Like many of Britain´s national favorites, Gin did not originate on its shores. In fact if you do not count the Italian monks who are thought to have been the first to use Juniper berries as flavoring in distilled spirits back in the 11th. Century, it was the Dutch who were the birthplace of gin, as they where the creators of its sibling the Genever.
The origins of Gin can be traced back to 11th. Century Benedictine monks in Salerno, in southern Italy and their monastery surrounded by juniper trees.
The name Gin is a shortened form of the older English word Genever, related to the French word “Geniévre” and the Dutch word “Jenever”, which all derive from the latin word “Juniperus”
Gin became popular in England after the introduction of Jenever, a Dutch and Belgian liquor that was originally produced as a medicine. Although this development had been taking place since the early 17th. Century, Gin became widespread after the Glorious Revolution in 1688 led by William of Orange, who became the king of England. Gin subsequently emerged as the national spirit of England.
After “The Worshipful Company of Distillers” was formed by King Charles I in 1638, which gave its members a monopoly on the distilling trade within an area of 21 miles of London and Westminster, it was clear that London would play a special role in the history of Gin.