The Artistry of Alchemy: Introduction to Craft and Small-Batch Gin

Craft and small-batch gin have been on the rise, attracting aficionados and curious enthusiasts alike.

This blog post aims to unravel the complex world of craft and small-batch gin, demystifying its allure for both gin connoisseurs and novices.

Our journey will take us through the botanical heart of gin, the intricate art of craft and small-batch distilling, and the reasons behind the surge in popularity of these artisanal spirits.

Understanding the Art of Craft and Small-Batch Gin: A Comprehensive Guide

What is Craft Gin?

Craft gin has no standard definition, but it generally refers to gin produced by people who are passionate about the gin-making process, from recipe development to ingredient sourcing and production.

This often results in unique gins that have a sense of place and provenance.

If you can put a face and name to the distiller behind your craft gin bottle, then it’s likely a craft gin.

Is All Craft Gin Small-Batch?

While not all craft gin is small-batch gin, there’s often an overlap.

Many craft gin distillers prioritize their passion over profits, leading them to work in smaller teams with a few stills, producing gin in smaller quantities.

Hence, if a distiller isn’t producing thousands of bottles every day, there’s a good chance they qualify as a small-batch and craft gin producer.

What Makes Craft Gin Special?

Craft gin emphasizes craftsmanship.

Distillers handcraft their gins, know each and every botanical that goes into the product, and are passionate and innovative in their approach to gin-making.

Craft gin producers often make gin out of love, even if they can only produce it in small quantities. The stories of these distillers can often help distinguish a craft gin from a regular gin.

Craft gin also offers variety and creativity.

Craft distilleries are small and independent, allowing them to experiment with different ingredients and production methods, resulting in gins that are unique and deviate from the standard gin flavor profile.

Additionally, many craft distilleries use renewable energy sources and recycle their waste, making them a more environmentally friendly option than large-scale distilleries.

Why is Craft Gin Becoming Popular?

The rise of craft gin is largely due to consumers’ increasing interest in the origins and production methods of their food and drink.

Craft gin has emerged as a popular alternative to mass-produced spirits due to its unique and flavorful character.

Craft gin distilleries, being small, independent operations that use traditional methods and high-quality ingredients, offer consumers a greater variety of flavors and styles to choose from, and they also support independent, sustainable production.

How Does Craft Gin Compare to Mass-Produced Gin?

While mass-produced gins can offer consistency and are usually more affordable, craft gins provide a unique tasting experience with a focus on quality and craftsmanship.

The term “craft” isn’t under threat from bigger companies adopting it for mass-produced drinks, but the category of gin itself is broadening, which can sometimes stretch the definition of what is considered gin.

The Roots of Refreshment: Understanding Gin

Gin, a versatile spirit known for its distinctive juniper flavor, has been a staple in cocktail culture for centuries. Its main ingredients are:

Juniper berries

Are the defining ingredient of gin. Its fresh, piney flavor is the backbone of any gin.

Additional botanicals

These vary widely between distilleries and may include ingredients like citrus peels, coriander seeds, angelica root, and more, adding complexity and depth to the gin’s flavor profile.

Gin comes in different types, each offering a unique take on this classic spirit.

London Dry

It’s the gold standard of gin; it’s bold and juniper-forward.

Plymouth Gin

A slightly sweeter and earthier variant.

Old Tom

Known as the ‘missing link’, it’s sweeter than London Dry but drier than Dutch Genever.

Genever

The original gin is maltier and similar to whisky.

New American or International Style: A newer category that often de-emphasizes juniper for other botanicals.

The Distiller’s Craft: What Makes Gin “Craft” or “Small-Batch”?

“Craft” and “small batch” are terms that have gained significant traction in the world of spirits. Here’s what they mean:

Craft gin refers to gin produced in a traditional, hands-on way. It usually involves a distiller who experiments with unique botanical blends, prioritizing quality and innovation over mass production.
Small-batch gin typically refers to gin produced in smaller quantities, often in pot stills. This production method allows for greater control over the final product, resulting in a spirit with a distinctive character.

Why do these terms matter?

The rise of craft and small-batch gin is a testament to consumers’ growing appreciation for quality, authenticity, and innovation.

These gins offer unique flavor profiles and narratives that their mass-produced counterparts often can’t match.

With every sip, you’re experiencing a distiller’s vision and passion, making each craft and small-batch gin a story in a bottle.

Experience the craft gin revolution firsthand with a visit to your local liquor store or a tour of a craft distillery.

You can also learn more from experts at Gin Foundry or indulge in a gin subscription from Craft Gin Club.

The Alchemist’s Potion: The Making of Craft and Small-Batch Gin

Crafting a bottle of craft or small-batch gin is a meticulous and passionate process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Botanical selection:

The first step involves curating a unique blend of botanicals. While juniper must be the star of the show, distillers can play around with other ingredients such as citrus peels, spices, and herbs to create a distinctive flavor profile.

Maceration:

The chosen botanicals are then soaked in neutral grains and spirits to extract their flavors. This process can take anywhere from 24 hours to several weeks.

Distillation:

The macerated spirit is transferred to a still—often a traditional copper pot still for craft and small-batch gins—and heated. As the liquid evaporates and recondenses, the gin captures the essences of the botanicals.

Dilution:

The distilled gin, which is high in alcohol content, is diluted with water to reach the desired strength.

Bottling:

Recent gin is filtered and bottled. Some gins may also undergo a resting period before bottling to allow the flavors to meld together.

The Pioneers of Passion: Spotlight on Notable Craft and Small-Batch Gin Brands

Several brands have made their mark in the realm of craft and small-batch gins. Here are a few to note:

Sipsmith

A London-based distillery, Sipsmith, sparked the gin renaissance with its London Dry Gin, distilled in traditional copper pot stills.

Monkey 47

A German brand known for its Schwarzwald Dry Gin, Monkey 47 uses a whopping 47 botanicals, including lingonberries and spruce tips from the Black Forest.

St. George Spirits

This Californian distillery offers a range of craft gins, each showcasing different flavor profiles—from Terroir Gin, which evokes a forest walk, to Botanivore Gin, packed with 19 different botanicals.

The Renaissance of Reverence: The Craft Gin Revolution

The popularity of craft and small-batch gins has skyrocketed in recent years, thanks to several factors:

A desire for authenticity and quality: Today’s consumers value transparency and craftsmanship. They’re drawn to brands that offer a genuine story and a high-quality product.
The rise of cocktail culture: The cocktail renaissance has led bartenders and consumers alike to seek out spirits with unique and complex flavors—exactly what craft and small-batch gins offer.
An appetite for experimentation The world of craft and small-batch gin is a playground for innovation, with distillers constantly pushing boundaries with new botanicals and production methods.

The Sensory Sojourn: Tasting Craft and Small-Batch Gin

Tasting craft and small-batch gin is an adventure for the senses. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Look: Observe the gin’s clarity and color. Most gins are clear, but some may have a slight hue from their botanicals or aging process.
Swirl: Gently swirl the gin in your glass. This releases its aromas and also shows its legs—the trails it leaves on the glass, which can indicate its alcohol content.
Sniff: Take a moment to inhale the gin’s aromas. Juniper should be the dominant scent, with other botanicals supporting it.
Sip: Take a small sip and let the gin coat your palate. Try to identify the various flavors. Is it floral, citrusy, spicy, or earthy? Is it sweet, bitter, or dry?
Swallow: Pay attention to the gin’s finish—the flavors that linger after swallowing. A long, complex finish is a sign of a well-made gin.

The Budget-Conscious Sipper: Finding Affordable Craft and Small-Batch Gins

Enjoying craft and small-batch gins doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some affordable yet high-quality options:

Bulldog Gin

An English gin with an exotic blend of 12 botanicals, including dragon eye and lotus leaves.

Beefeater London Dry Gin

A classic choice, distilled in London and known for its balanced, juniper-forward flavor.

Broker’s London Dry Gin

A traditional English gin that packs a punch with its strong juniper and citrus notes.

H2: The Luxury Cocktail Connoisseur: Premium Craft and Small-Batch Gins for the Discerning Palate

For those who enjoy the finer things in life, these high-end gins offer a luxurious experience:

Nolet’s Silver Dry Gin: A Dutch gin with a floral and fruit-forward profile, thanks to its unique botanicals like Turkish rose, peach, and raspberry.
Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin: This German gin, with its 47 botanicals and high proof, offers a complex, layered tasting experience.
Hendrick’s Orbium: A reinterpretation of the original Hendrick’s Gin, Orbium is infused with additional extracts of quinine, wormwood, and lotus blossom for a deeply complex flavor.

DIY Craft Cocktail Maker: Using Craft and Small-Batch Gins in Homemade Cocktails

Craft and small-batch gins, with their unique flavor profiles, can add an exciting twist to homemade cocktails.

Here are two recipes to try:

Craft Gin and Tonic

2 oz. craft or small-batch gin (such as Monkey 47 or Sipsmith)
4-6 oz. tonic water
Fresh lime wedge
Ice cubes
In a glass filled with ice, pour the gin and tonic water. Stir gently to combine, then squeeze the lime wedge over the drink and drop it in.

Negroni with a Craft Twist

1 oz. craft or small-batch gin (such as St. George Botanivore)
1 oz Campari
1 oz. sweet vermouth
Orange peel
Ice cubes
Combine the gin, Campari, and vermouth in a glass filled with ice. Stir well, then garnish with the orange peel.

Non-Alcoholic Mocktail Seeker: Non-Alcoholic Alternatives in the Craft and Small-Batch World

The craft and small-batch ethos isn’t limited to alcoholic spirits.

There’s a growing market for non-alcoholic gins, such as Seedlip and Ritual Zero Proof, which use botanicals to create complex, gin-like flavors without the alcohol.

These ‘alt-gins’ are perfect for making ‘mocktails’, or can be enjoyed simply with tonic water and a squeeze of citrus.

The Environmental Impact of Craft and Small-Batch Gins

Many craft and small-batch gin distilleries are also committed to sustainability.

Organic ingredients: Some distilleries, like Juniper Green Organic, use only organic botanicals, which are grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
Local sourcing: Distilleries like Monkey 47 and Sipsmith source many of their botanicals locally, reducing their carbon footprint.
Waste reduction: Distilleries can also reduce waste in their production processes. For example, Arbikie Highland Estate in Scotland uses leftover potatoes from their vodka production to make their gin.
Green energy: Some distilleries, such as Four Pillars in Australia, use solar power to run their stills.

The Future of Craft and Small-Batch Gins

The craft and small-batch gin movements are just getting started. Here are a few trends we expect to see in the future:

Exotic Botanicals

As distillers continue to experiment with their gin recipes, expect to see more gins featuring unique and exotic botanicals from around the world. These will offer new flavor experiences for gin enthusiasts.

Sustainability

As consumers become more eco-conscious, distilleries will likely increase their efforts toward sustainability, from organic and locally sourced botanicals to energy-efficient production methods.

Non-Alcoholic Options

With the rise of the ‘sober curious’ movement, there will likely be more high-quality non-alcoholic gins on the market, offering a flavorful alternative for those who prefer to abstain from alcohol.

Conclusion

Craft and small-batch gins offer an exciting journey into the world of spirits.

With their emphasis on quality ingredients, artisanal methods, and creative flavors, they provide a unique drinking experience that’s worth exploring.

Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur, a budget-conscious sipper, or a non-alcoholic drinker, there’s a craft or small-batch gin out there for you.

So why not take a sip and see where the journey takes you?