There are so many on the shelves. The selection is sometimes overwhelming. So how do you make the right choice? The quality of a gin depends on several factors, but here are the three pillars that give a gin its quality.
Choose your ingredients carefully
The ingredients used to make gin are essential to its quality. Gin is primarily composed of neutral spirits and juniper berries, which are the basis of its characteristic aroma. However, the quality of other ingredients, such as herbs, citrus fruits, and aromatic plants, plays a crucial role. Gin distillers often seek out fresh, local ingredients to produce distinctive flavors and aromas.
The distillation method
The distillation method used to produce gin has a significant impact on the quality of the final result. Most gins are distilled, and there are two main distillation methods: pot still distillation and column distillation. Pot still distillation is generally considered to offer better aromatic quality and greater complexity of flavors, as it allows distillers greater control over the process. However, column distillation is often used to produce lighter, more neutral gins. Distillation quality, including precision of the cut (separation of distillation fractions) and temperature control, is essential to producing a quality gin.
Balance of flavors and aroma
A good gin should have a harmonious balance of botanical flavors and aromas. This means that the different fruits, herbs, and citrus fruits used should complement each other rather than overpowering one another. A quality gin should also have a clean, distinctive flavor and aroma, with depth of character. The art of the master distiller lies in creating a balanced and complex flavor profile that sets gin apart from other spirits.
Ultimately, tastes are a personal matter for everyone, but the fact remains that attention to these aspects, as well as the expertise of the distiller, are essential to produce a high-quality gin that will have every chance of making you happy once it’s in your glass!