Unlock the Art of Gin Crafting: 5 Unique Methods

We believe in the spirit of exploration and creativity when it comes to crafting your own gin. There are countless ways to infuse your gin with unique flavours that reflect your personal taste. In this guide, we'll walk you through five distinct methods to create gin, each offering its own approach to botanical infusion. So, grab your still, and let's dive into the world of gin-making.

Method 1: The Classic Infusion (Boiler)

Start with a basic gin by adding botanicals directly into the boiler of your still. For a 10-liter batch (though we recommend experimenting with smaller amounts first), dilute your neutral alcohol to 40-50% ABV. Then, add the following:

• 200-250g Juniper berries
• 100g Coriander
• 27g of a mix including angelica, cassia, liquorice, grains of paradise, cubeb
• 50g of orange and lemon peel, ginger, orris root, cardamom
• 5g Nutmeg

Distill the mixture again to extract the rich flavours from the botanicals. Once distilled, dilute the gin back to 40% ABV and allow it to rest for 2-3 weeks. This resting period helps the flavours to "marry" and create a more balanced taste.
For those who prefer a stronger infusion, consider macerating the botanicals in the alcohol for up to a week before distillation. This step is entirely up to personal preference.

Method 2: Botanical Basket Infusion

This method involves placing your botanicals in a basket suspended above the wash inside your still. Position the basket just below the column so that as the alcohol vapours rise, they pass through the botanicals, picking up their flavours before reaching the still head. The resulting distillate will be infused with the essence of your chosen botanicals.
For those looking for an even easier method, Distillique offers a ginning head for stills up to 100L, specifically designed for offset gin infusion. This clever piece of equipment can simplify the process significantly.

Method 3: Botanical Infusion During Fermentation

In this method, botanicals are added directly to the wash during fermentation. This approach ensures that the flavours are infused early on, though it requires strong botanicals to ensure the flavours carry through during distillation. Keep in mind that some flavours may be lost during the process, so choose your botanicals wisely.

Method 4: Combining Methods

Why limit yourself to just one method? You can combine Method 1, Method 2, Method 3, and Method 5 in any way you like. The key to great gin-making is experimentation—there are no strict rules, only your own preferences.
Every distillery has its secret mix of botanicals, and you can create yours too. Traditional gin often includes juniper berries, citrus botanicals like lemon and orange peel, and a variety of spices and roots. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to create your signature gin.

Method 5: The Cold Infusion Technique

For a simpler approach, try cold infusing your botanicals. Start by weighing out your botanicals based on the suggestions below or create your own mix. Place the botanicals (minus any particularly strong ones) into a clean, sterile bottle—sterilized with our sterilizer (Sodium metabisulfite)—then top with your homemade vodka at 40-45% ABV.
Leave the mixture to infuse for 24 hours, stirring occasionally. Taste your gin at this point; it should start to take on the juniper-forward flavour typical of gin. If desired, add any remaining botanicals and let steep for another 12-24 hours, stirring at least once.
Once you're satisfied with the flavour, strain out the botanicals using a sieve. If there's still sediment, you can filter again using kitchen roll, coffee filters, or muslin. Allow the gin to sit for a few days, re-filter if necessary, then bottle it and design your own custom label.
This method often results in a gin with a slight colour from the botanicals, known as "Bath House Gin." If you prefer a clearer gin, simply re-distill it to remove the colour while also increasing the alcohol strength. After re-distillation, dilute the gin back down to 40-45% ABV, ensuring that the flavour remains strong enough to carry through the process.
Feel free to experiment with other botanicals like lavender, chamomile, rosemary, or sage. Both dried and fresh citrus peel can be used—fresh will give brighter notes but should be added towards the end of the infusion to avoid overpowering the mix.

Conclusion: Your Gin, Your Way

Gin-making is an art, and like any art, it’s all about personal expression. Whether you choose to follow a traditional method or create your own unique infusion process, the key is to have fun and enjoy the journey. With these five methods and endless botanical combinations, the possibilities are limitless. So, get creative, experiment with different flavours, and craft a gin that’s truly your own. Cheers to your next great distillation adventure with Distillique!