Prompt Cast
The History and Varieties of Gin
TLDR Gin is a versatile spirit that can be made with a variety of flavors and botanicals, distilled using different methods, and categorized as either flavored vodka or distilled gin. Its history dates back to Holland and it has experienced periods of popularity and decline, with a recent resurgence in the late 90s and early 2000s.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Gin can be made with any flavor added to a neutral grain spirit, as long as it is distilled at 80 proof or higher.
04:56
Gin can be made with a variety of botanicals, including juniper berries, and can be distilled with different base spirits such as wheat, rye, corn, barley, potatoes, or even milk.
10:09
Gin can be distilled using different methods, such as steeping or vapor infusion, and some gins are made with whey-based spirits.
14:57
Gin can be categorized as either flavored vodka or distilled gin, with London dry gin being the most well-known type.
20:14
Old Tom gin originated from the practice of selling gin anonymously through a slot under a cat's paw, and it was sweeter due to the use of sugar and botanicals, but it declined during prohibition and has only recently made a comeback.
25:15
Gin originated as a curative drink in Holland, but eventually became a popular alcoholic beverage in Europe, particularly in the UK, where it was introduced as Geneva and later shortened to gin, leading to a gin craze in the 1700s.
30:17
During the gin craze in the early 18th century, there were extreme social issues caused by the consumption of gin, such as violence, prostitution, and even cases of spontaneous human combustion.
35:28
The invention of the continuous still in the 1800s allowed for the production of pure alcohol, which led to the creation of London dry gin without the need for added sugar or other ingredients to cover up the taste.
40:31
The combination of gin and tonic water, with a slice of lemon or lime to combat scurvy, led to the creation of the gin and tonic cocktail.
45:15
Gin made a comeback in the late 90s and early 2000s with the introduction of Bombay Sapphire and Hendrix.
49:56
Gin is great, but drink responsibly and take advantage of ride-hailing apps if you're of legal age.
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