Availability and types
Where does gin come from?
Gin originates mainly in Europe. The story begins with drinks from the Netherlands (then also called “Genever”) and later became very popular in England. The most important ingredient is the juniper berry, a small dark-blue berry that grows on shrubs. Juniper grows in many parts of the northern hemisphere, for example in Europe, parts of Asia and North America. Sometimes it is cultivated in fields, but often it is collected wild – like mushrooms or berries people pick outdoors.
Gin originates mainly in Europe. The story begins with drinks from the Netherlands (then also called “Genever”) and later became very popular in England. The most important ingredient is the juniper berry, a small dark-blue berry that grows on shrubs. Juniper grows in many parts of the northern hemisphere, for example in Europe, parts of Asia and North America. Sometimes it is cultivated in fields, but often it is collected wild – like mushrooms or berries people pick outdoors.
Where can you buy gin?
Gin is very easy to find worldwide. You can buy it in:
Gin is very easy to find worldwide. You can buy it in:
- Supermarkets and beverage departments
- Specialty liquor stores (shops that focus on alcoholic beverages)
- Online shops that deliver drinks
- Locally at small, local distilleries (these are factories that produce gin)
- In airport duty-free, where items are often cheaper
Important: gin is an alcoholic beverage and not suitable for children. You should only buy or drink it if you have reached the legal age.
What kinds and variants are there?
Gin comes in many variants – you can think of it like different kinds of juice: apple juice tastes different from orange juice. Here are some important types, simply explained:
What kinds and variants are there?
Gin comes in many variants – you can think of it like different kinds of juice: apple juice tastes different from orange juice. Here are some important types, simply explained:
- London Dry Gin: Very clear and dry in taste, that means not sweet. Many know this type as the classic gin. It tastes strongly of juniper and often a bit of citrus (like lemon or orange).
- Old Tom: Slightly sweeter than London Dry. You can imagine it as a "friendlier" gin, because it is milder and rounder.
- Plymouth Gin: Originally from the city of Plymouth in England. It is somewhat earthier and softer than London Dry.
- Genever: The ancestor gin from the Netherlands and Belgium. It is somewhat reminiscent of bread or malt because it is made with grain.
- Sloe Gin: This is not a pure gin, but a liqueur made from gin and wild sloe berries. It tastes sweet and fruity, like a red berry syrup.
- Navy Strength: Stronger gin with more alcohol. The name comes from history, when ships needed stronger alcohol. Simply put: it is a "stronger" gin.
- Flavored or New Western Gins: These use many additional plants or fruits – for example flowers, cucumber, berries or spices. The result is exciting new aromas.
- Barrel-aged Gin: Some gins are aged in wooden barrels like whisky and thus gain a woody, warm note.
The variety is large: big well-known brands and small local distilleries both offer exciting gins. Some types are available year-round, others – like sloe gin – are more seasonal because the fruits are only harvested in autumn. Whether from the supermarket or from a small manufactory: gin is widely available, and anyone interested can discover many different tastes.
