Gin was first distilled in Holland in the 16th century, but it obtained its quintessential British link in 1689 when King William III of England (who was also Prince William of Orange) implemented the Act for Encouraging the Consumption of Malted Corn, which resulted in the greatly accelerated production (and consumption) of what has become known as London dry gin. By contrast, American dry gin, sometimes called “soft gin” because of its lower 80 proof, came later. In its basic form, gin is composed…