Whether you love it or hate it, you can’t deny the interesting past of this ancient spirit.  Its old roots and and strong, polarizing flavor have made it both a bar staple and a liquor people love to turn their noses up at. However, with the increasing popularity of quality gins and the creation of new and exciting ways to utilize the stuff in cocktails, gin is having a much deserved resurgence.  In anticipation of our Hendrick’s and Hella Co. event on April 18^th, we did a little research on this potent, flowery liquid.


What is Gin?

Gin is technically a liquor distilled from grain or malt that is then flavored with juniper berries.  It is unique because unlike other spirits, there are really no strict guidelines for what qualifies as gin.  The prevailing definition simply states that it must “have a predominant flavor of juniper.”  This leaves a lot of room for interpretation.  Many gins incorporate tons of other ingredients as well, like different botanicals or cucumber. Hendrick’s for instance, is infused with roses.

Where Did Gin Originate?

Gin has a very long history.  It is believed that it was first created in 17^th Century Holland by a Dutch scientist who was adding juniper oil to distilled spirits in order to treat stomach issues.  People loved the medicine so much that they started producing it themselves to drink for fun.

We tend to think of gin as a very English beverage, but they really got it from the Dutch during the Thirty Years War.  Once introduced in England, people went nuts for the stuff.  It was so plentifully produced, and so cheaply bought, that it quickly became known as a commoner’s drink.  As time went on it continued to be used for both medicinal and decidedly non-medicinal purposes.

Although Hendrick’s wasn’t actually produced until 1999, its history is a long one.  It starts with William Grant and his family distillery in Scotland in 1886 and ends with his great grandson, Charles Gordon over one hundred years later.

Gordon purchased two incredibly rare and unique stills in 1966 and 33 years later, in 1999, finally crafts the one-of-a-kind spirit known as Hendrick’s with the help of botanical enthusiast Lesley Gracie.

How is Hendrick’s Made?

Hendrick’s gin is made in extremely small batches of 500 liters.  Its makeup consists of all manner of botanicals, including juniper, elderflower, yarrow, and orange peel.  It is still produced in those same two unique stills, one ancient and the other incredibly rare.

Be sure to stop by Woodbines at 7:30 on April 18^th for complimentary Hendrick’s cocktails made with tonics from LIC locals, Hella Co.  Call 718-361-8488 for more information!  Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for all the latest happenings!