How is the flavor profile of gin primarily determined?

The flavor profile of gin is primarily determined by the infusion of botanicals, with juniper berries being the dominant ingredient. This process involves distilling neutral spirits with various botanical ingredients that can include herbs, spices, fruits, and flowers. Juniper is essential, as it gives gin its distinctive piney aroma and characteristics that define the spirit. The specific combination of these botanicals allows for a diverse range of flavors in different gin brands, highlighting the creativity and artistry involved in gin production.

Other factors, such as the type of grain used and the fermentation process, can influence the base spirit but do not primarily shape the unique identity of gin. Unlike some spirits which may rely on aging in barrels to develop complexity, gin is typically not aged and is meant to showcase the fresh flavors of the botanicals used. This makes the infusion of botanicals the key defining characteristic of gin's flavor profile.