Welcome, lovers of high-proof delicacies. Today we're taking you on a journey through the world of our second great passion: Gin. There's a lot more to discover than just Gordons or Tonics. Before we get to grips with today's creative minds in the gin landscape, we'll take you to the origins of the noble juniper. So sit down comfortably, we're going on a journey through time through the history of fascinating gin. Have fun!
From medicinal product to botanical
The history of gin, like that of so many spirits, begins in an alchemist's laboratory. There, in the 17th century, the Dutch doctor Franciscus Sylvius developed a distillate from juniper berries. The so-called "genever" was originally intended to relieve kidney and stomach problems, as juniper berries were said to have healing properties. The historic foundation for gin was thus laid.
Genever was soon brought to London by English troops under Duke Marlborough and gin became a popular drink among the population. Gin became so popular that it led to the so-called "gin craze" - a real gin craze broke out and cheaply produced gin was consumed in large quantities. The bad reputation of cheap gin was combated by Coffey's Patent Still - the distillation process ensured high quality and paved the way for the well-known "London Dry Gin".
During the Prohibition era in the USA, gin was particularly popular because it was easy to hide. The Gin Martini became a symbol of this era and had a lasting impact on the bar landscape.
After experiencing a short dry spell in the 20th century, gin has experienced a huge renaissance in recent years! Distilleries around the world began to produce artisanal gins in abundance and gin developed into a lifestyle product. From exotic fruits to spices to flowers - there are no limits to the variety of the new gin. Complex aromas and gin cocktails with strong character are making more and more people around the world appreciate this timeless drink.
Today: Gin O'Clock
Jörg's stroke of genius - The Gin Basil Smash
The days of Gordon's Gin with Schweppes are definitely over. Jörg, the owner and bartender of the Lion Bar in Hamburg, had enough of it and revolutionized gin. He had the groundbreaking idea of not just using basil as decoration, but crushing it with lemon in a mortar and adding soda. The result? A refreshing basil-lemon lemonade. And what goes better with that than gin? No sooner said than done - 4cl gin, ice cubes, basil-lemon lemonade and it was created, the Gin Basil Highball. For those who aren't really into basil, there are still timeless classics like the Gin Fizz, the Gin Mule or the absolute summer trend of this year, the Negroni.
By the way, in addition to the really delicious cocktails, the Lion Bar in Hamburg has another secret. Located right next to the Rathausmarkt, you only get into the gin paradise with a bit of luck and an inconspicuous bell - there are no windows.
Martin's creation:Skin Gin from the Altes Land
In the Hamburg area, during long nights, with tired eyes and the occasional little buzz, something truly unique was created. Eight exquisite botanicals, such as Moroccan mint, classic juniper, orange, pink grapefruit, lime and lemon peel, coriander, and the finest coffee beans from Brazil by Ismael Andrade , enchant the spirit of every bottle of Skin Gin . Creations such as Apple Kiss or Tea Kiss come from the creative mind of Martin, the founder of Skin Gin. Together with him, we have now also launched the Coffee Kiss. Thank you, Martin, for this gin innovation that enriches the world!
A journey for true connoisseurs: Our Gin Tastings
No journey through the fascinating world of gin would be complete without our gin tastings. Here you can not only challenge your taste buds, but also send your senses on an unforgettable journey with our blind tasting. You will taste the different tonic waters and learn the subtle differences between the gins. Exciting, entertaining, enjoyable - this is how we design our tastings and reveal the true variety and quality of gin.
It's Gin O'Glock
Because it's never too early or too late for gin! We'll toast together, celebrate the renaissance of gin and look back on a rich history. From the medicinal roots to the Gin Basil Smash. We'd like to thank the creative minds like Jörg and Martin for breathing new life into London's former working class fluff and say: Cheers, you connoisseurs of the noble juniper! See you at the gin tasting.
Your Kaffeebrewda