Gin is a clear distiller with the primary botanical aromas of juniper, flowers, and fresh, dried fruits. The name Jin comes from the words genever (old English), genièvre (French), and jenever (Dutch). All of these are derived from the Latin word Juniperus, which means juniper.
When sold in the United States, gin must be at least 40% alcohol with identifiable juniper influence. There are two types of gin that are most common on the US market distilled and redistilled gin. Distilled gin is made by distilling a wort or fermented alcohol base, much like making brandy or whiskey. The redistilled gin is obtained from the second distillation of neutral spirits. Both types acquire flavor by injecting fresh or dried juniper berries and other botanical ingredients. The third less common (and cheaper) type is a complex gin that mixes neutral spirits with juniper berry extract or essence (and other aromatics as needed) to achieve flavor.