Gin

Trendy beverage with a tradition: buy gin online from Heinemann

Gin holds a renowned status in the world of spirits, immortalized by James Bond's iconic Martini and the Queen Mother's daily aperitif preference of a gin and tonic, preferably with a generous pour of gin. Over recent years, gin has transitioned from a conventional spirit to a fashionable libation. Producers like Gin Mare from Spain and Hendrick's Gin from Scotland are increasingly exploring inventive combinations of botanicals and spices to enhance their gin offerings. Explore the diverse world of gin in the Heinemann shop, where you can find a wide array of options, ranging from traditional brands like Tanqueray and Bombay Sapphire to newer and more contemporary compositions.

How long has gin been around? A cure-all and “wine of the poor” – the origins of gin

The roots of gin are thought to lie in the Dutch drink jenever. In the 17th century, the spirit was mainly used as a medicine for all kinds of aches and pains. Only after the distillation and quality control methods improved at the end of the 18th century did gin become a favourite ingredient for drinks, even in the higher classes of society.

Today, gin is popular all over the world and is always acquiring new facets thanks to producers’ love for experimentation. You too can be inspired – by The Botanist, Tanqueray or Hendricks, and other gin varieties at Heinemann.

Gin production: What are 'botanicals'? 

Flavouring with different types of plants, herbs, seeds, and spices forms the core of gin production. The so-called “botanicals” are selected and coordinated with the utmost care in order to achieve as harmonious a distillate as possible. 

• Maceration: In the traditional flavouring process, juniper berries and other botanicals are mashed with a neutral alcohol and water so that the aromas leech out into the alcohol. Alternatively, alcoholic vapours can be passed over the botanicals in the distillation process.
• Distillation: In the distillery, the alcohol is distilled from mash before being filtered several times to take the edge off the distillate. 
• Dilution: The final distillate is diluted with water to achieve the required drinking strength. The finished gin is then stored for a few weeks before being bottled.

Over 200 different botanicals in more and more new compositions are now being used for gin production. Apart from the typical botanicals like citrus fruits, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg as well as aniseed and coriander, more and more fresh herbal notes, floral aromas and fruits can now be tasted in gin. How about, for example, a Gin Mare Capri, whose fine bergamot notes know how to convince, or the elegant The Botanist, which is made with botanicals that grow exclusively on the Scottish island of Islay.

Enjoy premium quality gin – Heinemann shop

Gin is almost exclusively enjoyed in cocktails and long drinks, which perfectly showcase the intense aromas of the spirit. Gin minimalists swear by dry martini with a splash of vermouth. Those who prefer a fresher flavour mix a Tom Collins with gin, lemon juice and soda. And those who like to experiment modify the legendary gin and tonic as the whim takes them – always with gin varieties from the Heinemann shop for example, with the eternal classic Bombay Sapphire.

Order gin and other premium quality spirits, fragrances, confectionery and many more items online now from Heinemann – we will deliver your order to your doorstep on the desired date.