Ask anyone, and they will always have a choice of alcoholic drink that they will never try again or will never try at all! Many different stories could be the reason for their decisions, but if there is one drink that we actually hear from many people that they would never drink, it’s actually gin! (yep, you may be surprised by that but we often hear people at our bars say “I don’t like the taste of gin” or “I haven’t drank gin for years, it used to make me crazy!”.
Why Are People Afraid of Drinking Gin?
1 - The Intense Aroma
Gin is a drink known for its potent aroma and taste. People often get a whiff of gin and can instantly smell the alcohol. It can be shocking to the nose because of its strong scent, which is more often than not a strong hit of juniper (which lots of people don’t like… it’s an acquired smell and taste).
2 - The Bitter Taste
The next huge factor is the taste of gin. Most people get hit by this strong taste that lingers in their mouth when they drink it. Some say it is too bitter and has a weird taste, which is usually if they taste a traditional, dry gin that will have a strong juniper aroma.
However, a lot of the time, we actually find that these customers are disliking the bitter ‘quinine’ flavour found in the tonic mixed with gin, not the actual gin itself.
If someone is tasting a flavoured gin, depending on their palette and taste preferences, they can often say it’s too sweet for their liking.
The thing to note is, gin is very rarely consumed ‘neat’ (on it’s own), like you would with let’s say Whisky, or sometimes even vodka. When dry or flavoured gins are sipped neat, they can often have an overwhelming taste. It’s why ‘Gin AND Tonic’ is such a popular drink as a nice, crisp, premium tonic water brings out the flavours of the gin, and dilutes that often overpowering alcohol and juniper flavour.
Like many types of alcohol, gin is definitely an acquired taste that can be off-putting for novice drinkers. However, after a while, many find that their palate can adjust to the sophisticated flavours of this alcohol.
3 - The High Alcohol Content
The reason behind many people's refusal to drink gin is not just because of the taste, smell, or the company it comes with. It has something to do with its high alcohol content. Gin is one of the common alcoholic drinks that can get you drunk quickly.
It has a high percentage of alcohol content (usually at least 40% ABV, sometimes as strong as 60%, dubbed ‘Navy Stremgth’) which makes it rank as one of the contenders to get you drunk within a very short period of time. The effect of gin also depends on its alcohol content. Usually, the higher the alcohol content of the drink, the stronger the effect it will give you.
Furthermore, drinking aerated beverages or carbonated-like drinks, such as gin and tonic or champagne will make you get drunk sooner because the alcohol gets into your blood faster.
There are many different kinds of gin sold with its alcohol content ranging from 20% ABV (this will be called a gin ‘liqueur’) all the way up to around 60% ABV (‘Navy Strength’).
Conclusion
Many people are hesitant when it comes to the idea of drinking gin. Its intense taste and aroma can take a while to get used to. However, it’s still a drink worth exploring and enjoying if you’re looking for a good time.
So, if ever you are going to drink gin for the first time, we advise you to taste it first before you decide. Keep in mind that the effect of gin on a person is dependent on many factors. What happens to one person when they drink gin might not be the same thing that happens to another.
Jim and Tonic can provide you with a Gin Tasting Set so you can safely experience the must-try gin-based co*cktails at the comfort of your home and get to know which ones you like better than others (who knows, you may love all of them and instantly become a gin fanatic!).
FAQs
Gin is a drink known for its potent aroma and taste. People often get a whiff of gin and can instantly smell the alcohol. It can be shocking to the nose because of its strong scent, which is more often than not a strong hit of juniper (which lots of people don't like… it's an acquired smell and taste).
Why does gin have a bad reputation? ›
Gin was the opium of the people, it led them to the debtors' prison or the gallows, ruined them, drove them to madness, suicide and death, but it kept them warm in winter, and allayed the terrible hunger pangs of the poorest.
Why is gin the worst alcohol? ›
While gin has been touted as a “health drink” due to its fermentation of juniper berries, in reality it's far from healthy. The risks of gin revolve around its high alcohol content and potential for quick intoxication, especially when combined with mixers that mask its flavor.
What does drinking gin say about a person? ›
Gin and tonic drinkers are simply sophisticated, intellectual, and most likely the “cool member” of the friendship group. They are the more subdued group on a night out and more likely to hang out with the whiskey drinkers than the tequila folks.
Why does gin make some people sad? ›
Yes – gin, like all alcohol, is a depressant. Alcohol slows down functioning of the brain, depressing the central nervous system, which can result in the classic symptoms of someone who's had one too many, including: Slurred speech. Slow reactions.
Do a lot of people like gin? ›
From gin tastings to gin distillery tours and even gin and tonic tea bags – gin is undeniably popular.
Is gin worse for you than vodka? ›
In terms of nutritional profile, carbs, and calorie count, there is very little difference between vodka and gin.
Why is gin called a Mothers Ruin? ›
The gin obsession was blamed for misery, rising crime, madness, higher death rates and falling birth rates. Gin joints allowed women to drink alongside men for the first time and it is thought this led many women neglecting their children and turning to prostitution, hence gin becoming known as 'Mother's Ruin'.
Is gin more harmful than whiskey? ›
This might partly be due to the fact that dark drinks, such as whiskey or dark rum, contain congeners, a byproduct left over after some forms of fermentation that is thought to worsen your headache the next day. Lighter drinks, such as gin, only have very low levels of congeners.
Is gin worse for your liver than other alcohol? ›
Myth 3: Drinking hard liquor is worse than drinking beer or wine. Contrary to popular belief, the type of alcohol you drink doesn't make a difference – what matters is how much you drink. "The safe limit is fixed at 14 units a week," explains Dr Lui. "Below this limit, alcoholic fatty liver is less likely to occur.
This means that people who enjoy bitter food and drinks, such as coffee, gin-and-tonic, radishes, dark chocolate, and citrus fruits, are more likely to display tendencies of “Machiavellianism, psychopathy, narcissism, and everyday sadism”. A fun mixture of traits, if we ever heard one.
Is gin the healthiest alcohol? ›
Gin has less sugar and fewer calories than some other liquors. If you already consume alcohol, gin may be a slightly healthier option. Be careful with mixers, however. They can make the sugar content of your drink skyrocket.
What mood does gin put you in? ›
Getting "gin drunk" is often associated with crazy or mean behavior. Some people feel the spirit makes them "sad" or "weepy." In this narrative, gin is cast in the role of emotional instigator.
Is gin a classy drink? ›
Gin is a classy drink that's a great taste experience for folks of all backgrounds. Flavored with aromatic berries, it's a drink that's a perfect accompaniment to all manner of situations, from a peaceful afternoon tea to a nightcap at the end of a long summer's day.
What kind of feeling does gin give you? ›
Strong spirits (like vodka, gin, or whiskey) made people feel energized (58% of people), confident (59%) and sexy (42%). But they also had a negative effect, tending to bring out aggression in some people.
Is gin losing popularity? ›
Britain's gin boom is well and truly over, following a torrid year for big-name brands in grocery. Leading the decline in value sales is Gordon's, which has shed £72.8m according to this year's Britain's Biggest Alcohol Brands data [NIQ 52 w/e 22 April 2023].
Why is gin called Mother's Ruin? ›
The gin obsession was blamed for misery, rising crime, madness, higher death rates and falling birth rates. Gin joints allowed women to drink alongside men for the first time and it is thought this led many women neglecting their children and turning to prostitution, hence gin becoming known as 'Mother's Ruin'.
Is drinking gin bad for you? ›
Packed with flavonoids, juniper berries are known for fighting disease, improving the circulation of blood, increasing metabolism, and helping prevent heart disease. The key to this (as with anything) is moderation. Excessive consumption, or binge drinking, can have harmful effects on the liver, kidneys and heart.
