THE ORIGINS OF GIN
This ancient distillate in the collective imagination is strongly linked to England, but its origins lie in the monks’ monasteries of France, Flanders and Holland. So the first who distilled from a maceration of herbs, grains and juniper berries the prototypes of the gin that was called by the Latin name “Acqua Vita” were monks. It was only after the ban on French Brandy imports in 1668 on the orders of William of Orange that gin spread to England. The first traces of the use of juniper berries are found in some writings from the 11th cent. in a convent of Benedictine monks in the province of Salerno who distilled a product using juniper berries for medicinal purposes. The main ingredient for making a gin is the juniper berry, which can then be combined with a variety of herbs: wild artichoke, orange, lemon or broom flowers and any other herb found in the production area that can contribute to the purpose of giving an aromatic scent to the contents of the bottle and a distinct character to the distillate. The alcohol content of gin, on the other hand, is induced by ethyl alcohol, or in some modern products, distillates of water life from grape marc are used. In recent years there has been a veritable explosion of new gins, from Italy to Spain via Latin America. There is no mixology without great gin.
ETHYMOLOGY
The name gin is a shortened form of the older English word genever related to the French word genièvre and the Dutch word jenever. All ultimately derive from juniperus, the Latin for juniper.
SOME OF THE BOTANICALS USED FOR ETNA GIN
Etna Juniper, Bergamot, Bianchetto Lemon, Wild Violet, Rosehip, Zagara Flower, Elder Eucalyptus, Coriander, Wild Finochietto, Citrus, Etna Wild Artichoke, Rosamarin
THE ETNA GIN
1 VOLCANO GIN
This Etna Gin finds the balance point in elegance. The design of the solid glass bottle complemented by the lava stone stopper is a work of art that pays homage to both the land and the American Prohibition era. The use of broom among the botanicals of Volcano Gin gives it a fresh flavor that is well balanced between bitter and sweet notes. Wild fennel along with bitter orange give Volcano Gin distinct wild aromatic notes and a pleasant freshness. La quality and originality of this Etnean gin is surprising. The Volcano Gin brand pioneered the production of gin in Sicily and also produces a tonic. The three partners Stefano Lo Giudice, Diego Pollicina and Alessandro Malfitana in collaboration with Cantina Etnea Gambino have created a fantastic rosé gin from the combination of Etna’s expertly cold macerated botanicals that are aged on the noble lees of Nerello Mascalese. The project of creating thisinnovative Gin Rosé was overseen by the Etna consortium. The Volcano Gin website offers an online store.
