Gins

Gins is a plural term that can refer to two distinct subjects. In alcoholic beverage terminology, gin is a distilled spirit flavored with botanicals, most notably juniper. In industrial history, the cotton gin is a machine designed to separate cotton fibers from seeds.

Gin originated in the Low Countries as jenever and was refined in England in the 17th and 18th centuries. Contemporary gin is typically produced by redistilling a neutral grain spirit with botanicals, principally juniper, along with coriander, citrus peel, and other aromatics. The primary flavor is juniper. Styles vary: London dry gin, with no added sweetness, known for crisp botanical flavor; Plymouth gin, slightly earthier; Old Tom gin, a sweeter historic style; New American or modern gins may emphasize citrus or other botanicals. Gins range in strength, commonly 37.5% to 50% ABV. In many jurisdictions, regulations specify that gin's predominant flavor must come from juniper. Classic cocktails include the martini and gin and tonic.

The cotton gin, invented by Eli Whitney in 1793, is a mechanical device that uses a series of comb-like gears to pull cotton fibers away from seeds. Its efficiency dramatically increased cotton processing, aiding the expansion of cotton agriculture in the United States and contributing to the growth of slavery in the antebellum South. Over time, industrial variants replaced hand cranks with steam or electric power, and gins were improved for throughput and fiber quality.