If you love Gin as much as we do, you’ll want to read this! Several months ago Food Linkers brought the amazing Nordic taste of Napue Gin to Hong Kong, and we have a few gin facts to share! You might be surprised to know that that first gin was advertised as a cure for kidney and stomach problems, gallstones and gout (very similar to whiskey’s beginnings). Though the first confirmed date of mass production can be traced back to the 17th century, its humble beginning started in the 12th century. During this time, people believe that it has the power to protect them against the Plague. Read on to learn more about the turbulent history of Gin!
Juniper Berries. The main botanical used in all gins.
The Start of the Distillation (the 1100’s)
The distillation process originated in the Middle East, which eventually moved to the European continent during the Middle Ages. It was believed that the Benedictine monks located at Salerno utilized the distillation process in order to manufacture alcohol and preserve herbs which include juniper (an important element of gin) that is grown in the hills of Salerno. An early document, the Compendium Salernitana, contained various treatments including a ‘tonic’ that incorporated juniper berries.
The Distillation of Juniper (14th century)
Throughout history, physicians used juniper's due to their medicinal properties. Compounds that have been infused with juniper were used to treat liver, kidney and stomach conditions. When the bubonic plague spread throughout the Europe, many Europeans used the juniper elixir since they believed that it could protect them against the Black Death. Some of them preferred to wear masks filled with juniper to protect them against the pathogens.
Widespread of Distillation (16th Century)
Distillation really started to spread throughout Europe in the 16th Century. This was facilitated by the invention of the printing press during the 1440s that led to the publication of the ‘Liber de Arte Distillandi’. Early distilled spirits had very low alcohol content, and a pretty rough taste. This is due to the early, and very primitive, distillation process which had many limitations- including the removal of impurities. The very first distillation of jenever/genever (the first form of gin), is hard to pin down- there is too much speculation about it. Some say that it was the Salerno monks. However, the first documented gin recipe was written by Hans Sloane, believed to be written at Apeldoorn at around 1495.
Historians are still uncovering new and exciting facts about Gin everyday, and we’re looking forward to sharing more with you! Most recently, in 2014, Napue Gin was awarded “Best Gin for Gin and Tonic” at the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC). This is one of the highest achievements any wine, spirit, gin or tonic can attain. Originating from the world’s northernmost gin and whisky distillery in rural Finland; Napue Gin should definitely be added to your must-taste “Liquor Bucket List”!
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