How is Gin Made Commercially?
The most common way to make gin commercially is to distill it from a grain-based alcohol. The alcohol is usually distilled to around 96% ABV and then diluted with water to around 40% ABV. The dilution process is known as "cutting". Once the alcohol has been diluted, it is then flavored with botanicals. The botanicals are usually juniper berries, but can also include other spices and herbs such as coriander, cardamom, and citrus peel. The botanicals give gin its characteristic flavor and aroma.
Production Methods of Gin
Steep & Boil Method
The most traditional and still the most common method for gin distillation is the ‘Steep & boil’ method. A mix of juniper and other botanicals is steeped in neutral spirit which has been reduced in strength with water. Some producers leave the botanicals steeping for as long as 48 hours before distillation, others believe that maceration ‘stews’ the flavours and so distil the mixture immediately.
Vapour Infusion Distillation
Vapour Infusion Distillation is another method used. With this method, the neutral spirit vapors rise up through the suspended basket of botanicals. The flavored alcohol vapor condenses and drips back into the pot. This subtly flavors the spirit.
Compound Gin
Compound Gin is the simplest method for making Gin which is the process of mixing a neutral base spirit with botanicals and allowing their infusion without heating (re-distillation). This is also known as ‘Bath Tub’ Gin. It’s how you can make your own Gin at home!
Pot Distilled Gin
Pot Distilled Gin is the oldest method to produce ‘distilled Gin’, and is still is use today by some ‘Small Batch’ Gin distillers as it is considered the best method to lock in the flavours of the botanicals.