KWV Merlot

Gin was born in the Netherlands in 1550 and was popularized in Britain in 1575. When William of Orange ascended the British throne, brandy imports were restricted and this led to the emergence of English gin (London Dry Gin). Gin production began in London in the late 17th century, before spreading across the world. It is a very dry drink, which is why it is rarely served straight and has become so popular in cocktails. Today, the main producers of gin are based in England, the Netherlands and the United States. Each producer employs a secret formula, including, in addition to the juniper berries, combinations of such botanicals as orris, angelica, and liquorice roots, lemon and orange peels, cassia bark, caraway, coriander, cardamom, anise, and fennel.