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5 Gin Facts & Fictions

How much do you know about Gin? Test your knowledge with these facts (or fictions). 1. Gin is the original flavoured vodka. Bjørnsongård “Gin” — Sage, Thyme, Rosemary, Coriander seed, and Juniper berries steeping in 100proof Vodka.

How much do you know about Gin? Test your knowledge with these facts (or fictions).

1. Gin is the original flavoured vodka.

 Bjørnsongård Bjørnsongård “Gin” — Sage, Thyme, Rosemary, Coriander seed, and Juniper berries steeping in 100proof Vodka. Photo by Flickr user Kristian Bjornard.

Fact.

Unlike other alcohols that have strict rules about how they are classified, gin is defined by its flavour. The dominant flavour must be juniper but there can also be any number of other botanicals (for example rose or cucumber).

2. Gin must be made by distilling juniper with the spirits.

 Gin distillery. Photo by Flickr user Gin distillery. Photo by Flickr user Capital Spirits.

Fiction.

You can add flavours, including juniper, to the already distilled spirit. They don’t have to be distilled together.

3. Juniper berries are not actually berries.

 Juniper berries from the Juniper berries from the Beaty Biodiversity Museum.

Fact.

Juniper berries are actually fleshy seed cones. It might explain the piney flavor.

4. Gin was invented by the British.

 British flag. Photo by Flickr user British flag. Photo by Flickr user Iker Merodio.

Fiction.

Gin was invented by the Dutch. The Brits came across it during the 30 Years’ War in Europe when they saw the Dutch drinking it before going to battle. It became known as “Dutch Courage.”

5. The original martini was made with gin.

 Gin martini. Photo by Flickr user Gin martini. Photo by Flickr user Don LaVange.

Fact.

James Bond popularized the vodka martini, the scoundrel!

Find out more at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum's Gin Facts & Fictions night on Friday April 1st. What better way to spend your April Fool's than playing our gin fact/fiction game? Hear from Odd Society Spritis about their distilling methods, sip a Wallflower Gin Martini, and let our Curator of Vascular plants take you on a tour of our collection to show you the botanical elements of gin. Get Tickets.

Let us put a gin on your face ;)