What Does 'Clean' Mean for a Distilled Spirit?
Before pitting gin against tequila, it's essential to define what "clean" means in the context of alcohol. The term isn't regulated by bodies like the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), so it's a marketing buzzword rather than a formal standard. However, consumers typically associate it with:
- Fewer congeners: These are biologically active compounds produced during fermentation that can contribute to hangover severity. Darker spirits often have more congeners than clear ones.
- Simpler ingredients: Spirits made with fewer additives, artificial flavorings, or added sugars are often perceived as cleaner.
- Purer distillation: A more rigorous distillation process removes more impurities from the final product.
Gin: The Botanical Spirit
Gin is a distilled spirit that must be flavored with juniper berries, among other botanicals. Its production involves starting with a neutral base spirit, usually from grain, and then redistilling it with botanicals to infuse flavor.
Production Process and Congeners
Traditional London Dry gin, for example, is distilled to a high proof, and nothing is added after distillation except water. This process results in a very pure, clear spirit with low congener levels. The higher the number of distillations, the purer and cleaner the spirit, and the lower the congener content.
The Role of Botanicals
The juniper berries and other botanicals (coriander, angelica root, citrus peel) provide gin's flavor and aroma. While some brands may add sugar or artificial flavors after distillation, a high-quality, unflavored gin contains no added sugar, keeping it low-carb and low-calorie.
Tequila: The Agave Spirit
By law, authentic tequila must be made in specific regions of Mexico using at least 51% blue agave. Higher-end, premium tequilas, often labeled "100% Agave," contain only fermented and distilled blue agave sugars, offering a purer product.
Production Process and Congeners
Unlike gin's grain base, tequila's journey begins with the blue agave plant's heart, or piña. The piña is cooked to release its fermentable sugars before being fermented and distilled. While blanco (unaged) tequila is clear and generally has fewer congeners, aged tequilas (reposado and añejo) rest in barrels, which can increase their congener content and add color.
A Note on Additives
The most important distinction is between "100% Agave" tequila and "Mixto" tequila. Mixto tequila contains up to 49% other sugars, often from corn or cane, along with potential additives like caramel coloring. A 100% Agave tequila is arguably a simpler, cleaner spirit because it's derived solely from the agave plant.
Gin vs. Tequila: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Gin | Tequila |
|---|---|---|
| Base Ingredient | Neutral grain spirit (wheat, barley, etc.) | Blue agave plant |
| Flavor Profile | Herbal, botanical, and juniper-forward | Earthy, peppery, sweet, or smoky, depending on age |
| Congener Level | Low, especially in highly-distilled types | Variable: low in blanco, higher in aged varieties |
| Added Sugars | Typically none in traditional London Dry types | None in 100% Agave; present in Mixto |
| Calorie Count (1.5oz) | ~97 calories | ~96 calories |
| Production Origin | No geographic restriction for most types | Must be produced in designated areas of Mexico |
| Aging | Generally unaged | Blanco (unaged), reposado (rested), añejo (aged) |
The Verdict on Purity: Is Gin as Clean as Tequila?
Determining which spirit is "cleaner" depends on the specific bottle. On a fundamental level, a high-quality, 100% Agave blanco tequila and a classic London Dry gin are both exceptionally clean. Both are low-sugar, low-carb spirits when consumed neat, with their flavor derived from natural sources rather than additives.
The primary difference lies in their congener content and the presence of additives in lower-quality versions. A premium London Dry gin is consistently low in congeners, thanks to its intensive distillation process. Conversely, aged tequilas inherently carry more congeners from their time in wooden barrels. For those sensitive to these compounds, an unaged blanco tequila or a clean gin is the better choice.
However, a cheap mixto tequila, which includes non-agave sugars and potential additives, is demonstrably less clean than a pure gin. Similarly, flavored or compound gins might include added sugars that compromise their purity.
Ultimately, a well-distilled, pure spirit of either kind is a cleaner choice than many others, especially those with added sweeteners and flavorings. The decisive factor is not the type of spirit, but the quality of the bottle.
Conclusion
Both gin and tequila can be exceptionally clean spirits, depending heavily on their production methods and quality. A top-tier, pure gin or a 100% Agave tequila are excellent choices for a low-sugar, additive-free drink. The most significant purity compromise comes from aged tequilas containing higher congener levels and low-quality tequilas or flavored gins with added sweeteners. To make the cleanest choice, opt for a clear, 100% Agave blanco tequila or a classic London Dry gin, and be mindful of your mixers. This ensures a purer spirit free from unwanted additives and higher congener levels, leading to a crisper taste and potentially a better morning after.
What to Look for When Buying a 'Clean' Spirit
- For Tequila: Look for "100% Agave" or "100% puro de agave" on the label to ensure it's not a mixta with added sugars. For the lowest congener count, choose a blanco (silver) variety.
- For Gin: Choose a traditional London Dry style, which guarantees no added artificial flavorings or sweeteners after distillation. Steer clear of flavored or sweetened gins if purity is your goal.
- For Mixers: Combine your spirit with low-sugar options like soda water, fresh lime, or dry tonic to avoid adding calories and sugar.
Your Clean Drinking Guide
- Prioritize Transparency: Read the bottle label. Legitimate 100% Agave tequilas and London Dry gins are transparent about their ingredients.
- Stick to Clear Varieties: When in doubt, clear spirits like unaged tequila and classic gin have lower congener counts than their aged counterparts.
- Mind Your Mixers: A clean spirit is easily spoiled by a sugary mixer. Use diet tonics, seltzer, or fresh fruit juices instead.
- Embrace Simplicity: Both spirits offer a clean taste profile, with gin being herbal and tequila being earthy. Choose based on your preferred flavor profile and sip responsibly.
Which is Your Cleaner Pick?
The answer to "Is gin as clean as tequila?" is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. The truest statement is that a high-quality version of either can be a very clean choice. Your preference for botanical flavor versus agave essence, and your sensitivity to congeners, will determine which is the "cleaner" pick for you personally.
Final Thoughts on Clean Consumption
Responsible consumption is the most important aspect of clean drinking. While choosing a purer spirit can mitigate some factors like added sugars and higher congener levels, the alcohol itself is the primary component impacting your health. Moderation is key, regardless of whether you're reaching for a premium gin or a 100% agave tequila.
A Better Morning After
The common desire for a "cleaner" alcohol often relates to avoiding severe hangovers. The distillation process and congener content are major factors, and in this regard, a clear, high-quality gin or blanco tequila is likely to result in a milder morning than their darker, more congener-heavy counterparts. The source of the spirit, whether grain or agave, is less important than the final product's purity and lack of additives.
What's Next for the Clean Drinker?
The trend towards transparency and ingredient quality continues to grow. Many distilleries are embracing traditional methods and organic ingredients, creating a new generation of high-quality spirits. By staying informed about labels and production processes, you can enjoy a genuinely cleaner drinking experience, whether your preference is for gin's herbaceous complexity or tequila's earthy richness.
