GIN

Flavor predominantly comes from the juniper berries.  This alcohol originated sometime around the 16^th century.  It was also used early on for many different medical remedies.  The Dutch are usually credited with introducing Gin to the world.  Britain is pretty much the Gin capital of the world although they discovered it during the fighting of the Thirty Years’ war against Holland.  British soldiers brought it back to England afterwards. 

Gin is broken down into 2 categories

Pot Distilled-Distilling grain and then redistilling it with flavoring botanicals to extract aromatic compounds.  Usually slightly lower in alcohol 68% to 76% and aged in casks which gives it a maltier flavor.

Column Distilled- Distilled at a higher proof of 96% initially in column still.  Can be distilled from pretty much anything of agricultural origin.  Then it is redistilled with juniper berries and other botanicals in a pot still.  Botanicals are suspended in a “gin basket” positioned near the head so the vapors are extracted for flavor.