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Yes, it is Gin.\u00a0 No, it really wasn’t that great.\u00a0 In fact it was pretty poor, barely drinkable.<\/p>\n
But it was a lot of fun and I learned a quite a bit.\u00a0\u00a0 The most important thing I learned is that some botanicals are really powerful!\u00a0\u00a0 For example a little anise goes a long way.\u00a0 A lot of anise is way too much.<\/p>\n
No, I’m not distilling my own spirits.\u00a0 In fact I’m pretty sure that’s illegal in most states!\u00a0 I’m creating gin by ‘infusion’.\u00a0 The basic concept is pretty simple: Take a neutral spirit, typically vodka, and combine with the botanicals of your choice and let steep for 2-5 days.\u00a0 Pretty simple really.<\/p>\n
Here’s the process I used for this small, initial batch:<\/p>\n Day 0:\u00a0 I assembled the following botanicals. +24 hours:\u00a0 I added the following. +72 hours:\u00a0 First tasting! Day 5: Final tasting. I should have added a photo of\u00a0 this, but sometimes a picture isn’t really worth 1000 words.<\/p>\n For my next batch, and there will be another, I think I’ll use the following changes: For my first effort I give my self one upside down Martini glass. \u00a0\u00a0 <\/p>\n If you\u2019re curious about what one vs. two vs. upside down stems means, <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Yes, it is Gin.\u00a0 No, it really wasn’t that great.\u00a0 In fact it was pretty poor, barely drinkable. But it was a lot of fun and I learned a quite a bit.\u00a0\u00a0 The most important thing I learned is that … Continue reading ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/shakennotstirred.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/juniper-berry-2.jpg?resize=100%2C100\")
\nThe only rule is that Gin must have Juniper, that’s what makes a spirit “Gin”.\u00a0 If you’re wondering what other sorts of botanicals to use, google “Homemade Gin” and you’ll find quite a few recipes for guidance.\u00a0\u00a0 That’s how I started.\u00a0\u00a0 Also take a look at my “Botanical Elements of Gin<\/a>” page to see what some commercial Gins use.<\/p>\n
\n10 gms Juniper, 1\/3 of which I ground
\n4 gms Coriander, ground
\n1 Cardomon Pod, ground
\n1 Star Anise, ground
\n2 gms, Allspice, ground
\n2 green peppercorn, ground
\n2 red peppercorn, ground
\nAll of these items I put into 375 ml of 100 proof Vodka.<\/p>\n
\nOrange Peel dried, 6 inches thin
\nLemon Peel dried, 6 inches thin<\/p>\n
\nFirst I sieved out the bits and pieces of the botanicals.\u00a0 As expected the liquid was a nice caramel color. Then the first quick taste.\u00a0 WOW, lots of Anise!!\u00a0 Really a lot. \u00a0 Reminiscent of Jagermeister, Ouzo, or Raki, but with out their subtlety and refinement.\u00a0 There were also all the other flavors, but definitely in the background, except for a bit of bitterness that came through.\u00a0 And overall it was a bit light on Juniper.<\/p>\n
\nStill Lots of Anise!\u00a0 Definitely too much.\u00a0\u00a0 Next time I’ll cut the Star Anise by 75%, at least!!\u00a0 I might just skip it all together and focus on the more subtle flavors.<\/p>\n
\nCut, or eliminate, the Star Anise.
\nUse dried citrus zest instead of the dried thin citrus peels.
\nJust a couple more peppercorns to give it more pepper kick.
\nAnd more Juniper, probably bump it up by 50%.
\nKeep watching, I’ll let you know that turns out!<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/shakennotstirred.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/Martini-Glass-Upside-Down.jpg?resize=20%2C30\")
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\nI refer you to the following:
\n*****\u00a0\u00a0 Rating Definitions<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 ****<\/p>\n