The history of Gin starts in the Low Countries (Belgium) in the 15th century.
To find where ‘gin’ comes from we need first to find the origins of genever/jenever, the prototype combination of grain spirit and juniper berries and other botanicals. According to the National Jenever Museum of Belgium it was first produced in Flanders in the 13th century. At this time, this area was part of the Low Countries that also included what is now Holland, bits of Northern France and Luxemburg.
Originally used as a medicinal tonic or a herbal medicine, it wasn’t long before genever was being drunk for pleasure. Again the transition lacks precise dates and written records but one source of information is the numerous records of taxation levied on distilleries throughout the Low Countries from the late 15th century onwards.
The first recorded mention of genever as a distilled beverage flavored with juniper and botanicals was in 1552, in a book called Een Constelijck Distileerboec by Antwerp-
The English first met genever during the Eighty Years War (1568-
The origin of gin can be traced back to Belgium, Brugge with the first published recipe of a spirit made with juniper berries (the main ingredient in gin). Belgin's artisanal Belgian gins are the result of 500 years of Belgian distilling history since giving birth to gin, Belgian's rich spice trade going back to medieval times and the craftmanship from Belgium's famous beer and culinary history. Belgin continues the story of gin with unique new flavours such as Fresh Hop and brings a new level of gin quality back to the country that started it all.
To be legally classified as a gin, the primary flavour influence in the finished spirit has to be juniper, and Belgin source their hand-
The company philosophy is to only use natural ingredients, and to extract their flavours by treating every component individually. No artificial colours, synthetic concentrates or sweeteners are used in the process -
In a world where it feels as though every possible botanical has been added to juniper in a bid to make a new 'wonder-
The earliest records of juniper flavoured drinks go all the way back to the 13th century, and a Belgian reference book called Der Naturen Bloeme. At this time it is difficult to definitively say whether this proves that gin (or genever as it was originally known) was invented in Belgium, but it seems likely that they were among the very first distillers.
As with many alcoholic liquors, the earliest producers were almost certainly monks and members of religious orders, as their status and the power of the church and monasteries would keep them protected from local marauders. Additionally, the monks would often travel to far off lands as missionaries, and would return with exotic seeds and herbs to add to their own monastic gardens, giving rise to ever more complex creations.
Certain botanicals are distilled separately and others in groups. In addition, fresh herbs or fruits are macerated for extra fresh flavours. The European definition does not allow these innovative techniques in a London Dry Gin.
Is this better than a London Dry.?
This Belgin Fresh Citrus, which uses the peel of the world-
The original Femminello Sfusato lemon was virtually inedible, so local farmers cross pollinated the lemons with bitter local oranges until they created the Nostrato -
Belgin have combined this legendary peel with lime, verbena and lemongrass, then added a further 15 carefully chosen botanicals to create a fabulously fresh gin. Absolutely perfect for those long hot summery days, when you wish that you were basking on a beach on the Italian coast -
NOSE: Complex aromas of Juniper, lemon ,lime, bergamot.
PALATE: Warming
FINISH: This just keeps going on and on and on.
THE IDEAL SERVE
For a classic Amalfi Martini, place two measures of Fresh Citrus into a cocktail shaker with lots of ice and a single teaspoon of Belfleur elderflower liqueur. Shake well and pour into a chilled martini glass, add a single curl of lemon peel and an olive for a truly refreshing and sophisticated drink. The only thing you'll want after you've tried this once will be 'the same again please'
The intensity of this gin lends itself to long drinks, and a single measure in a tall glass with plenty of ice, topped up with Mediterranean tonic water and a couple of curls of lime peel is a great way to enjoy Fresh Citrus Amalfi Dry Gin.
Country: Belgium
Region: Lion d’Orweg -
Producer: Hand Crafted Belgian Gin
Bottle size: 50cl
abv: 38.0%
