NOW Magazine How gin became the Canadian distilling scene’s most adventurous spirit Experimentation and happy accidents at craft distilleries in Ontario and BC gave rise to a gin boom By Kelsey Adams Courtesy of Willibald To oversimplify, gin is vodka that has been infused with a range of herbs, spices, fruits or flowers and then distilled. Juniper berries, the fruit of the coniferous shrubs that give gin its piney taste, are the key botanical in this spirit. From there, distillers can go wild, infusing any number of botanicals from citrus peels to star anise, ginger, coriander or lavender. Ontario has experienced a distillery boom in recent years. Craft spirits now line liquor store shelves alongside major brands, and the rise of bottle shops has given drinkers even greater variety.