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There are many different types of gin that people know and love. In fact, gin is one of the most well-loved types of alcohol in the world and it’s used to make countless incredible gin cocktails. Many of the popular mixed drinks are part of the most popular summer cocktails, which is why many think of gin as a summer drink.
The truth is that gin is a common cocktail ingredient and always makes it to the beverage menus of different bars, restaurants, hotels, and country clubs. Some gin bards are even part of the most popular celebrity alcohol list. Having such bottles in your beverage inventory will give you new marketing opportunities and you will also be able to attract the fans of the celebrities.
However, if you want your gin to not just be a celebrity one or for you to spend more time experimenting with cocktail recipes, you should get craft gin. By stocking on craft gin, you will be creating unique drinks without having to add new ingredients to your recipes. You can also help customers discover new flavors of gin that they will love!
Want to find out more about craft gin? We are here to help you with that! Let’s dive together into the world of craft gins!
What Is Craft Gin?
Craft gin is a type of gin that is produced in small batches by independent distilleries. The focus here is on quality, creativity, and unique flavor profiles. Unlike mass-produced gins, craft gin is typically handcrafted using carefully selected botanicals. The craft varieties often incorporate local or unusual ingredients that reflect the distiller's creativity and the region's terroir.
Craft gin emphasizes artisanal methods and the distillation often involves greater attention to detail. These gins may be distilled using traditional copper pot stills and tend to have more complex and nuanced flavors. The rise of craft gin is part of the broader craft spirits movement, where consumers seek authenticity, innovation, and a connection to the producer. There are plenty of craft vodka and craft whiskeys you can enjoy nowadays, too.
This focus on unique botanicals and traditional production methods differentiates craft gin from mainstream gin by offering consumers a distinct, high-quality product that often highlights the artistry of the distiller. Craft gins are a great base for unique, artisan cocktails, too, and it’s a beloved ingredient for mixologists.
Key Takeaway: Craft gin has only grown in popularity for over two decades now because of its unique flavor, small batch production, and the more sustainable practices associated with its creation. It is a great alcohol to use as a base for numerous refreshing cocktails that customers love and enjoy. Any beverage menu can only benefit from craft gin and the mixed drinks that can be made with it.
What Are the Main Differences Between Regular and Craft Gin?
We already mentioned some of the differences between the two general types of gin. However, to better understand what makes craft gin completely unique, you should understand the following details:
- Production Scale - Regular gin is typically produced on a large scale by commercial distilleries. Craft gin, on the other hand, is made in smaller batches by independent or boutique distilleries. The smaller production scale allows for more experimentation and attention to detail. That’s why craft gins can have various flavor profiles.
- Ingredients - Craft gin often emphasizes unique, high-quality botanicals, which could be sourced locally. These ingredients are carefully selected to create complex and innovative flavor profiles. When making regular gin, the distillers typically stick to more standard, mass-produced recipes with common botanicals like juniper, coriander, and citrus.
- Distillation Process - Craft gin distillers often use traditional methods, such as copper pot stills. The process may also involve more hands-on involvement from the distiller. Regular gin is typically produced using more automated, high-volume processes.
- Creativity and Innovation - Craft gin distilleries often experiment with unusual botanicals, flavors, and production techniques. This results in gins with unique and sometimes bold profiles. Regular gin tends to prioritize consistency and may not vary as much in flavor.
- Focus on Artisanship - Craft gin is often marketed as an artisanal product, with an emphasis on the craft and story behind the gin. Regular gin brands focus more on broad market appeal and consistent production. As already mentioned, some focus on the person behind the brand too, especially if they are a celebrity.
How Did the Popularity of Craft Gin Grow?
Craft gin became popular as craft spirits generally started to trend in the early 2000s. This was driven by consumer demand for high-quality, artisanal products with unique flavors and stories behind them. Consumers nowadays also want more transparency in production methods, which is why they tend to prefer the craft version over the regular options.
A few different factors contributed to the rise of craft gin. In the last couple of decades, the tastes have changed, as well as the regulations in some regions. Nowadays is easier to obtain licenses and operate a distillerie, which contributes to the number of unique types of gin on the market.
The cocktail culture was revived too, and the people started looking into ways to support local businesses and source sustainable goods for themselves and their businesses. Because of that many businesses started purchasing alcohol from local breweries, wineries, and distilleries. They have expanded their cocktail menus as well, to accommodate to the growing demand.
Today, craft gin is particularly popular in the United States and Europe. Now craft gins are staples not only in the UK where a lot of gin is typically consumed, but also in other parts of the world. The number of craft gin distilleries is increasing every year, which is a clear sign of customer interest in this type of product.
In recent years, craft gin has moved from niche markets into the mainstream, with many bars, restaurants, and retailers offering a wide range of craft gins. The rise of gin festivals, tastings, and social media promotion has further cemented its place in the spirits industry. That is why we think that every restaurant and bar owner who is looking for ways to improve their beverage menu needs to source quality craft gin!
Frequently Asked Questions about Craft Gin
With all the buzz surrounding craft gin, there are plenty of questions people ask. We have gathered some of the most popular ones and decided to answer them for you in the paragraphs below!
What Ingredients Are Used in Craft Gin?
In addition to the traditional juniper berries, craft gin often includes a wide range of botanicals, such as herbs, spices, fruits, and flowers. These ingredients are carefully selected to create complex and innovative flavors, sometimes reflecting the local region where the gin is produced.
Can Craft Gin Be Used in Cocktails?
Yes! Craft gin is excellent for cocktails. Its unique and varied flavor profiles can add depth and complexity to classic gin cocktails like Martinis, Negronis, and G&Ts, as well as more experimental drinks.
Is Craft Gin More Expensive than Regular Gin?
Craft gin is generally more expensive than regular gin due to its small-batch production, premium ingredients, and artisanal methods. However, the price often reflects the quality and uniqueness of the product.