The ultimate guide to gin

Gin is one of the world’s most popular spirits. Versatile, clear and damn right delicious. It goes with everything just as much as it works on its own.

Whether you’re new to gin or want to expand your gin expertise, this guide is the perfect place to start.

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what is gin?

Gin is a distilled alcohol made from grain, water and juniper berries. The grains can vary, but juniper must be included to class a spirit as gin. This is just one thing that differentiates gin from vodka.

INGREDIENTS IN GIN

Gin is then flavoured with ingredients like herbs, spices, fruits, and roots, known as botanicals. Here at Beefeater, we use 9 natural botanicals to give our gin its signature clean, crisp taste. Learn more about the different kinds of botanicals in our guide.

GIN BOTANICALS

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making gin

There’s a lot of science that goes into making gin. First is fermentation, where grains are mashed with water before yeast is added to create alcohol. Then there’s the distillation process (this is when botanicals are added), blending and dilution.

Want to learn more? Check out our guide to making gin and don’t miss a trip to our award-winning Distillery Tour to see the process for yourself.

HOW IS GIN MADE

where does gin come from?

The term “gin” originates from the Dutch word “jenever,” which comes from the Latin “juniperus,” meaning juniper. It was initially created as a medicinal liquor by monks in the 13th century and took a few hundreds years to become the popular spirit we know and love.

HISTORY OF GIN

Beefeater Gin is one of the originals. Our founder, James Burrough, used his pharmacist skills to craft a unique style of gin in the 1800s. Since then, the gin world has exploded with new brands and creative flavours, but our secret recipe has stayed practically untouched. Cheers to tradition!

OUR ORIGIN STORY

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TYPES OF GIN

Much like other spirits, there’s plenty of different types of gin. Each of which have their own unique flavour, production method and history.

From Plymouth to Genever, discover what makes each gin different and how to pick your favourite in our guide.

TYPES OF GIN

Dry gin

Here at Beefeater, we’re experts in crafting London Dry Gin, a pure, natural type of gin that’s made in the city. With juniper the dominant flavour, it’s bold yet remarkably clean, with strong notes of citrus and herbs.

Unlike other gins, dry gin can’t have artificial sweeteners and is distilled to the highest level of purity. Find out more about how it compares in our guide to dry gin.

WHAT IS DRY GIN?

All Gins

London Dry

Beefeater 24

Beefeater 24 Gin is a sophisticated blend of fine botanicals and exotic teas. Discover Beefeater 24 and Beefeater 24 Cocktails.

Beefeater London Dry Gin

One London distillery, 9 stills and as many botanicals make the world’s most awarded gin under the supervision of the world’s most experienced Master Distiller.

Beefeater Crown Jewel

The House of Beefeater is proud to unveil the much-anticipated return of Beefeater Crown Jewel – the pinnacle of our gin collection.

DRINKING gin

From drinking gin neat to gin mixers, there’s so many ways to experience this clear spirit. The botanical flavour works with any ingredient. Discover how best to enjoy gin including our favourite serve to make with Beefeater, the classic Gin and Tonic.

HOW TO DRINK GIN

THE TASTE OF GIN

Most gins taste like juniper. But there’s much more that goes into gin than these piney berries. From citrus fruits to spices, there’s lots of ingredients that give gin its natural flavour.

Whilst all gins have a crisp, piney taste, each vary depending on the type of gin and the botanicals used. Learn more in our guide to how gin tastes.

WHAT DOES GIN TASTE LIKE?

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GIN COCKTAILS

Gin is the base for some of the world’s most popular cocktails from the classic Dry Gin Martini to the Negroni and Gin Spritz.

Discover everything from the best gin drinks for beginners to classic gin cocktails in our collection of gin-based recipes. There’s something for every flavour.

GIN COCKTAIL RECIPES

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STORING GIN

Freeze it, put it in the fridge, keep it in the drinks cabinet. Wherever you keep your gin, that’s up to you. But we prefer it icy. Discover the best ways to store gin for the best sipping experience.

HOW TO STORE GIN