The Rise of New Zealand Gin
Gin has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the Netherlands way back in the 13th Century. Back then it was called Genever and didn't closely resemble the oh-so-drinkable spirit that we know and love in New Zealand today.
So, what has given rise to the range of craft spirits, or more importantly, gin, that we in NZ so happily consume on a regular basis? And how does NZ gin stack up?
Gin is trending
Gin has had its ups and downs since its inception in the 16th century, but its most recent rise to fame is said to be credited to a gin movement that started in London, UK in the late 90's/early 2000s. Since then, new types of craft gin have been surfacing around the world. So, it shouldn't be surprising that a little nation at the bottom of the globe that has a track-record of creativity and producing products that use high quality ingredients is throwing their hat in the ring. (Pssst, we mean New Zealand).
Being far away from the rest of the world, NZ is often late to the party when it comes to following trends. However, when we do show up we bring our A game and our passion. While gin has typically been made by industry heavyweights in the UK and Europe, the high quality and popularity of NZ gin is not only proving that we have the know-how, but that we're good at putting a local twist on an age-old spirit too.
Gin with an NZ twist
Gin is essentially a flavoured spirit, with the main taste being from juniper berries - but the fun doesn't have to stop there. Craft distilleries often infuse other flavours and spices into their gin, some because they simply taste nice, and others because they're representative of local flavours.
At 1919 Distillery we source and use some of the best local ingredients that NZ has to offer. Why? Anyone in the world can make a classic gin, but can they make it with Otago cherries and Manuka Honey, or fresh Auckland grown strawberries? They could try, but it wouldn't be easy (or authentic) and that's where we proudly come in.
To us, gin distilling is a craft, and our gin is hand-made in batches, not produced on a huge factory line. Quality triumphs over quantity every time. And, flavours that give a hint to the tastes and moments that make New Zealand what it is - like the first in our Kiwiana range 'Pineapple bits' - is what will keep NZ gin climbing to the top in the international ranks.
Awarding the title of 'the best gin' may be up to a matter of opinion, but if you're after ours (while we may be biased) we'd say make sure you try 1919 Distillery Gins before you crown 1st place.