Gin
Gin is a type of alcohol spirit. It is mostly known for its use in the traditional martini, where it is the primary alcholic source and the dominate flavor.
It exists as one of the main categories of well drinks that are available where hard alcohol can be purchased.
Gin is distinctive from other spirits in that it contains an genre of spicy botanical flavorings and essences. The most popular being juniper berries. In this way, gin has more in common liqueurs, in that the breed and value of gin is largely attributed to the flavoring rather than simply by its distillation process.
Its most similar to vodka in that it is distilled from related ingredients, and tends to be combined with a dilution mix rather than being served alone such as whiskey. Though being similar in alcoholic content as vodka, it's strong botanical flavoring, tends to limit how it is mixed with other drinks.
Mix gin with anything, and it will taste most assuredly like gin. Most beverages that include gin tend to serve the purpose to more drinkable. Mostly by diluting it with citrus or soda water.
Portland is locally proud of the gins made in this town, and have a certain following for it. Those include:
More information available at Cuisine Bonne Femme's Guide to Distilleries in Portland Oregon