Gin is a resilient spirit, just like the people who drink it. Gin is a common drink in England today, whether you call it mother’s ruin or Juniper juice. We like to refer to the current gin boom in England as a renaissance or ‘ginaissance” in modern times. Gin has now outsold vodka in popularity.
How did gin become the drink of choice for so many? Why is gin so beloved in England?
These questions can only be answered if we go back in time.
Here’s a brief history of England’s gin craze
You can see how gin has been a part of history in medicine, alchemy and politics. It is also integral to the history of imperialism, war, disease and Prohibition in England. Gin is simply woven into the fabric.
Although much is debated about Gin’s origin story, it’s generally agreed that Sir Hugh Plat’s Delightes For Ladies was the first English publication to mention a juniper-flavoured spirit. There were 200 London-based distillers registered by 1621.
Gin’s history is shaped by the Dutch influx to England. The Dutch smuggled genever into Britain, and British distillers started to use it as a standard for comparing their gins. In 1688, Britain was home to a Dutch King William III. Although the gentry were already avid drinkers of gin, William III’s accession inspired more English to try gin as a patriotism act.
In 1690, Parliament passed an Act that reduced the taxes on spirits made from English corn. It also banned French brandy because farmers were growing too much corn. Because of the combination of cheap corn and deregulation, anyone could now make gin. Prices (and quality) fell dramatically. The Gin Craze swept England by 1720.
Eighteenth-century London was a chaotic place. Those who were affected turned to gin and gave it the nickname “Mother’s ruin”. Gin was inexpensive, strong, and readily available. In 1730, the gin consumption had reached 13.638,276 litres. Drinking gin was now considered a form of civil disobedience. But this did not last. Many acts were passed, and grain prices soared.
Only the middle classes could afford spirit like genever at the beginning of the 19th century. To increase domestic spirits sales, lawmakers made gin less expensive than beer in an attempt to make it more popular. Within a year, gin consumption rose from 3.7 million to 7.4million gallons. This was in response to the opening of many gin palaces around London. The government reversed course and raised the prices again. Gin palaces were gone by the end 1830s.
Modern Gin Boom
Fast forward to 2008, and only twelve gin distilleries were left in Britain. How did gin regain its popularity?
Craft beer and spirit movement
The stories of small breweries, as well as the people behind them, began to attract Americans. This led to the birth of a craft beer movement in the UK that exploded around 2005. Soon craft distillers began to appear all over the country as a result of a renewed interest in local products and family businesses.
Tastier tonics
Gin has been rediscovered because of its high quality tonics. Fever-Tree Mixers, a brand that makes delicious tonic water for gin has made it more affordable for people who don’t enjoy traditional tonic water and is an exceptional accompaniment to Filey Gin.
Versatility
Gin lovers have many options. There are many types of gin available. Different botanicals are used by gin makers to alter the final product’s flavor and texture. The way gin was made also affects the spirit.
Cocktail culture
Cocktails were once reserved for the elite. However, they have seen a revival similar to that of gin in recent years. This bodes well to gin, which can be used in cocktails and is extremely adaptable.
Trends in health
Despite the delicious taste, gin has very low calories, especially when compared with other alcoholic beverages. Did you know that a shot of Gin has 72 calories on average?
Customization
Serving gin has a theatrical aspect these days. The long-stemmed, goldfishbowl-style glasses from Spain have made their way to bars in England. But it doesn’t end there. Glassware and garnish are an integral part of the Gin and Tonic experience.
Are you able to make the perfect gin-and-tonic?
Drinkers across the country pour it over ice with a slice of lemon or one of the many fun garnishes for Gin. Bartenders in pubs mix the botanical spirit in perfect quantities. Mixologists at trendy bars in London, Leeds, and elsewhere combine it into cocktail recipes.
Gin’s popularity is not waning in England. Since 2016, the number of English distilleries has nearly tripled. This was the year when the modern gin boom saw the English distilleries surpass Scotland. In 2020, the UK registered a record number of distilleries, growing by more than 100 in just 12 months.
