Close-up of a shot glass, a highball glass, and a stainless steel jigger filled with clear liquid on a dark bar surface, with a blurred background in warm, moody lighting.

Is Gin a Cheap Alcohol? Not the Kind You Think

Expertise

For a long time, gin’s been called a “cheap” liquor — the kind of thing you get in plastic bottles at the back of the bar. But that idea is outdated. Like whiskey and tequila before it, gin has gone through a transformation. The truth is, good gin isn’t cheap. And cheap gin? You can taste the difference. Here’s why.

Where the “Cheap” Reputation Comes From

Historically, gin was easy to produce and widely available — especially in the early 1700s in London. It became known as the drink of the people, accessible and affordable. That reputation stuck, even as quality improved.

Then came the “gin and juice” era, the overly flavored pink gins, and the flood of budget brands. All of it made gin seem like the bottom shelf choice. But premium gin tells a different story.

Not All Gin Is Created Equal

Yes, you can find gin for under $10 — but the quality difference is obvious. Cheap gins often use:

  • Lower-grade neutral spirits
  • Artificial flavors and additives
  • Poorly balanced botanicals
  • Harsh finishes that burn

That’s why people say they “don’t like gin.” Chances are, they’ve only had the bad stuff.

What Makes a Gin Premium?

High-end gin is crafted like any luxury spirit. It’s about:

  • Carefully selected botanicals
  • Distillation method (like vapor or oxygen infusion)
  • Ingredient quality
  • Small-batch production
  • Clean, smooth finish

You can taste the upgrade in every sip.

Where The Old G Stands

We made The Old G to challenge everything people assume about gin. It’s smooth enough to sip, clean enough to mix light, and bold enough to hold its own. We distill with organic botanicals and no additives. It’s gin without compromise — made for people who expect more from what they pour.

Final Pour

Is gin a cheap alcohol? It can be — but it doesn’t have to be. The real question is whether it’s crafted with intention or cut with shortcuts. The Old G proves that gin can be premium, bold, and culturally rich — without the price tag defining the quality.

Black and white image of The Old G gin pouring from a botte into a clear glass against a dark background. The water flow is steady, creating small ripples in the glass.
Buy The Old G

The Old G Gin is unlike any other. It’s smooth, with no burn, no bite, and none of the bitterness that defines traditional gin. Its bold flavor profile stands out, whether sipped neat or mixed into a cocktail.