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Gin is a spirit that marries tradition with innovation, offering a world of flavors through its complex blend of botanicals.
From juniper-forward classics to contemporary takes featuring unique ingredients, gin’s versatility has cemented its place in cocktails and on bar carts worldwide.
But what exactly is gin made from, and how does it differ from vodka?
Let’s go into the ingredients, techniques, and stories behind this timeless spirit
What is the Main Ingredient in Gin?
Gin begins with a neutral base spirit, typically distilled from grains such as wheat or barley. This base serves as a blank canvas for botanicals, which define the gin’s flavor profile. By law, juniper must be the predominant botanical, giving gin its characteristic piney, herbal taste.
Beyond juniper, other botanicals are added to create unique flavor profiles. For instance:
Roku Gin combines six Japanese botanicals (sakura flower, sakura leaf, yuzu peel, sencha tea, gyokuro tea, and sansho pepper) with eight traditional botanicals for a total of fourteen. Each botanical is distilled separately in Suntory’s “Liquor Atelier,” using four types of pot stills to extract optimal flavors.
Larios Gin, hailing from Spain, is celebrated for its Mediterranean zest, highlighting citrus-forward notes like lemon and orange.
Sipsmith FreeGlider, an alcohol-free option, delivers a juniper-forward profile with bright citrus undertones, designed to replicate the flavor of gin while staying under 0.5% ABV.
Is Gin Just Vodka with Juniper Berries?
While gin and vodka share a neutral base spirit, they are fundamentally different spirits with distinct production methods and flavor profiles.
Vodka: Distilled multiple times for neutrality, vodka is designed to be flavorless and smooth.
Gin: Defined by the flavor of juniper and other botanicals, gin undergoes an infusion process during or after distillation.
There are various techniques for infusing botanicals into gin:
Steeping: Botanicals are soaked in the base spirit before redistillation.
Vapor Infusion: Alcohol vapors pass through botanical baskets, gently extracting flavors.
Vacuum Distillation: Distillation occurs under reduced pressure at lower temperatures, preserving delicate botanical flavors.
For example, Larios Gin highlights its bright, citrus-forward character by carefully balancing botanicals like lemon and orange peels, creating a fresh and vibrant Mediterranean spirit. Meanwhile, Roku Gin distills each botanical separately, blending them afterward to achieve a harmonious flavor profile.
Key Takeaway: Gin is much more than “vodka with juniper.” It is a spirit of artistry and complexity, where botanicals take center stage.
Is All Gin Made from Potatoes?
No, most gins are not made from potatoes. While potatoes are used in some vodkas, gin is more commonly distilled from grains such as wheat or barley. That said, gin can technically be made from any neutral base spirit, including grapes, sugar beets, and even rice.
For example:
Roku Gin: Some sources suggest that its base spirit is made from rice, aligning with its Japanese craftsmanship, though Suntory emphasizes the focus on botanicals in its production.
Larios Gin: A grain-based spirit is used, allowing the bright citrus flavors to shine without interference.
Sipsmith FreeGlider: Though alcohol-free, its neutral base is crafted to support juniper and citrus notes without overpowering them.
The choice of base spirit subtly influences texture and mouthfeel but plays a secondary role to the botanicals.
What is Bombay Gin Made Of?
Bombay Sapphire is celebrated for its carefully curated blend of ten botanicals sourced from around the world. These include:
Juniper berries
Coriander seeds
Angelica root
Orris root
Lemon peel
Grains of paradise
Cubeb berries
Cassia bark
Almonds
Licorice
These botanicals are vapor-infused during distillation, ensuring a delicate extraction of flavors that results in a smooth, aromatic gin.
When compared to other gins:
Roku Gin offers a Japanese twist with its focus on regional botanicals like sakura and yuzu, creating a floral and citrus-forward profile.
Larios Gin brings a Mediterranean brightness with its emphasis on lemon and orange peels, ideal for refreshing gin and tonics.
Sipsmith FreeGlider mirrors traditional gin flavors, providing a juniper-forward, citrusy experience without the alcohol.
Distilling the Distinctions: A Flavor Guide
The variety of botanicals and techniques used in gin production make each brand unique. Here’s how some popular gins compare:
Brand | Key Botanicals | Flavor Profile | Best Enjoyed |
Roku Gin | Sakura, yuzu, sansho pepper | Floral, citrus-forward, lightly spicy | Highballs, martinis |
Larios Gin | Lemon, orange | Bright, zesty, Mediterranean | Gin and tonics, summer cocktails |
Bombay Sapphire | Juniper, coriander, cassia bark, almonds | Balanced, aromatic, slightly warm | Classic martinis, Negronis |
Sipsmith FreeGlider | Juniper, citrus | Juniper-forward, refreshing, alcohol-free | Mocktails, mindful drinking |
A Spirit of Endless Possibilities
Gin’s essence lies in its botanicals, and each bottle tells a unique story of craftsmanship. Whether it’s the Japanese precision of Roku Gin, the Mediterranean zest of Larios Gin, or the innovation of Sipsmith FreeGlider, gin is a celebration of creativity and tradition.
Next time you sip a G&T or craft a martini, take a moment to appreciate the thought and care that went into creating this botanical masterpiece. Cheers!