Differences Between Gin and Vodka

When most people think of spirits, they usually think of vodka and whiskey. But what's the difference between vodka and gin? Where do these drinks come from?

In this blog post, we will explore the differences between gin and vodka. We will also discuss how they are made. Finally, we will give our opinion on which one is better: gin or vodka?

 

Origins & History

Vodka:

Because there is little historical material available, historians debate the origins of vodka. Vodka was invented over a thousand years ago in Russia and Eastern Europe.

Because of the high concentration of distilleries in the region, this area is known as the vodka belt. Countries in this region include Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, and the Baltic States.

Each of these nations has its own vodka recipes and traditions.

When American soldiers returned home from World War 1. They spread vodka throughout the country. They discovered that not only was this new drink simple to make, but it was also very versatile.

During World War II, the United States and other western countries began to produce vodka. This made the drink more accessible to people all over the world.

Gin:

The history of gin begins with a Dutchman named Johannes van der Does. In the early 1600s, he was distilling genever, a spirit made from juniper berries, malt, and other botanicals. Genever was popular in Holland and Belgium, but it didn't really catch on in the rest of Europe. The English first saw gin while fighting the 30 years' war and noticed the Dutch would drink a mysterious drink that boosted morale.

Gin became popular in Britain in the 1700s when the British started drinking it as a way to fight off the cold.

Another reason Gin was popular was because it was very cheap to make. It could be made with relatively simple ingredients, like juniper berries and other botanicals, and it was much cheaper to produce than vodka.

Gin became even more popular in Britain during the Gin Craze of the 18th century and then towards the end of the 1800s gin reached countries like America.

Difference in Production

INGREDIENTS

Gin is typically made of juniper berries, botanical herbs, and spices.

Juniper berries are the fruit of the Juniperus communis plant, which is a coniferous tree.

Botanical ingredients are used in gin to provide flavour and aroma. These include herbs such as lavender, citrus peel, anise, and others.

Some of the spices used in gin include: coriander, Angelica root, cardamom, and cinnamon.

The two most common ingredients used to make vodka are potatoes and grains. The potatoes are mashed and then distilled, and the grains are ground and distilled as well.

Vodka is made by distilling a fermented mash. The fermentation process is stopped before all the sugar is converted to alcohol. Leaving the vodka has little flavour.

Fermentation Process

To make vodka, a mash must be made that contains active enzymes. These enzymes break down the starches found in grains or potatoes. Converting them into fermentable sugars. Fermentation takes three to five days.

The fermentation process for gin is the same as the process for vodka. The main difference between gin and vodka is that gin is flavoured with juniper berries, while vodka is not.

Distillation Process

After the fermentation process is completed, vodka is ready to be distilled. The mash is poured into a still, which is then heated until the alcohol begins to boil. The vaporised alcohol rises through the still. This vapour is then collected and cooled, causing the alcohol to revert to a liquid.

Gin is made by adding botanicals, such as juniper berries, coriander, aniseed and cardamom to the neutral spirit. The botanicals are then redistilled in a pot still. The vapour from the pot still is collected and cooled, causing the alcohol to revert to a liquid.

Filtering Process

Vodka is distilled a number of times in order to remove any impurities. This is necessary in order to create a smooth and flavourless spirit. Vodka is often filtered through charcoal or activated carbon in order to remove any remaining flavours or impurities.

The filtering process for gin begins with a base alcohol, which can be either grain or grape. The botanical ingredients are then added to the base alcohol and the mixture is distilled. The distillation process takes out any impurities in the mixture, leaving a clear liquid that is ready to be bottled and sold.

However, you can't filter gin mixed with botanicals through charcoal filtering like you can with vodka. If you want to filter gin that has been infused with botanicals, you can do so using a coffee filter. Place the coffee filter over a jug or bowl and pour the gin mixture into the filter.

Difference In Taste

Gin

Gin is a type of spirit that has juniper berries as one of its main ingredients. It's flavourful with fragrant, piney and, spicy notes.

Gin may be made from a variety of grain or fruit and spice combinations, but its distinguishing characteristic is the juniper berry.

The juniper berry is a strong tasting spice because of its essential oils. Juniper oil contains pinene, myrcene, limonene and sabinene. These compounds are responsible for the bitter, woody, and piney flavours in juniper berries.

 

Gin has a variety of flavours that can be enjoyed depending on the brand. Some popular flavours include citrus, floral, and herbal. Some gins are also made with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg which give it a unique flavour profile.

Vodka

Vodka is a clear liquor with a smooth, sweet taste. Vodka is a neutral spirit, with a subtle flavour. Influenced by the ingredients used in its production.

The type of ingredient used has an impact on the flavour of the vodka. Vodka made from potatoes tastes different than vodka made from grains. Because potatoes contain more starch than grains, more sugar is available for fermentation.

This results in a vodka with a more flavourful flavour than vodka made from grains.

Certain vodka is flavoured with added ingredients such as herbs, fruits, or spices. This gives the vodka a range of different flavours. Some popular vodka flavours include peppermint, raspberry, and vanilla.

Difference in Smell

The predominant smell and flavour of gin are juniper berries. Juniper berry has a cool, minty, pine-like aroma that is slightly sweet and spicy.

Vodka has a much milder aroma. Described as smelling like rubbing alcohol or nothing at all.

The Difference in Types

There are a number of different types of gin available on the market. Some of the most popular types of gin include:

London Dry Gin - This is a type of gin that is made in London. It is distilled with botanicals such as juniper berries, coriander, and Angelica root.

Old Tom Style Gin - This is a type of gin that was popular in the 18th century. They are sweeter than London Dry gins, and are often flavoured with spices or fruits.

Navy Strength Gin - This is a type of gin that is distilled to a higher proof. It is named after the Royal Navy, who would use it as a drink of choice to prevent spoilage while at sea. The higher proof of Navy Strength Gin helps to prevent bacteria from growing and spoiling the gin. It also makes the gin more

Pink Gin - This is a type of gin that is flavored with Angostura bitters. It was created in the early 1800s by a British naval officer. The bitters add a unique flavor and color to the gin.

Aged Or Barrel-Rested Gin - These are a subcategory of gin that has been stored in oak casks or barrels. This allows the gin to take on the flavors of the wood, which results in a richer flavor profile. Aged gins are often darker in color and have a smoother taste than unaged gins.

Vodka also has more subtle variations:

Potato Vodka - Vodka can also be made from potatoes. Potato vodka is made by fermenting mashed potatoes. The alcohol content in potato vodka is usually higher than in other types of vodka. This is because potatoes contain more sugar than other vegetables.

Grain Vodka - Grain vodka has a milder taste than vodka made from potatoes. It is also less sweet than vodka made from potatoes. Grain vodka is made from grains such as wheat, barley, or rye.

 

Flavoured Vodka - Flavoured vodka is a vodka that has been flavoured with different fruits, spices, or herbs. Some of the most popular flavours include cherry, raspberry, vanilla, and peppermint. Flavoured vodka can be flavoured with natural or synthetic ingredients. Natural ingredients include fruits, spices, and herbs. Synthetic ingredients include artificial flavours and sweeteners.

Fruit Vodka - Fruit vodka is a type of vodka that is made from fruits other than grains or potatoes. It can be made from any type of fruit, and the most popular types are apple, pear, and raspberry vodka. Fruit vodka has a sweet flavour and is often used in cocktails.

Herbal/Spice Vodka - Herbal vodka is a type of vodka that is made with herbs. The most popular type is ginger vodka, which is made with ginger root. Herbal vodka has a spicy flavour and is often used in cocktails.

DIFFERENCE IN ALCOHOL

In terms of alcohol percentage, gin and vodka very similar. Gin typically has an abv between 36% and 40%, while vodka typically has an abv of around 40%.

The Difference in Health Benefits

There are health benefits for both drinks when drank in moderation.

Vodka

First, vodka is a great source of antioxidants. This helps protect your body against free radicals and diseases. One of the reasons vodka is a great source of antioxidants is because it is distilled many times. 

This helps to remove any impurities from the liquor and leaves behind a pure, clean spirit. 

Vodka also has a higher ABV than whiskey. This means that more antioxidants are present in each drink.

Vodka is a source of potassium. Potassium can help regulate blood pressure and prevent heart disease. Vodka is a source of potassium because it is a distilled beverage. During the distilling process, the alcohol is boiled and the water is vaporised. This leaves behind the various compounds in the alcohol, including potassium.

Vodka is a great choice for people who are looking for a lower calorie drink. It has about 97 calories per serving. 

Vodka is made from grains such as corn, wheat, or rye, while whiskey is made from fermented barley and malt. This is one of the reasons vodka is lower in calories- it's not made with any sugar or other additives. 

Finally, vodka is a source of vitamin B6, which is important for energy levels. Vodka is a source of B6 because it is made from wheat.

Gin

Gin is relatively low in calories, with about 97 per 1.5 ounces. This makes it a popular choice for those looking to watch their waistline.

Gin helps reduce the risk of heart disease because it is a high-volume spirit. When consumed in moderation, gin can help increase overall blood circulation and protect the heart from damage.

Additionally, gin contains antioxidants that can improve overall health. Gin contains antioxidants that include polyphenols and flavonoids. These antioxidants work to protect the body against cell damage and can improve overall health.

Gin also has anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent arthritis and other inflammation-related conditions. The main compound in gin that is responsible for these properties is juniper berries. These berries contain a number of beneficial compounds, including essential oils, flavonoids, and phenols.

Difference In After Effects

There is no definitive answer to this question as the effects of a hangover vary from person to person.

However, some people believe that gin leaves a worse hangover than vodka. This may be due to the fact that gin is made with more botanical ingredients than vodka, which can lead to a more intense hangover.

One possible reason is that gin botanicals contain terpenes, which are known to be more irritating to the mucous membranes than vodka botanicals. Additionally, gin typically contains more juniper berries than vodka, and juniper berries are particularly high in terpenes.

Difference in Consumption Type 

Cocktails

When it comes to cocktails, there are many different opinions on which spirit is better: gin or vodka. Some people swear by gin because of its unique flavour, while others prefer vodka because it is a more versatile spirit and can be used in many different cocktails.

That being said, vodka tends to be the preferred and safest option for cocktails.

Neat

There is no definitive answer to the question of is gin or vodka better served neat as it is largely a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer the taste of gin neat, while others find vodka to be more palatable in this form. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which spirit they prefer neat.

Mixed

Vodka is a more versatile spirit that can be paired with a wide range of flavours, making it the perfect choice for mixed drinks. Vodka can me mixed with a variety of juices, sodas and other mixers.

Gin is a spirit that is typically mixed with tonic water, although it can also be mixed with other juices or sodas. However, its unique taste does limit it to only certain juices and sodas.

Conclusion

Vodka is the most popular spirit on the market. This is because vodka is more versatile and can be paired with a variety of flavours. Vodka also doesn't have the same strong taste like Gin, making it more palatable for people who don't enjoy Gin's flavour.

Vodka is undoubtedly the better option with the majority of benefits leaning towards it. Yet, if you are looking for the smoothest vodka to try, then look no further than Mond Vodka. 

Mond Vodka has a diamond filtering process making it the smoothest premium vodka on the market!