Explore the history, craft, and enjoyment of gin — from its Virginia roots to how to taste, serve, and pair it like a professional.
Gin is a spirit defined by botanicals, with juniper as the signature ingredient. While its origins trace back to the Netherlands and England in the 17th century, Virginia distillers have put a distinctly American stamp on the style.
Virginia craft gin reflects a combination of traditional distilling methods and locally sourced botanicals. Many distillers incorporate herbs, fruits, and spices from Virginia farms, giving their gin a sense of place — from citrusy and floral to earthy and pine-forward.
Gin production begins with a neutral spirit, often distilled from grains or corn, which is then redistilled or infused with botanicals to achieve its distinctive flavor profile.
For grain-based gin bases, the grains are mashed to convert starches into fermentable sugars.vIf the base spirit is sourced commercially, the distillery may skip this step and start with pre-made neutral grain spirit.
Yeast is added to the mash to convert sugars into alcohol, creating a low-alcohol "wash" (similar to beer). This wash typically reaches 6–10% ABV.
The fermented wash is distilled to create a high-proof neutral spirit (around 95% ABV). This removes impurities and flavor, resulting in a clean base ready for botanicals.
Botanicals—especially juniper, which must be the dominant flavor by law—are added.
After flavoring, the gin is diluted with pure water to achieve the desired alcohol level (typically 40–47% ABV), then bottled.
Gin is incredibly versatile — from classic cocktails to modern craft creations. Understanding serving options helps highlight its botanicals.
Artisan gins with complex botanical profiles can be enjoyed neat or chilled to fully appreciate their aroma.
Gin thrives in mixed drinks. Educational pairings include:
Gin tasting engages sight, smell, and palate. Use these steps to evaluate like an expert:
Most gins are clear, but some botanical infusions may impart subtle hues.
Bring the glass to your nose. Identify juniper first, then the supporting botanicals — citrus, herbs, or spices.
Take small sips and let the gin coat your palate. Notice how the botanicals emerge sequentially — from juniper backbone to herbal or floral highlights.
Pinpoint dominant notes: piney, citrusy, spicy, floral, or earthy. Each gin tells a story about the distiller’s craft and ingredient choices.
A clean, lingering finish is a sign of quality. Some gins leave herbal or citrus echoes that enhance the next sip.
Gin’s botanical complexity makes it an excellent pairing spirit. Instead of generic suggestions, focus on flavor harmony and contrast:
