Two clear bottles side by side — one with gin, one with vodka — highlighting the comparison between gin and vodka.

What Kind of Alcohol Is Gin? How It’s Made and Why It’s Not Just Vodka

Expertise

Gin often gets confused with vodka — they’re both clear, distilled spirits. But if you’ve ever tasted a high-quality gin like The Old G, you know it’s not just vodka with “flavor.” It’s a complex, layered, and aromatic spirit built on history, herbs, and hard-earned craftsmanship. Here’s what gin actually is — and why it deserves a place in your glass.

What Exactly Is Gin?

Gin is a distilled alcoholic spirit made from a neutral grain base, such as wheat, corn, or barley. What sets it apart is its infusion of botanicals — the most important being juniper berries.

Legally, juniper must be the dominant flavor for a spirit to be called gin. From there, the rest is creativity: herbs, spices, citrus peels, roots, and floral ingredients create each gin’s unique personality.

How Is Gin Made?

Step 1: Base Spirit Distillation

Most gin starts as a high-proof, neutral alcohol made from grain — similar to how vodka is produced. This creates a clean foundation for flavors to shine.

Step 2: Botanical Infusion

Botanicals like juniper, coriander, citrus peel, angelica root, cardamom, and orris root are introduced to the spirit through maceration or vapor contact.

Step 3: Redistillation or Vapor Infusion

Once infused, the spirit is redistilled to refine and concentrate flavor. This is where quality really shows — premium gins like The Old G balance this process for smoothness and depth.

Is Gin Basically Vodka?

Not quite — but they do start similarly.

Vodka is distilled to be neutral: no smell, no taste, no flavor. Gin starts with the same neutral base, but it’s intentionally transformed through botanical infusion. The result? A layered, flavorful spirit built to be bold and expressive.

Vodka = blank canvas.
Gin = art with brushstrokes of flavor.

What Makes Gin Unique?

  • Juniper-forward: All true gin highlights the evergreen aroma of juniper.
  • Botanical complexity: From citrus to spice to herbal warmth, no two gins are the same.
  • Versatile: Mix it into a classic cocktail or sip it solo — gin fits the moment.
  • Aromatic character: Gin brings fragrance and flavor in a way vodka simply doesn’t.

Is Gin a Strong Alcohol?

Most gins fall between 37.5% and 47% ABV, putting them in the same strength range as vodka or whiskey.

But here’s the twist: the botanicals make gin feel stronger than it actually is. You’re tasting more flavor, not necessarily more alcohol. The Old G sits at 42% ABV — a sweet spot of punch and smoothness.

Common Misconceptions About Gin

  • “It’s just flavored vodka” — False. The legal process and flavor-building method are entirely different.
  • “Gin is always piney or harsh” — Nope. Modern craft gins like The Old G are designed to be balanced and smooth, perfect for sipping.

Conclusion: Gin Is in a Class of Its Own

Gin has its roots in history but thrives in modern flavor culture. Whether it’s stirred into a martini, poured over ice, or infused into a cocktail, gin brings something vodka can’t — boldness, balance, and botanicals.

If you're looking for a gin that breaks all the stereotypes — smooth, refined, and built for both sipping and mixing — look no further than The Old G.

Explore what real gin should taste like. Pour The Old G and experience flavor with purpose.

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.