1933 Jack's Manual by J A Grohusko

30

JACK S MANUAL

GIN

Gin, a contraction of Geneva, derives its name from the French genievre (juniper). Originally it was a national alco holic beverage in Holland, although juniper berries do not grow in that country, but always had to be imported from other countries of Europe. Holland gin, as we know it in this country, tastes and smells strongly of juniper berries and is known as a very valuable medicine, having a purifying effect on the kidneys if taken in moderation. The materials used for making the spirit are barley and rye malt and rye. When ground, these are mixed with water and some yeast and allowed to ferment. The first result is the pro duction of yeast. The yeast having been taken the fermentation continues for some time; the wash,then having the consistency of thin pea-soup, is put into stills, and the first distillation takes place. This distillation is then redistilled, and juniper berries and sometimes hops are added. When distilled again, the prod uct is Holland gin, ready for shipment. Years ago distillers in Holland gradually started to reduce the quantity of juniper berries in the distillation of gin for home consumption as a beverage, and as the public seemed to like this, they kept reducing the quantity until at last no juniper berries were used, though it is sold and consumed in Holland as gin {jenever). Only in the best cafes in large cities do they keep some gin with juniper flavor.He who wants this has to ask for"gebeidde jenever." which means gin distilled with juniper berries. The popular taste in England also seems to run to the ex clusion of the juniper flavor, hut the English distiller, instead ofleaving the juniper berries out,reduces the quantity used and adds a number of other ingredients, the flavor of which almost covers the juniper flavor. This English product is known when sweetened as Old Tom gin, and when unsweetened as dry gin. Judging from the in-