Gin has come a long way since its infamous origins as the scourge of the working classes in 18th century in England. Once called "mother's ruin," gin and its closest relative, Jenever, enjoyed mass popularity during the early 20th century, in cocktails and punches across the globe, but declined with cocktail culture in the 60's and 70's.

The international resurgence of martinis and speakeasies has led to a boom in microdistilleries producing high-quality gins for all tastes, from dry to sweet, and with all the aromatic variety of a spice market.