How does the distillation process differ for gin compared to whiskey?

The distinction highlighted in the correct answer revolves around the use of botanicals in the distillation process for gin. Unlike whiskey, which is fundamentally crafted from grain mash (such as barley, corn, rye, or wheat), gin undergoes additional flavoring steps post-distillation. This involves infusing the spirit with botanicals such as juniper berries and other herbs, spices, and fruits, which are integral to defining gin's unique character and taste.

This process differentiates gin not just in terms of its ingredients but also in its flavor profile, which is manipulated through the inclusion of these botanicals during distillation. Whereas whiskey's flavor is derived from the grains used and the aging process in wooden barrels, gin's hallmark is its aromatic complexity, primarily due to the botanicals.

The other options present various inaccuracies regarding the distillation and fermentation processes of gin and whiskey. Gin is not exclusively distilled from fruit, and both spirits undergo fermentation prior to distillation. Furthermore, whiskey is commonly distilled more than once to achieve the desired purity and character, contrary to the statement that it is only distilled once. Thus, the focus on the botanical infusion in gin distinctly marks it with a flavor profile that is different from whiskey, which is rooted in grain.