Gin and vodka have been popular drink choices for centuries. Today, even if the times have changed, the popularity of gin and vodka is still off the charts. Though they are one of the most popular choices of poisons for many, only a few know the difference between them. Yes, both of them are neutral spirits made from grains and botanical extracts and sometimes used interchangeably, but the experts will surely know what is unique about them. If you want to be an expert, learn everything about gin and vodka.
What Is Gin?
To understand what is Gin, we need to go back in time and understand the story of its origin. In the 17th century, a Dutch professor, Franciscus Sylvius was trying to experiment with juniper berries and spirits together to make an elixir for kidney disorders. Instead, the distillation resulted in the invention of gins. Happy accident, right? Bob Ross was so right about ‘We dont make mistakes; we have happy accidents’.
By definition, Gin is a distilled spirit that derives its flavor from juniper berries, grain mash, and other botanical ingredients. The name, gin, comes from the French name for the juniper berry, genièvre. It was later altered by the Dutch to genever and shortened by the English to gin.
The Spruce Eats
The gin is colorless in nature, but depending on its distillation with botanical extracts like juniper berries, coriander, and citrus peels, the coloration of the gin changes. Talking about the taste of gin, it has pine flavors and fruity taste due to the juniper berries.
Also Read: Indian Craft Gins To Try In 2022
Different Types Of Gins
Depending on the taste, country of origin, and the distillation process, there are different types of gins available in the market worldwide –
London Dry Gin
If you’re a gin lover or an alcohol lover in general, you must have heard about London Dry Gin for sure. They aren’t called London Dry, because it is made in London only. (Although it originated there). ‘London Dry’ means the very specific characteristics of the gin which are –
- A neutral base spirit must be distilled to at least 96% alcohol content.
- All the botanical herbs that are added must be natural and no synthetic herbs can be used.
- These natural herbs must be added during the distillation process only and not after that.
- Once the distillation process is done, depending on the requirement, water and a very small amount of sweetener can be added to the gin.
The process of making the gins and London Dry gins are the same with a slight difference in the distillation process. If all this process tempts you enough, try the London Dry Gin in India. Bombay Sapphire, Greater Than, and Boodles British Gin are some of the popular London Dry Gin here.
Navy Strength Gin
By the name of it, if you guess this gin has some Navy origin to it, your guess is right. In the late 16th century, the British Royal Navy used to supply gins to their officers during long journeys. Also, when they wanted to test the alcohol quality, they invented the infamous ‘gunpowder test’. They would add rum or gins into a pinch of gunpowder and ignite the mixture.
When 57% of gin content was added to the mixture, the gunpowder mixture would ignite as expected. So from then on, if a gin is Navy Strength, it means it has 57% ABV. Plymouth, Campfire, Hayman’s Navy Strength gins are some of the best options available in India.
Old Tom Gin
Old Tom Gin comes from an intriguing story about its origin. It was made popular in the late 1800s in England. Because the gins were expensive, people started making gins at their homes. To hide the original taste of the gins, they added sugar or honey to it. It was also said that the patrons would look for wooden plaques shaped like a black cat (an “Old Tom”) sign. Plagues with the sign meant that homemade gin would be available.
The Old Tom gin is much sweeter compared to the London Dry gin. If you like sweet, fruity flavors in your drinks, choose Langley, Hayman, or Herno’s Old Tom Gin which are readily available in India.
Also Read: What Is Gin? A Guide To This Exquisite Drink
What Is Vodka?
The origin of vodka is a topic of debate, with both Poland and Russia claiming to be its birthplace. Poland asserts that it distilled vodka as early as the 8th century, while Russia argues that its invention occurred by the end of the 9th century. However, the first known distillery in the world was established in the Russian town of Khylnovsk in 1174.
Vodka is a popular alcoholic beverage worldwide and is known for being neutral in flavor. It is distilled from fermented ingredients such as potatoes, corn, and various grains. Potatoes, in particular, complement many dishes and enhance them, making vodka a more enjoyable drink as well!
The name “vodka” comes from the Russian word “voda,” which means “water.” This is likely due to the liquid’s clear appearance and its mild, nearly tasteless flavor. Vodka is a distilled liquor that is colorless and lacks a strong aroma or taste. With an alcohol by volume (ABV) content typically ranging from 40% to 55%, it is one of the primary spirits used in cocktails.
Also Read: 10 Of The Best Vodka Brands In India
Gins And Vodkas: ABV Content
Gin
Talking about the alcohol content of the gins, they lie between 37.5% to 50%. Of course, they vary from brand to brand or depending on the country of origin. The botanical herbs that are used during distillation also impact its flavors. Some of the famous gin brands in India are Greater Than, Bombay Sapphire, Hendrick’s Gin, and Tanqueray Gin range from 40-48% ABV.
But when you want to go higher with the ABV, you can get Navy Strength Gin, Elephant Strength, and Plymouth Gin, (They have 57% or higher ABV). Although they hold the flavour better and enhance the botanical tastes, they should be consumed in moderation.
Vodka
While the exact alcohol content differs according to their brand and country of origin, the ABV of vodkas typically lies between 35-50%. This is obtained through a diligent distillation process where all the impurities are removed. All that’s left is to distil the fermented grains or potatoes multiple times, which increases the alcohol concentration.
Of course, the process of making vodka leaves a clean and neutral spirit that’s perfect for mixing in cocktails or enjoying it neat. Also, some of the premium vodkas like Spirytus Rektyfikowany, Pincer Shanghai Strength, Balkan 176 Vodka, and Devil Springs Vodka have an alcohol content of more than 85%. Known for their intensity and robust flavors, they are preferred by hardcore alcohol loyalists.
Also Read: Best Mixers For Gin
Tastes, Aromas, And Presentation
While both gin and vodkas have unique tastes, they have a dedicated audience for each one of them. Gin has a fruity and a herbal flavor because of the juniper berries but the vodka being water-based doesn’t have a taste of its own.
Alcohol connoisseurs will be able to identify the beverages just by their aromas. Gin has a very fruity aroma due to pine, citrus, and botanical herbs in it. For example, if you take a whiff of Seagram’s Gin, you’ll be able to detect citrus but in the case of a bottle of Aviation, a soft aroma of pine will be evident. Vodka, on the other hand, is an odorless, tasteless spirit, and so preferred by patrons who like plain spirits.
No matter how good the spirit is, the taste may go for a toss if the drink is not served correctly. Vodkas are preferably served fully chilled as the ice-cold temperature enhances its qualities. Gins, meanwhile, are served a little closer to room temperature. But on special occasions, you can add a few ice cubes to make it refreshing enough but retain its delicate taste.
Also Read: 6 Indian Home-Grown Vodka Brands That Are Worth A Shot
Classic Gin Cocktails
Cocktail lovers will already know the classic gin cocktails but let’s take a look at them anyway-
- Gin and Tonic
- Gimlet
- Negroni
- Tom Collins
Classic Vodka Cocktails
- Cosmopolitan
- LIIT
- Bloody Mary
- Vodka Gimlet
- Screwdriver
What Causes The Worst Hangover – Gin Or Vodka?
If you have some or the other hangover stories under your sleeve, you probably know the answer to this question. But for the novices in the world of alcohol and hangovers, it’s better to know which alcoholic beverage causes the worst hangover – gin or vodka.
Let’s wait on which beverage caused more hangovers and understand ‘what is hangover’ a bit. Although the main reason for hangovers is still unclear, it’s believed that they are caused by congeners in the drinks. Congeners are the minor compounds or impurities that occur naturally in beverages as a result of distillation and fermentation. The more the congeners in the beverage, the more the hangover.
No matter the alcohol, if you down a lot of it, you’re sure to wake up with a hangover. But if taken in moderation, vodkas are the best beverages for minimal hangover. It’s followed by gin, light rum, and white wine. Though vodkas and gins both are distilled and fermented, the amount of congeners present in them is relatively less to cause any hangovers as such.
Summing Up
Now that you’ve gathered a ton of information about gin and vodkas, you can show off this to your friends or impress your date. Right from the history to its alcohol content, we’re sure you might have learned something new today. Even if you’re already on one of the sides of the debate, it’s always important to have the facts right.
FAQs
Why Is Gin Colorless?
Gins are obtained by distilling a water-like mixture of alcohol with juniper berries. The manufacturers use chill-filtering strips to refine the herbs and oils from the final product, leaving the gin crystal clear.
Is Gin Stronger Than Vodka?
Talking in terms of ABV, both of them lie in the range of 37.5% to 50% which is enough proof to tell they both are strong. But we talk about taste, the botanical flavors of gin can tone down the strong alcohol flavors.
Which Is Healthier Gin Or Vodka?
Gin and vodka mostly have the same number of calories i.e., 96 calories per 1.5 oz. But still, the gin is considered healthier as it is crafted using botanical ingredients like juniper berries.
Is Vodka Sweeter Than Gin?
Talking about dry gins, yes they are sweeter than vodka. It’s primarily they’re made of fruits and herbs.
