As part of our Gin Essentials series, we will start by exploring base spirits and botanical profiles.
Gin is a fascinating spirit, distinctively characterised by its predominant juniper flavor. This botanical spirit has evolved into a canvas for creativity, with distillers experimenting with a range of botanicals to craft unique flavor profiles. But let's break down what really goes into making gin, starting with its base spirits then moving on to the botanical bills that define its character. So let's get started with the Gin Essentials by exploring base spirits and botanical profiles.
Base Spirits: The Foundation of Gin
All gin begins with a neutral base spirit distilled from agricultural ingredients such as wheat, barley, corn, grapes, potatoes, sugar beet or molasses.
These base spirits are usually rectified to 95–96% ABV before being flavored with botanicals. This high purity ensures the final gin tastes clean, allowing the botanicals—especially juniper—to shine.
In 2023, the typical strength of the neutral spirit used for gin was noted at 96% ABV, highlighting the precision required in its preparation. This level of rectification is crucial because it sets the stage for the infusion of botanicals, allowing the distinct flavors of gin to develop fully.
Botanicals Used in Gin: Juniper and Beyond
Juniper: The Legally Required Botanical
No matter the region– UK, EU, US, Canada, or Singapore – juniper berries must be the dominant botanical. This creates gin’s iconic piney, citrusy aroma.
Common Botanicals in Gin Recipes
While juniper leads, gin often includes:
- Coriander seed – citrus and spice
- Angelica root – earthy structure
- Citrus peels – lemon, orange, or grapefruit
- Orris root – floral notes, binding agent
- Cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg – spice depth
- Lavender, chamomile – aromatic florals
Producers use methods such as maceration, vapor infusion, or separate botanical distillates to extract flavor.
Example: Km12 - Boreal Forest Gin
A craft gin from Quebec, Canada might include:
- Pine forest spikenard
- Balsam fir shoots
- Pepper green alder
- Wild raspberry leaves
These complement juniper while giving the gin a sense of regional identity or ‘terroir’.
How Gin Is Made: The Art of Balancing Botanicals
Producing gin requires precision. Distillers often run micro-batches to adjust botanical ratios and optimise:
- Maceration time
- Distillation cut points
- Vapor infusion techniques
In essence, gin's foundation is simple: a high-quality neutral spirit and a carefully curated selection of botanicals. Yet, within this simplicity lies the potential for infinite complexity and variety. As you explore different gins, you'll find that each bottle tells its own story, shaped by the ingredients and the artistry of its creators; gins ranging from pin forward such as Gin KM12 to coastal in character with infusion of seaweed, such as Distillerie du St. Laurent’s gin and gin Vieux (barrel aged in ex-Bourbon casks).
Sources & References
[1] 27 CFR § 5.144 - Class 4; gin. - Legal Information Institute (Cornell, citing TTB) (2022)
[2] How to Make Gin: Preparation, Ingredients and Secrets of the Most Aromatic Spirit - 100 and No More (2023)
[3] Understanding the gin production process - Ahlstrom (2023)
[4] The Essential Guide to Gin Botanicals for Craft Distillers - Distillery University (2020)