The Origins of Gin
Before it became the cornerstone of a classic G&T, gin had a rather curious journey. Like all good spirits, it’s steeped in history, shaped by culture, and flavoured with more than a dash of invention.
A Dutch Beginning
Gin’s story starts not in Britain, but in the Netherlands. In the 17th century, Dutch distillers created a spirit called jenever (or genever), made by distilling malt wine with juniper berries. Juniper wasn’t added for flavour alone; it was believed to have medicinal properties, thought to cure everything from stomach complaints to gout. Dutch soldiers were even known to sip a dram before battle, earning it the nickname “Dutch courage.”
Britain Takes a Shine
British soldiers returning from the Low Countries brought jenever back with them, and it quickly found a place in London’s taverns. By the early 18th century, gin fever had truly taken hold. Cheap to make and untaxed at first, gin was readily available to the masses, sparking what’s now known as the Gin Craze. At its height, Londoners consumed an estimated 10 litres of gin per person each year.
The government’s attempts to curb consumption – with laws, taxes, and licensing – only fuelled gin’s reputation as both a beloved and notorious spirit. It was during this time that iconic images of gin shops and “mother’s ruin” took root in British culture.
A More Refined Spirit
Thankfully, gin didn’t stay in the gutters. As distilling methods improved, the quality of the spirit also improved. The invention of the column still in the 19th century made it possible to produce cleaner, more consistent alcohol, paving the way for the London Dry style we know today. This was the gin that made its way into the first classic cocktails – the Martini, the Tom Collins, and of course, the Gin & Tonic (a drink born from the British Empire’s need to make quinine more palatable as an anti-malarial).
The Spirit We Know and Love
From its medicinal roots to its moments of infamy and refinement, gin has never lost its intrigue. Today, it’s a spirit of endless creativity, from traditional London Dry styles to contemporary gins infused with every imaginable botanical.
At Summerhall Distillery, we see ourselves as part of that long, evolving story. Distilling gin in the heart of Edinburgh, we balance time-honoured methods with a modern twist, a nod to tradition, with plenty of room for innovation. After all, gin has always been a spirit that reinvents itself.
