For generations the gin box has been a staple of cocktail culture. A gin box is one of the many different pin tumblers that are available in today’s market, and depending on the brand, function differently. Originally, these tumblers were made solely for use in the home, and as such they were rather utilitarian in design. They had no real style to them, and certainly none that could be called uniquely masculine. In fact the only style that you would ever see was probably a metal box that was used to store a bottle of alcohol.
That is not the case anymore. There are so many different manufacturers that make gin tumblers that the designs have really come into their own. Gin tumblers are available in almost any shape or size imaginable, and in fact more new tumblers are being designed with a mix of materials that include glass and metal. This makes a Gin Tumbler truly unique.
The first gin tumbler was invented back in 18 38 by Richard B. Ginsey. He created the container in which to place the gin, and it came to be known as the “gin box”. However, it wasn’t long before someone started to realize there was more to this simple container than meets the eye. Distinctive gin tumblers soon emerged, and within a few years the Gin Tumbler had become something truly special. You can purchase a beautiful antique Gin Tumbler right now, and if you don’t know where you can find one, rest assured that there are more Gin Tumbler styles being introduced all the time.
The pin tumbler became a truly versatile item, and many of the original boxes were later modified to carry wine. There is even some Gin Tumbler’s that will fit into the opening of your bar fridge (perfect for parties! ), and there are even boxes available that you can fill with ice to make gin sodas! Whatever your needs, there is a Gin Tumbler just for you.
There are many stories surrounding the origin of the Gin Tumbler, but the one that is most popular is that of the founder. Richard B. Ginsey was born in 1840 in Brooklyn, New York City. He was a bright young man, and his interests were many, ranging from chemistry to playing piano. It was in this very talented young man’s career days that he discovered the medicinal benefits of the gin. After years of experimenting, he was able to perfectize a creation that would eventually become the Gin Tumbler we know and love today.
One thing that all accounts agree on is that the Gin Tumbler did not really come into its own until World War II. At that point, the box had become a familiar name for anyone that enjoyed the drink, and many people no longer had to look for a specific brand or manufacturer to buy the items in. However, many Gin Tumblers did not remain traditional for long. In fact, many people simply called the original box the “Gin Tumbler” without actually knowing what it was. It soon became clear to many of the veterans of the cocktail that the “Tumbler” they knew and loved was actually nothing like what they had been used to.
During the 1950s the gin tumbler underwent a makeover that dramatically altered its look. The gin teapot became smaller in size, and it was also painted a lighter color. Many believed this was done to appease the more “hip” drinkers of the time. However, it is believed that this change was to simply eliminate the older, gin-centric designs and replace them with a more modern and upscale design. Regardless, the new design did not stop many of the old fans from enjoying their old Gin Tumblers.
The pin tumbler does not necessarily have to be made out of glass. In fact, many craft bartenders use other materials such as ceramic, stone or metal. However, if you choose to use glass, there are some considerations you should keep in mind. If you choose to use glass, it is best to avoid those patterns that are on the top of the container. Instead, look for something that is a little cleaner, more geometric in shape. This can be done by simply sanding off the paint that may have been used on the outside of the box.