Two cocktail glasses side by side — one with the old g gin and garnish, one with vodka — highlighting the comparison between gin and vodka.

Is Gin Stronger Than Vodka? Alcohol Content, Flavor, and What It Really Means

Expertise

It’s a common question: is gin stronger than vodka? They’re both clear, distilled spirits with similar ABV ranges, but the experience couldn’t be more different. While the alcohol percentage might be close, the way gin tastes — and feels — on the palate is a whole other story. Let’s break it down.

How Strong Is Gin, Really?

Most gin falls between 37.5% and 47% ABV — right in the same zone as vodka, whiskey, and tequila. Some craft gins, including The Old G, land at 42% ABV, a smooth yet strong standard that holds its own in any glass.

If you’ve ever thought gin felt stronger than vodka, it wasn’t just your imagination — but it wasn’t about the proof either.

Gin vs. Vodka: Breaking It Down

Alcohol Content Comparison
  • Gin: 37.5%–47% ABV (standard), up to 57% (Navy Strength)
  • Vodka: Usually 40% ABV, sometimes up to 50%
    On paper? They're close. In the glass? Gin brings more.
Flavor Perception
  • Vodka is distilled for neutrality — clean, odorless, nearly tasteless.
  • Gin is distilled for character — bold botanicals, citrus oils, spices, and aromatics.

That’s why gin often feels stronger — it’s delivering more to your palate, not just your bloodstream.

Why Does Gin Taste Stronger Than It Is?

Gin brings layered intensity. You’re not just tasting alcohol — you’re tasting juniper, citrus, herbs, and roots. When you sip a gin like The Old G, you’re getting full-spectrum flavor without needing a higher ABV.

That botanical complexity can amplify the perception of strength, even if the numbers are identical to vodka.

Does That Mean Gin Gets You Drunker?

Nope. Drunkenness depends on ABV, volume, and how fast you drink it, not the flavor. A 1.5 oz pour of gin at 42% is chemically equal to 1.5 oz of vodka at 42%.

But because gin tastes more intense, many people naturally sip it slower, especially when served neat or on the rocks.

Where Does The Old G Stand?

The Old G is bottled at 42% ABV — that sweet spot between power and smoothness. It’s strong enough to stand up in a cocktail, yet smooth enough to sip solo. No harshness. No afterburn. Just a clean, full-bodied finish that doesn’t bite.

Conclusion: Strength Isn’t Just in the Numbers

So, is gin stronger than vodka? Technically, no. But it’s richer in flavor, aroma, and complexity — and that can feel stronger to the senses. If you’re looking for a spirit that delivers strength with balance, flavor with finesse, and complexity without compromise, The Old G is the one to pour.

Ready to taste a gin that hits bold without hitting harsh? Discover The Old G and experience strength done smooth.

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.