Gin is one of Australia’s favourite spirits. From local pubs to trendy bars and parties around the country, we Aussies can’t get enough of a taste-tantalising G&T or deliciously tart Negroni (among other classic cocktails!).
And given that we love to enjoy a tipple of this quality beverage on the town or buy gin online, it is only natural that we have a couple of curiosities about the drink.
With this in mind, here are the answers to some of the questions you have about this most beloved spirit!
1. Where Is It From?
Whilst the original spirit known as “genever” was invented in the Netherlands, this is actually more of a light whiskey that is blended with the juniper berry. The spirit we all know and love today actually was developed in London way back in the 17th Century.
2. Does It Have A Fascinating History?
This spirit has a very interesting history. After all, it is hundreds of years old, and in all the millions of tipples enjoyed over these years some crazy things would have bound to have occurred, right?
Right! For example, the term “Dutch courage” originated because of Dutch soldiers drinking their variation before heading into battle. What’s more, the spirit was such a success in the UK that it caused an epidemic of home brewing that led to all kinds of social problems.
These problems caused what is known as the “Gin Acts” which were designed to curb consumption of the spirit (especially in its unregulated homebrewed form). However, over time and with higher quality products taking over the market, the acts were eventually repealed.
3. What Are Some Historical Creations With The Spirit?
During the raging years of unbridled appreciation for the spirit and its apparent virtues, one drink that was hugely popular was the “Hot Gin Twist”, and it was so popular in fact that a man even brought himself to write a 149-line poem speaking of the drink’s wonder. This poem was also so popular, in fact, that a man wrote another poem speaking of the original poem’s wonder (and again the spirit’s wonder, of course!).
4. Who Has The World’s Largest Market For The Spirit?
You will probably be shocked to learn this, especially as the spirit has a closer connotation with English garden parties and cucumber sandwiches, but the Phillipines is by far the largest consumer of this most delightful beverage.
Drinking a whopping 265 million litres of the stuff each year, the Philippines eclipses its nearest cocktail competitor in the United States, who consumes 98.1 million litres of the spirit annually. This is largely in part to the famed Ginebra San Miguel, a producer with a massive stake in the local market, and one that propels the nation as the spirit’s biggest consumer.
5. What Are Some Of The Best Gin Cocktails?
The classics, of course! We Aussies love the spirit because it goes so well in a refreshing cocktail on a hot summer’s day. The classic G&T is a favourite, but the Negroni has also become one of the most popular cocktails to enjoy on a night out with friends. The Martini isn’t one of our most preferred drinks, and so it may come as a surprise that it is the world’s second most consumed cocktail!
Here are some of your questions about this lovely spirit answered. It has a fascinating history and an even more enticing flavour profile, something that we enjoy in all its variations!
