Gin, a versatile and fascinating spirit, has a rich history and a wide range of flavors that make it a favorite among many. Whether you're looking for the perfect gift or just want to enjoy a refreshing gin and tonic, the Philippines offers a variety of gin brands to suit every taste and budget. In this article, we'll guide you through the art of choosing the perfect gin, from understanding different types of gin to recommending specific brands and prices available on Boozy.ph.

Understanding Gin

Gin's origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages, gaining popularity in the 1600s in Southern Italy, The Netherlands, and Belgium before traveling to Britain in the 1700s. Gin production boomed in England because it was legal to produce gin, and taxes on imported alcohol were high. The primary flavor of gin has to be juniper berries, which have an earthy and peppery flavor similar to pine.

Types of Gin

London Dry Gin

Despite its name, London Dry Gin doesn't have to be made in London. The term "London Dry" refers to the distillation process, not the origin. This type of gin is known for its dry, crisp taste with a strong juniper flavor. The botanicals, including juniper, are added during the distillation process, and no artificial flavors or sweeteners are allowed to be added after distillation. Some popular brands of London Dry Gin include Tanqueray and Beefeater.

Contemporary/New Western/New American Gin

This type of gin is a modern twist on the traditional gin. While juniper is still a component, it's not always the dominant flavor. These gins often highlight other botanicals, creating a more complex and diverse flavor profile. This category allows distillers to be more creative and experimental with their botanical mixtures. Brands like Hendrick's and Aviation are examples of this type of gin.

Plymouth Gin

Plymouth Gin is a unique category of gin that can only be produced in Plymouth, England. It's similar to London Dry Gin but is typically slightly sweeter and more aromatic, with a softer juniper edge. There's only one brand of Plymouth Gin, aptly named Plymouth.

Old Tom Gin

Old Tom Gin is a sweeter version of gin that was popular in the 18th century. It's often described as a bridge between London Dry Gin and Dutch Genever. It was sweetened to mask the harsh taste of homemade gin during the "Gin Craze" in England. Today, Old Tom Gin is experiencing a resurgence and is used in classic cocktail recipes that call for a sweeter gin.

Flavored Gin

Flavored gins are infused with an additional flavor after the distillation process. The most common is probably sloe gin, which is infused with sloe berries. However, the range of flavored gins has expanded dramatically in recent years, with flavors such as rose, cucumber, strawberry, and even chocolate.

Navy Strength Gin

Navy Strength Gin is a high-proof gin that was traditionally supplied to the Royal Navy. It's called Navy Strength because the gin had to be strong enough (at least 57% ABV) that if it spilled on gunpowder, the gunpowder could still be lit. It's a more intense version of gin, with the flavors and botanicals coming through strongly.

Genever

Genever, also known as Dutch gin, is the original style of gin. It's maltier and heavier in body compared to other types of gin, as it's made from a base of malt grain mash, similar to whiskey. The flavor profile is a mix between gin's botanicals and a malty, beer-like taste. Genever is traditionally sipped neat, but it can also be used in cocktails.

Each type of gin offers a unique flavor profile and experience, so it's worth trying a few different types to see which you prefer. Whether you enjoy a classic London Dry, a modern New American, or a traditional Genever, there's a gin out there for everyone.

Gin Recommendations

Here are some gin brands available on Boozy.ph that you might want to consider:

Enjoying Your Gin

You can enjoy gin in a variety of ways, but one of the most popular is in a gin and tonic. You can play around with your flavor preferences as some people want equal parts gin and tonic, but tonic brand Fever-Tree suggests their tonic as ⅔ of the drink. You can add more botanicals, fruit, and aromatics like peppers, juniper berries, cardamom, rose, blueberries, or mulberries. Serve and garnish with lemon, lime, or orange.

Choosing the perfect gin involves understanding the different types of gin and knowing your flavor preferences. Whether you're a gin connoisseur or a casual drinker, there's a gin out there for you. So why not explore the range of gin brands in the Philippines and find your perfect match?