Experimentation and happy accidents at craft distilleries in B.C. and Ontario gave rise to a gin boom by Kelsey Adams on April 13th, 2021 at 3:30 PM 1 of 2 2 of 2 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. Canada 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.