Gin’s journey from the apothecaries of 16th century Holland to your modern-day bar is a testament to the enduring appeal of this timeless spirit!
Gin, a beloved spirit enjoyed in countless cocktails worldwide, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 16th century in Holland.
Its journey from a medicinal concoction to a global favorite is a tale of cultural exchange, war, and evolution that adds layers of depth to every sip we take today.
The story begins in the Netherlands, where the earliest form of gin, known as jenever (or genever), was first crafted.
Unlike the gin we know today, jenever was initially used for medicinal purposes. The Dutch, who were renowned for their distilling skills, created this potent spirit by distilling malt wine and infusing it with juniper berries. These berries were not just chosen for their flavor; they were believed to have healing properties, particularly beneficial for treating ailments like kidney and stomach issues. In a time when medicine was a blend of science and superstition, juniper's supposed curative powers made jenever a popular remedy.
But jenever’s story didn’t remain confined to the apothecaries and homes of Holland. The spirit's journey beyond Dutch borders is a tale of war, bravery, and cultural exchange. During the Eighty Years' War (1568–1648), a prolonged conflict in which the Dutch fought for independence from Spanish rule, English soldiers came into contact with Dutch troops and their beloved jenever. The English soldiers observed the Dutch drinking this strong spirit before battle, which seemed to imbue them with a sense of courage and calm amidst the chaos of war. This phenomenon was soon dubbed "Dutch courage" by the English, a term that has lingered in the lexicon ever since.
"This phenomenon was soon dubbed "Dutch courage" by the English..."
The English soldiers didn’t just bring back tales of Dutch courage; they brought back a taste for jenever itself. As the soldiers returned home, so did the spirit that had bolstered their bravery. This introduction of jenever to England set the stage for the spirit’s transformation into what we now know as gin. English distillers began to experiment, refining the production process and eventually creating a version of the spirit that used more neutral spirits as a base, with a higher concentration of juniper and other botanicals. This evolution led to the creation of London dry gin, a style that remains one of the most popular types of gin today.
Gin maintained its reputation as a sophisticated spirit, especially as the art of mixology began to take shape in the 19th century. With the introduction of cocktails like the Gin and Tonic - a drink that also has historical roots in the British Empire’s colonial past - gin solidified its place as a versatile and essential ingredient in bars across the globe.
Today, gin has come full circle, with a renaissance in craft distilling bringing the spirit back to its roots. Artisanal distillers, like the Kendor Distillery are experimenting with a wide range of botanicals, creating gins that are as complex and varied as the history that brought them to life. From the traditional juniper-forward styles to more contemporary expressions infused with exotic ingredients, gin continues to evolve, yet it never strays far from the juniper berries that started it all.
So, the next time you enjoy a gin cocktail - whether it’s a classic Martini, a refreshing Gin and Tonic, or a creative concoction like the Kendor Sparkling Bliss - take a moment to savor not just the flavors, but the centuries of history, culture, and craftsmanship in your glass. Gin’s journey from the apothecaries of 16th century Holland to your modern-day bar is a testament to the enduring appeal of this timeless spirit.
Cheers to that!
Want to try our Gins? Check out our selection of Australian gins in our signature series.
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