World Gin

What is gin?

Gin is a spirit made by flavouring a neutral agricultural alcohol with juniper berries, which must remain the dominant aroma under current regulations. Beyond this defining ingredient, distillers develop their recipes using a wide range of botanicals: citrus fruits such as lemon, orange, yuzu and grapefruit; spices including coriander, cardamom, pepper and cinnamon; aromatic herbs such as rosemary, thyme and basil; flowers including lavender, rose and hibiscus; roots such as angelica, orris and ginger; as well as local ingredients specific to each region, including tea, eucalyptus, seaweed, exotic fruits and Japanese mizunara oak.

What are the origins of gin?

Gin is descended from Dutch jenever, a juniper-flavoured spirit produced in the Low Countries as early as the Middle Ages and originally used for medicinal purposes. English soldiers encountered the drink during European conflicts in the 17th century and brought it back across the Channel, where it quickly became popular. By the end of the 17th century, restrictions on imported spirits encouraged English distillers to develop their own version: gin was born. Eighteenth-century London then experienced the famous Gin Craze, a period of widespread enthusiasm for the spirit, before production gradually became more regulated and gave rise to London Dry Gin.

Initially regarded as a popular everyday drink, gin gradually gained prestige as production methods became more refined. Its modern revival has since been driven by mixology and the resurgence of craft distilleries.

How is gin made?

The process begins with a neutral agricultural spirit made from ingredients such as cereals, sugar beet, potatoes, grapes, molasses, barley, rye, malt or wheat. This alcohol is distilled to a very high strength, usually around 96% ABV, in order to remove almost all of the flavour of the original raw material. The stage that gives gin its true personality then begins: flavouring the spirit with juniper berries and the botanicals selected by the distiller.

Depending on the desired style, these flavours may be introduced through maceration, infusion, vapour infusion, redistillation or the addition of natural essences. The gin is then filtered, diluted to its desired bottling strength and bottled.

Which countries are the leading gin producers?

Gin is now produced on every continent, but some countries stand out for their particularly distinctive styles and production traditions.

United Kingdom

The historic heartland of modern gin, the United Kingdom remains one of the world’s leading references, with production spanning London, Scotland, England’s craft distilling scene and Northern Ireland. Iconic names such as Hendrick’s, Sipsmith, Plymouth Gin and Tanqueray have helped define the conventions of modern gin and continue to inspire producers around the world.

France

French gin has grown considerably since the 2000s, driven by distillers showcasing regional plants, citrus fruits and flowers alongside the country’s established distilling expertise. Producers such as Citadelle, Anaë and 44°N reflect the creativity and dynamism of the contemporary French gin scene.

Japan

Japanese gin stands out for its precision and balance, often incorporating local botanicals such as yuzu, tea and sansho pepper. These gins are typically elegant, floral, subtle and exceptionally refined.

Spain

Spain has become one of the leading destinations for premium gin and tonic culture. Spanish producers frequently highlight Mediterranean citrus fruits and aromatic herbs, creating fresh and vibrant profiles exemplified by brands such as Gin Mare.

Scandinavia

Nordic countries produce highly distinctive gins built around wild berries, boreal herbs and botanicals native to their landscapes. Fresh, herbaceous profiles are characteristic of producers such as Kyrö.

Australia

Australian craft gin has experienced remarkable growth, developing a unique aromatic identity based on ingredients such as eucalyptus, native plants and local citrus fruits.

North America

The United States and Canada have taken an especially creative approach to gin, producing more aromatic styles that are sometimes less dominated by juniper and strongly influenced by local ingredients and regional landscapes.

Why is gin so popular today?

Gin’s prominent place in today’s spirits scene can be explained by several factors:

• an aromatic diversity that is almost unmatched among clear spirits
• outstanding creativity from craft distilleries
• remarkable versatility in cocktails, from the simplest serves to sophisticated creations
• a premium, artisanal image that appeals to discerning enthusiasts
• the ability to express a specific terroir and aromatic sense of place
• a constant flow of new recipes and limited editions

What are the most iconic gin cocktails?

Gin is arguably one of the most versatile spirits in mixology and forms the basis of many timeless classics:

• Gin and Tonic: gin, tonic water, citrus peel and ice – the most universally recognised gin serve
• Negroni: equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and Campari
• Martini: gin and dry vermouth, one of the purest expressions of the spirit
• Tom Collins: gin, lemon juice, sugar and soda water for a refreshing, lively cocktail
• Gin Fizz: gin, lemon juice, sugar and sparkling water, offering a lighter and more effervescent style

How should you choose a gin from around the world?

Choosing a gin depends primarily on how you intend to enjoy it and the aromatic profile you are looking for.

• For a classic gin and tonic: a London Dry with a crisp, dry profile and pronounced juniper character remains a reliable choice
• For sipping neat: choose a premium gin, Japanese gin or floral gin whose finesse can be fully appreciated without dilution
• For cocktails: select your gin according to the style of drink you want to create, whether dry, spicy, floral or citrus-led
• To explore the diversity of gin: discover terroir-driven gins, craft distilleries, local botanicals and limited editions that showcase the full richness of the category