12th March 2021

A Beginner’s Guide To Gin

Over the last few years, there has been a huge surge in the popularity of gin, and is it really any wonder when small-batch distilleries such as ours are offering awards winning varieties and there is now more choice of brand and flavour than ever?

Gin is such a versatile spirit and as refreshing as it is with its classic tonic pairing, there are endless other ways for it to be enjoyed when you consider the cocktails it can be made into and the elements it can be so deliciously garnished with.

Having recently won gold at the World Gin Awards with our popular Massingberd-Mundy Marie Jeanne Pink Gin, we have been reflecting on the journey we have taken to get here and thought now was the perfect opportunity to give you the lowdown on gin. So, if you’ve ever wondered what gin actually is or questioned how it is different to other spirits, then read on to find out.

What is gin?

In its essence, gin is a spirit derived from a grain such as wheat or barley or another agricultural product such as potatoes or grapes which starts by being fermented and then distilled. It initially has 96% alcohol by volume (ABV) which is then diluted with water and has botanicals added to it to give it its flavour. These can include herbs, spices, flowers, and other plants but by law, a spirit cannot be considered a gin unless its predominant flavour is derived from juniper berries. At the time of bottling, gin must also be at least 37.5% ABV.

How does gin differ from vodka?

Gin and vodka are both clear spirits and their base ingredients can be similar. The key thing that distinguishes them from one another, however, is the use of juniper berries in the distilling process. These berries are what give gin its distinctive flavour compared to vodka, which is generally more neutral on the palette.

What about different gin varieties?

There are several varieties of gin and they all have unique qualities that make them enjoyable. One of the most well-known varieties is the London Dry gin which is what our Massingberd-Mundy Burrell’s Gin is. London Dry gin has a strong juniper flavour and zesty citrus notes which is why we recommend serving Burrell’s with a tangerine peel garnish.

Burrell's London Dry Gin and Marie Jeanne Pink Gin

Old Tom Gin, which was originally referred to as bathtub gin as it was made in peoples’ homes, is characterised by its sweeter flavour because of liquorice which is used during its creation. Plymouth Gin is another well-known variety but as the name suggests, it can only be produced in one small region of the UK.

Some more modern gin varieties don’t fall into any of the above three categories such as our Marie Jeanne Pink Gin. Pink gin is flavoured with fruits and our award-winning recipe contains bursts of red berries to give it that unforgettable sweet but dry flavour.

Whilst the origins of gin date back hundreds of years, here at South Ormsby Estate we have kept history alive with our hand-crafted small-batch gins which are named after members of the Massingberd-Mundy family. Our Burrell’s London Dry Gin and Marie Jeanne Pink Gin are distilled in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds but are available for free delivery anywhere in the UK. To find out more or place an order, click here.

A Beginner’s Guide To Gin

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