And the appeal is completely understandable. The characteristic juniper flavour mixed with a well-balanced bitter tonic makes for a light and refreshing cocktail that most will enjoy. But the journey to reach the commonly beloved status that gin has today has been quite colorful. From consuming gin-esque drinks for medicinal purposes to a wacky country-wide Gin Craze in England, gin has had much to offer throughout the ages. But what exactly is gin and what is it made of? Which are the best ones? What kind of gin and tonic can I make or find in Tallinn? Let’s find out!

What is Gin?

Gin is a distilled spirit, usually colorless or with a slight yellowy hue, made from grain mash and flavored with juniper berries. Gin comes in various different types, from the historical Dutch liqueur type of jenever to the London Dry gin still drunk to this day. Gin is most commonly mixed with tonic water, but it serves for a great base spirit in various other cocktails.

History of Gin

The earliest mention of a gin-type drink dates back to the Medieval times. From as early as the 13th century, monks and alchemists in the Netherlands were brewing up potions for apothecaries called jenever. Jenever was made from a malt wine base and later infused with juniper berries which have medicinal properties. Even during the Black Plague, for example, plague doctors used to stuff their plague masks with juniper to ward them from contracting the illness. Juniper-flavored drinks were used to treat all kinds of illness, from coughs, colds to any type of pain, kidney stones and much more. During the Eighty Years War, English soldiers who were aiding the Dutch against the Spanish, allegedly drank jenever before battle for its’ calming effect. Juniper drinks were long considered a Panacea, a cure-for-all.

Gin grew increasingly prominent particularly in England from the 17th century onward, especially after the government allowed unlicensed gin production, at the same time imposing a heavy duty on imported spirits, such as brandy. A massive and all encompassing gin boom blossomed across England, gin-shops emerging on every corner of the country. Evidently, the quality of gin varied, with some dodgier forms even flavored with turpentine! Gin was relatively cheap compared to other alcoholic beverages at the time and thus, it quickly became the ‘drink of the poor.’  During that period, it was safer to drink distilled alcohol or beer than a glass of unclean plain water, which is why the overconsumption of alcohol became a large-scale issue. Gratefully, higher taxes and increased regulation for gin production was imposed during the 18th century. 

During the 18th century, gins had a maltier taste as they were distilled in pot stills. After the invention of the column still, the London Dry variation was created and is still favored to this day.

Nowadays, gin still comes in many shapes and sizes, flavours and colors. From pink-colored gins like rhubarb or grape, to spicy or savoury ones, the world of gins is vast and truly boundless.

How is Gin typically made?

The common London Dry and distilled gins are made in a Coffey or column still. These types of gin are produced by distilling high proof spirits from a grain mash (or occasionally sugar beets, potatoes, or any other fermentable base). Afterwards, the distilled spirit, high in concentrates, is redistilled with juniper berries and other botanicals or herbs of choice. The infusion of any particular botanical makes the gins distinct and differ from brand to brand, the fruits or herbs give the gin its particular characteristics and aroma. It makes discovering gins all the more fascinating, as all the kinds of flavors and flavor combinations seem to be limitless.

What is a Gin and Tonic?

In Britain’s tropical colonies, gin was used to disguise the bitter taste of quinine, the sole effective anti-malarial treatment at the time. Quinine was mixed with carbonated water to create tonic water, and when combined with gin, it became something magical. The gin and tonic. However, modern tonic water contains only a small amount of quinine for flavoring. Today’s G&T is less bitter and a lot more enjoyable. With every other sip we take of our G&T in a cozy, dimly lit bar, we can remind ourselves of the purpose it served back in the day.

What are Some of the Best Gins out There?

Amongst the most popular gin brands globally, most are produced in the United Kingdom, including Hendrick’s, Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, Beefeater and Gordon’s Gin. Any gin connoisseur or newbie has tried at least one of these brands before, as they are most common in regular bars. However, gin production is not limited to the UK, other internationally well-known acclaimed brands include Roku Japanese, Aviation, Monkey 47 and Elephant Gin. There are, of course, many more brands of gin out there, but the unprecedented, handicraft or artisanal ones are like hidden gems of the sea. Quite difficult to find from the rest.

Here in Heldeke!, we take pride in our exclusive selection of gins and gin cocktails. We have sampled and tested gins from around the world for our menu, selecting only the finest artisanal varieties. We have curated a collection of the most unique, intriguing, and exceptional gins from unique gin brands for you to try in this list – along with some fantastic cocktail recipes!

Four Pillars 

Four Pillars started as a small craft distillery in 2013 with one singular copper still, named after one of the employee’s late mother’s – Wilma. The company has grown over the years,  now using 6 copper stills in total, all named after mothers or longstanding employees. Located in Yarra Valley, Australia, it’s become a small gin paradise. Awarded for their modern, ever-exciting craft gins, Four Pillars is the first gin distillery to win the title of World’s Best Gin Producer three times. Their signature? Implementing whole fresh citruses in every gin they create.

Four Pillars Rare Dry

Classic, smooth and versatile, the Four Pillars Rare Dry is easily one of the best gins in the world. Asian botanicals meet Mediterranean citruses to create the ideal nuanced modern Australian gin.

Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz

This gin is one for the books. Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz is an unprecedented combination of their classic Rare Dry with Yarra Valley Shiraz grapes. It renders a perfect balance between sweet fruitiness and sharp ‘ginniness.’ Bloody brilliant!

Four Pillars Spice Trade

Undoubtedly, this is one of the most unique gins out there. The Four Pillars Spice Trade takes you on an intriguing journey. It does, at first, seem like a regular classic gin, but once you sip it, you get a sensational, multilayered spicy flavour. Perfect to spice up your regular G&T!

Scapegrace 

The Scapegrace Distillery team is always incredibly inspired by the beautiful and ever-changing landscape of New Zealand. The distillery is located on a panoramic mountainous territory, in a rural area 80 meters above Lake Dunstan and Mount Pisa. This particular spot is located exactly on the 45th Parallel, thus experiencing scorching hot summers and intense winters. This extreme nature gives a unique and colorful character to all their products. Additionally, they pay utmost attention to sustainability, ensuring the land is used with respect. Today, Scapegrace is the largest distillery in New Zealand.

Scapegrace Black

Spook-a-licious! The Scapegrace Black is the world’s first naturally black gin. The captivating hue comes from a fusion of various botanicals like aronia berry, saffron, pineapple and sweet potato. When mixed with tonic, it will transform into shades of purple or red. Totally bewitching and unparalleled in flavour.

Wild Wombat

Wild Wombat Spirits is a wonderfully silly and quirky distillery located in Australia. All their products and visual branding have a wombat theme. And it’s not only to entice you with the adorableness, it’s all for a good cause! Each bottle sold grants a portion of the proceeds toward wombat conservation. Wild Wombat Spirits produce various interesting gins, vodkas and liqueurs from natural ingredients only. It’s just wicked awesome!

Wild Wombat Australian Legend

A paradoxical fusion between rugged and elegant. Wild Wombat Australian Legend is super smooth to sip and fully natural. Distilled from Aussie wheat, diluted with Aussie spring water and infused with 11 expressive botanicals. It’s in the name, a true Aussie legend!

Gin Cocktails to Try:

Classic Gin & Tonic

Mango Spiced Gin & Tonic

4cl Four Pillars Spice Trade Gin

12cl Park Mango Chili Tonic

Fill a highball glass with ice ¾ of the way. Pour in 4cl of Four Pillars Spice Trade Gin and top it with Park Mango Chili Tonic. Stir in glass and garnish with an orange slice. An elevated drinking experience guaranteed.

Sip Sip Wow

4cl Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin

12cl Tree Cents Pink Grapefruit Soda

1cl Lemon juice

Fill a highball glass with ice ¾ of the way. Pour in 4cl of Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin, top with Three Cents Pink Grapefruit Soda. Add a dash of lemon juice. Stir in glass and garnish with an orange slice. Each sip renders a perfect balance between sweet and sour. Each sip makes you want to say WOW!

Bubblegum Dream Gin & Tonic

4cl Scapegrace Black Gin

12cl Park Mango Chili Tonic

Fill a highball glass with ice ¾ of the way. Pour in 4cl of Scapegrace Black Gin and top it with Park Mango Chili Tonic. Stir in glass and garnish with an orange slice. This cocktail is like a liquid, grown-up version of Tutti Frutti or Hubba Bubba. We promise, it’s absolutely to die for!

Heldeke! Signature Negroni

3cl Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin

3cl Campari

3cl Regal Rogue Bold Red Vermouth

Add equal parts of Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin, Campari and Regal Rogue Bold Red Vermouth to an ice-filled shaker. Stir well for approximately 10 seconds. Prepare a whisky glass and place an ice ball inside. Strain and pour your Negroni into the whisky glass. Garnish with an orange peel. It’s definitely the best fruity Negroni out there!

We hope you enjoyed getting to know the fascinating history behind gin with us! Now you have all the tools and knowledge to choose the perfect gin for your taste buds and which cocktails to make. Start your own gin journey today! Cheers!