Evolution of Gin and Underground Gin Tasting in Edinburgh

Gin’s evolution from its Dutch roots to the refined London dry style of the 18th century is a captivating story. In Edinburgh, this journey comes alive through unique experiences like The Lost Close gin tasting. Tucked away in the historic Old Town, this intimate setting transports visitors back in time as they sample diverse gins and learn about the spirit’s fascinating origins and transformation. It’s an opportunity to deepen one’s appreciation for gin’s rich cultural significance.

Key Points

• Gin has its roots in the Dutch spirit genever, which emerged in the early 16th century and evolved into the London dry gin in the 18th century.
• Gin’s popularity in the UK led to the rise of "gin palaces," and a more recent resurgence has focused on innovative expressions highlighting botanical nuances.
• Gin is typically made by redistilling a neutral grain spirit with botanicals like juniper, citrus peels, and coriander, resulting in a range of flavor profiles.
• Scottish distilleries have contributed to gin’s modern development, incorporating local botanicals and improving distilling techniques for smoother spirits.
• The Lost Close in Edinburgh offers an intimate gin tasting experience, allowing visitors to sample a variety of gins and learn about the spirit’s history and evolution.

The Origins of Gin

Although the exact origins of gin are uncertain, most historians trace its roots back to the Dutch spirit genever. Distilled from juniper berries and other botanicals, genever emerged in the early 16th century.

This paved the way for the development of the quintessential London dry gin in the 18th century. As gin evolved, it became associated with the working class, leading to the creation of "gin palaces" across England.

Today, gin enjoys a resurgence in popularity, with Scottish distilleries leading the way in innovative expressions that highlight the spirit’s botanical nuances.

Distillation Methods and Botanicals

The distillation process for gin is crucial in shaping its distinct botanical flavors.

Gin starts with a neutral grain spirit that’s redistilled with a variety of botanicals, typically including juniper berries, citrus peels, coriander, and other herbs and spices.

The gin maker’s art lies in carefully selecting and balancing these botanicals to create a unique flavor profile.

Some use traditional copper pot stills, while others opt for more modern column stills.

The final gin can range from crisp and dry to rich and complex, reflecting the distiller’s choices.

Botanical infusion is what separates gin from other white spirits.

The Rise of Aqua Vitae and Genever

Gin’s origins can be traced back to the development of Aqua Vitae, an early distilled spirit, and the Dutch genever, a forerunner to modern gin.

Aqua Vitae, or "water of life," emerged in the Middle Ages as a distilled alcoholic beverage.

Genever, which arose in the 16th century, was distilled from grains and flavored with juniper.

These historical precursors paved the way for the creation of gin.

Gin’s distinct botanical profile and distillation process soon evolved, leading to the diverse styles of gin we enjoy today.

The underground gin tasting in Edinburgh offers a chance to explore gin’s rich history and its modern Scottish interpretations.

Gin’s Journey to Scotland

While gin’s origins can be traced back to the development of Aqua Vitae and Dutch genever, it wasn’t until the 17th century that gin’s journey to Scotland began.

As trade and exchange increased between the Netherlands and Scotland, genever became more widely available. Scottish distillers adapted the Dutch method, creating their own unique recipes infused with local botanicals.

This early Scottish gin was often harsher in flavor, but over time, distilling techniques improved, and the spirit became smoother.

The Lost Close: An Intimate Gin Tasting Venue

Situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, The Lost Close offers a unique and intimate setting for gin enthusiasts to explore the spirit’s captivating history.

This underground venue hosts a small-group gin tasting experience, providing an immersive journey through the evolution of distilled spirits. With a maximum of 10 travelers per tour, guests enjoy a personalized and educational tasting of four different gins and three mixers.

The knowledgeable hosts skillfully weave the story of gin, from its origins to modern Scottish interpretations, further enhanced by the venue’s atmospheric surroundings.

Exploring the Tasting Experience

As guests descend into the historic underground setting of The Lost Close, they embark on an immersive gin tasting experience that transports them through the spirit’s captivating evolution.

The intimate tour includes sampling four distinctive gins and three mixers, complemented by engaging commentary on distillation methods, botanical infusions, and the origins of gin – from Aqua Vitae to Dutch genever.

Knowledgeable hosts skillfully guide guests, enhancing the tasting with insights into gin’s historical significance and modern profiles.

The small group setting fosters an informative and entertaining exploration of this quintessential Scottish spirit.

Connecting Gin’s Past to the Present

The gin tasting experience delves deeper into the spirit’s storied past, connecting its origins to modern Scottish variations.

The knowledgeable hosts guide participants through the evolution of distilled spirits, from the ancient Aqua Vitae to the Dutch genever that inspired gin’s creation. This historical context enhances the tasting, as guests:

• Discover the intricate distillation methods and botanicals that shape gin’s distinctive profiles
• Explore how the spirit’s popularity ebbed and flowed through the centuries, reflecting cultural and economic shifts
• Gain insights into gin’s modern Scottish renaissance, marked by innovative flavor combinations and revived production techniques

The in-depth exploration leaves participants with a newfound appreciation for gin’s rich heritage and contemporary expressions.

Why This Underground Gin Tasting Stands Out

This underground gin tasting in Edinburgh’s historic quarter sets itself apart through its captivating venue and the hosts’ engaging storytelling. The Lost Close, a hidden alleyway, transports guests back in time, adding to the immersive experience. The hosts expertly weave together the history of gin, from its origins to modern Scottish variations, enhancing the tasting with insightful commentary.

Venue	History
Hidden alleyway	Aqua Vitae and Dutch genever
Unique setting	Distillation methods
Adds historical context	Infusion of botanicals
Enhances the experience	Evolution of distilled spirits

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable and entertaining hosts, particularly Sara, who bring the story of gin to life through their captivating narratives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Gin to the Tasting?

No, you can’t bring your own gin to the underground gin tasting in Edinburgh. The experience is focused on tasting four different gins and three mixers provided by the knowledgeable hosts, who’ll guide you through the history and evolution of gin.

Is the Venue Open During the Day for Self-Exploration?

The venue, "The Lost Close," is not open during the day for self-exploration. The underground gin tasting experience takes place in the evenings at this historical location, which is not accessible to the public outside of the scheduled tours.

Do I Need to Have Prior Gin Knowledge to Attend?

You don’t need prior gin knowledge to attend the underground gin tasting. The knowledgeable and entertaining hosts provide insights into the history, distillation, and botanical infusion of gin, making it an informative experience for even novice gin drinkers.

What Is the Attire Recommended for the Tasting?

The attire for the gin tasting is casual and comfortable. Guests don’t need to dress up, as the focus is on the educational and enjoyable tasting experience. Wear something you’d feel relaxed and at ease in during the intimate underground venue.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Gin Tasting?

The gin tasting experience is open to guests aged 18 and above. There’s no minimum age requirement, though it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers. Participants can expect an informative and enjoyable tasting session with knowledgeable hosts.

The Sum Up

The evolution of gin has been a captivating journey, from its Dutch roots to the rise of London dry gin. In Edinburgh, The Lost Close gin tasting offers a unique opportunity to explore this rich history, allowing participants to sample diverse gins and explore the fascinating relationship between gin’s past and its present-day popularity. This intimate underground experience provides a compelling window into the enduring allure of this beloved spirit.