Borovička a gin. Poznáte rozdiel?
How two juniper-based drinks, which people often confuse, differ from each other.
Two brothers from the juniper tree
Borovička, also known among Slovaks as "Revenge from the Forest," it has almost cult status in our country. It is a drink we like to enjoy at celebrations, barbecues, or when we want to discreetly test the resilience of our foreign visitors.
However, gin has a similar aroma and taste, which is why many people ask themselves: What is the difference between borovička and gin? At first glance, they taste and smell the same. But even though they share a common "parent" – juniper – the journey that shapes them into the final drink is completely different.
What is borovička? A Slovak classic with a simple soul
Borovička is a traditional Slovak alcoholic beverage made from juniper berries. It is a distillate or spirit with the aroma of juniper, which is most often diluted with water and alcohol.
How it is made borovička?
There are two main types:
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Genuine borovička – produced by distilling juniper berries, this is a higher quality and more aromatic version.
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Spirits borovička – mixed from spirits, water, and juniper aroma.
The result is a drink that:
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has a distinctive juniper aroma,
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is easy to manufacture,
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usually has around 40 % alcohol content,
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it is drunk neat and cold.
Borovička is associated with folklore, village traditions, and a straightforward taste without unnecessary complications.
What is gin? An aromatic world full of spices and herbs
Gin is also based on juniper, but compared to borovička, it is a more sophisticated counterpart.
How is gin made?
The base is a neutral spirit, which is re-distilled with various botanicals – herbs and spices.
Most frequently:
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juniper berries
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coriander
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lemon or orange zest
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cardamom
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angelica
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lavender
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cinnamon, star anise, pepper
The result is a gin that:
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has a more complex flavor,
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often not drunk neat,
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mixes well in cocktails (Gin & Tonic, Negroni, Martini),
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has an infinite number of versions depending on the spices used.
Gin versus juniper: How do they differ?
1. Country of origin
- Borovička – Slovakia (and partly the Czech Republic)
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Gin – The Netherlands and England
Gin has a long history in Europe, where the first versions appeared as early as the 17th century.
2. Production process
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Borovička: simpler production, based on juniper distillate or aroma.
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Gin: more complex production, infusion, and distillation of dozens of botanicals.
3. Taste profile
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Borovička: dominant juniper, simple, straightforward taste.
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Gin: juniper + a wide range of spices, citrus fruits, and herbs.
4. How to drink
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Borovička: clean, chilled, for shots.
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Gin: most commonly mixed with tonic water, lime, ice, and in cocktails.
5. Alcohol
Both drinks usually contain around 37,5 – 40 % alcohol. The difference is not in strength, but in the way of drinking.
When to reach for pine brandy and when for gin?
Borovička is ideal:
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for traditional celebrations,
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when you want to quickly increase your blood alcohol level,
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during winter events (warms you up),
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if you prefer a simple juniper flavor.
Gin is suitable:
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for refreshing summer drinks,
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in mixed cocktails,
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for people who enjoy complex flavors,
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for long evenings of moderate drinking.
Borovička or gin? Try a blind taste test
If you have a group of friends and two bottles of alcohol, feel free to set up a little challenge. The difference often turns out to be surprisingly subtle—especially with high-quality juniper vodka and well-mixed gin.
The aroma of juniper berries is so dominant that it can "mislead" even an experienced taster.
Frequently asked questions
Is borovička the same as gin?
No. Although both drinks smell of juniper berries, they differ in terms of how they are produced and their flavor complexity.
What is borovička made from?
From juniper berries. Either by distilling juniper mash or by mixing alcohol with juniper aroma.
Why does gin taste different from borovička?
Gin contains dozens of different herbs, spices, and citrus fruits, which give it a complex flavor.
Which is stronger – gin or borovička?
They usually have the same alcohol content (around 40 %), the difference is more in how they are drunk.
Can borovička be mixed with tonic water?
Officially, it is not common to mix it, but in practice, people try it. However, the taste is simpler and sharper than gin.
Which drink is better?
It depends on the brand. There are premium junipers and premium gins. However, gin has a much wider range of flavors.
