The base alcohol for gin is typically a grain neutral spirit (GNS). In the production of ‘western' gins, which are made in countries like the UK, USA, and Europe, the use of GNS as the base is quite common. This choice of base spirit allows for a blank canvas on which the botanical flavors can be layered and showcased.
To create the GNS, the chosen grain, such as barley, rye, or wheat, is combined with warm water. This warm water helps to break down the starches present in the grain into fermentable sugars. The starch conversion process is typically achieved through the addition of enzymes, which aid in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars that can be fermented.
Once the starches have been converted into sugars, yeast is added to initiate the fermentation process. Yeast consumes the sugars and converts them into alcohol through the process of fermentation. This fermentation process can take several days to complete, and it is during this time that the sugars are transformed into alcohol.
After fermentation, the resulting liquid is distilled to increase the alcohol content and remove impurities. Distillation involves heating the fermented liquid to create steam, which is then cooled and condensed to separate the alcohol from other components. This distillation process helps to purify the alcohol and create a clean, neutral spirit that serves as the base for gin production.
It's worth noting that while GNS is the most common base for gin production, there are variations that utilize other base spirits. For example, some gins are made using grape-based spirits, such as those used in the production of wine or brandy. These variations can impart different flavors and characteristics to the final gin product.
The base alcohol for gin is typically a grain neutral spirit (GNS) in ‘western' gins. This GNS is created by fermenting sugars derived from grains like barley, rye, or wheat. The fermented liquid is then distilled to purify the alcohol and create a clean base for the botanical flavors to shine. However, it's important to recognize that there are variations in gin production, and some gins may use alternative base spirits like grape-based spirits.