The History and Hijinks of Gin, Vodka, and Whisk(e)y

Ever wonder about vodka, gin and whisky's twisted family tree? Spoiler: it's all grain! Join our dive into the spirits' secrets, from vodka's blank canvas to gin's botanical bonanza to whisky's aged wisdom.

The History and Hijinks of Gin, Vodka, and Whisk(e)y
A chilled bottle of vodka, a frosted glass filled with neat vodka, and a small plate of sliced dill pickles.

Ever wondered what vodka, gin, and whisky have in common? Besides making your knees weak and your singing voice stronger (questionably), they're all distilled grain spirits, dressed up in different disguises. Think of them as the chameleon, the flamboyant peacock, and the rugged mountain man of the booze world.

Vodka, the chameleon, is a blank canvas. Made from grain, potatoes, or even fruit, it's as pure as a freshly fallen snowflake (minus the chill, thankfully). Back in the day, it was a wild, impish spirit, full of character. But the industrial revolution rolled in, slapped on a lab coat, and gave vodka a makeover. Now, it's smoother than a politician's promises, perfect for sneaky cocktails or a bracing shot on a Siberian tundra.