Popular among the sailing fraternity, a gin and tonic has graced many a cockpit after a hard day racing around the cans. But what are the origins of gin, and why has this spirit remained so popular for centuries?
What Is Gin? Understanding Its Roots
Gin’s story begins with genever, an alcoholic spirit produced by distilling grain and flavouring it predominantly with juniper berries (Juniperus communis). Today, gin is one of the most widely consumed spirits in the world.
While modern gins vary greatly in style, technique, and flavour, they all share one defining characteristic: juniper. This botanical backbone links every gin, past and present, back to its original roots.
The Origins of Gin as a Medicinal Spirit
The origins of gin can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when juniper-infused spirits were used as herbal medicines. Juniper was believed to aid digestion, improve circulation, and act as a diuretic.
The name itself comes from the French word genièvre, meaning juniper. The Dutch adopted the term as genever, which the British later shortened simply to gin.
How Gin Reached Britain: Dutch Courage Explained
In the 17th century, Dutch physician and alchemist Franciscus Sylvius refined genever by distilling malt wine with juniper and other herbs. His aim was medicinal, not recreational.
British soldiers encountered genever while fighting alongside the Dutch during the Eighty Years’ War. They drank it before battle to steady their nerves, giving rise to the enduring phrase “Dutch courage.”
The Gin Craze: London’s Love Affair With Gin
Once genever arrived in England, British distillers quickly began producing their own versions. By the late 17th and early 18th centuries, gin had become extremely popular in London, particularly among the urban poor.
This period became known as the Gin Craze. Gin was cheap, widely available, and in many cases less expensive than beer. Consumption soared, and social problems followed.
The Gin Acts and Government Control
Concerned by rising alcoholism and public disorder, the British government attempted to regulate gin production through a series of laws known as the Gin Acts.
The most infamous, the Gin Act of 1736, imposed a £50 annual licence fee on distillers and heavy taxes on retailers. The result was not reform, but widespread illegal distillation. Only two licences were issued in the following seven years.
Eventually, the Act was repealed. Later legislation reduced taxes and restricted sales to reputable premises. By the early 19th century, the Gin Craze had subsided, and gin’s reputation slowly recovered.
Gin and the Sea: A Longstanding Maritime Connection
Gin has long been associated with sailors and naval life.
In the 18th century, spirits were sometimes used as partial payment for naval officers. Sailors would test the quality of their ration by soaking gunpowder in the spirit and attempting to light it. If it ignited, they knew the alcohol had not been watered down, a practice that later influenced the concept of “proof” strength.
A Famous Sailor and His Genever
Renowned sailor Sir Francis Chichester, author of Gipsy Moth Circles the World, famously credited his solo circumnavigation to a daily glass of pink genever. He reportedly claimed that the saddest moment of his voyage was when the supply ran out.
After becoming the first person to sail solo around the world via the great capes, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, further cementing gin’s place in sailing folklore.
Why Gin Is Still Popular Today
From its medicinal beginnings to its role in naval history and modern cocktail culture, the origins of gin tell a remarkable story. Its adaptability, distinctive flavour, and enduring traditions explain why gin remains as popular today as ever.
Whether enjoyed in a quiet marina at sunset or after a hard-fought race, gin continues to be a timeless companion for sailors.
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