How Much Does Gin Cost? A Gin Lover’s Ultimate Guide

‍How Much Does Gin Cost?

Gin is one of the most beloved spirits in the world. From G&Ts to martinis, this juniper-based spirit has become a staple in bars, restaurants, and even homes. But how much does gin cost? If you’re looking to start your own gin-ancial planning, you’ve come to the right place to learn more about the cost of gin, including the factors that affect the price and the best gins for your budget.

Introduction to Gin-ancial Planning

Gin-ancial planning isn’t just about the cost of gin; it’s also about understanding the different types of gin and the factors that influence cost. Gin is a unique spirit with a long and storied history. Its roots can be traced back to the early 1600s, when it was first distilled in Holland and England. The first American gin distillery was established in Ohio in 1870, and it soon gained popularity in the United States.

Today, gin has become a worldwide phenomenon. It’s produced in numerous countries and consumed in even more. With the rise of craft distilleries in recent years, the variety of gins has increased exponentially. So if you’re looking to add a bottle of gin to your liquor cabinet, it can be overwhelming to know which one to choose. That’s why it’s important to understand the cost of gin and the factors that influence it.

What is Gin?

To be classified as gin in the United States, the spirit must contain a minimum of 40% alcohol by volume and be made with juniper berries. Gin is a spirit distilled from grain, usually barley or rye. The base spirit is distilled to a neutral spirit. This neutral base spirit is flavored with juniper berries and a variety of botanicals, such as coriander seed, angelica root, cassia bark and citrus peels. These botanicals give gin its distinctive flavor and aroma.

The Cost of Gin: What Are the Factors?

When it comes to the cost of gin, there are a few key factors to consider. These include the type of juniper berries used, the production process, the brand, and the region. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Juniper Berries

Juniper berries are one of the most important ingredients in gin, and their cost is impacted by a few factors. The juniper used most widely in gin production is Juniper communis, a small tree or shrub that can live for up to two hundred years.

Increased use of juniper berries in consumer products such as nutraceuticals, cosmetics, alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic beverages, and personal care is driving up demand in the juniper berry market. Higher demand means higher prices.

Juniper berry production is hampered by bad weather. The fruit’s quantity and quality are highly impacted by climate change and its high vulnerability to disease. The country Turkey is a major producer of juniper berries, but its unpredictable weather has drastically hurt the juniper berry market.  All of these factors result in a lower supply of juniper berries. Lower supply means high prices.

Production Process

The production process can also influence the cost of gin. If a distiller uses a lengthy or expensive process, such as copper pot distillation, the cost of the gin will be higher. On the other hand, if a distiller uses a simpler process, such as column distillation, the cost of the gin will be lower.

Brand

The brand of the gin is another important factor to consider. There are several brands of gin that range in price. Some brands make a premium or more expensive gin in addition to a less expensive gin. Small, local gin distilleries continue to sprout up throughout the United States. These small distilleries make small batches, and therefore their gin can be on the expensive side.

Region

Finally, the region where the gin is produced can influence its cost. For example, gins produced in Scotland and England tend to be more expensive than those produced elsewhere. This is because of the high cost of labor and other production costs in these countries.

Types of Gin

Now that you know the factors that influence the cost of gin, let’s take a look at the different styles of gin. Here are some of the most popular types of gin:

Old Tom Gin

Old Tom gin is a sweeter, more syrupy version of gin. It’s made with a combination of botanicals, including juniper, coriander, and orange peel. Old Tom gin is often used in cocktails, such as the Tom Collins.

Plymouth Gin

Plymouth Gin is a style and brand of gin that has been distilled on the same premises in Plymouth, England since 1793. The site of production, the Plymouth Gin Distillery, was built in 1431 and is reputed to have once been a monastery of the Dominican Order.

London Dry Gin

London Dry gin is the most popular type of gin. It has a dry flavor and is made with a combination of juniper, citrus, and other botanicals. London Dry gin is often used in cocktails, such as the Gin and Tonic.

New American or Western Gin

In the mid-1990s, a new style of gin emerged from craft distilleries in America. While the juniper flavors are still present in these gins, notes of citrus and other botanicals are more dominant.

Japanese Gin

Japanese gin has been around since the 1930s. It is often distilled from rice as opposed to grain found in European varieties of gin. Juniper berries are present, of course, and the botanicals use are indigenous to Japan, such as yuzu peels, sansho peppers, green tea, Japanese cypress, shiso leaf, bamboo, and cherry blossoms.

How to Enjoy Gin

Gin is perhaps best known as the main ingredient of the martini, but the more basic cocktails showcase the lovely flavor of gin. For example, the gin and tonic is simply gin, tonic water and a wedge of lemon or lime or a twist of lemon peel. Another often overlooked simple gin cocktail is gin and ginger ale. Other gin cocktails that are popular include the gimlet, the Tom Collins, and my absolute favorite cocktail, the Negroni.

The Best Gins for Your Budget

Now that you know the cost factors that influence gin, it’s time to find the best gins for your budget. If you’re looking for an affordable option, consider Beefeater gin. It’s made with juniper berries from Spain and has a classic style, London Dry taste. Another good inexpensive gin is Gordon’s gin. The best-selling gin, it is made with a blend of botanicals and has a light, citrusy flavor.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more, consider Tanqueray gin. It’s made with juniper from Europe and has a juniper-forward flavor profile. Bombay Sapphire gin is in the same price range as Tanqueray, and it’s a unique gin with a lovely aromatic flavor. Another premium option is Hendrick’s gin. It’s made with cucumber, rose petals, and juniper and has a unique, complex flavor.

Enjoy Gin Responsibly

Gin-ancial planning is about more than just the cost of gin; it’s about understanding the factors that influence cost and finding the best gins for your budget. The cost of gin depends on the ingredients used, the production process, the brand, and the region. There are also various types of gin, such as Old Tom, Plymouth, and London Dry. Whether you’re looking for an affordable option or a premium one, there’s a gin for every budget. So, take some time to explore the world of gin at your local liquor store and find the perfect bottle for you.