What makes Gin so unique is its complexity in flavors that can make you reminisce about the lush botanical gardens. Gin, the old English spirit has been around for over 500 years, and it’s a classic ingredient in cocktails like the Martini, Tom Collins, or Gin and Tonic. Interestingly, the flavors of gin are taken from more than just one botanical. Distillers add a range of herbs, spices, and other aromatic plants that create a unique and signature flavor, which is the primary ingredient that defines the overall complexity of the spirit. In this post, we will explore the botanicals that help give gin its signature flavor.
What are botanicals?
Botanicals, in simple terms, are plant-based ingredients. They are also referred to as herbs, roots, spices, or flowers that are used to flavor gin. The use of botanicals in alcohol dates back to 1495, where the oldest known recipe to produce gin was recorded in The Opera of Bartolomeo Anglico. The recipe consisted of distilled wine, juniper berries, and ‘sweet flag.’ However, the use of botanicals evolved over time, and thanks to innovations in distillation, gin took on its unique and complex flavor.
Juniper Berries
Juniper berries are the most critical and fundamental botanical in gin. They are the star ingredient and are responsible for that classic gin flavor. Juniper berries are a fragrant fruit, and their taste can range from piney to fruity, depending on the variety you use. It’s a common ingredient in herbal medicines and has been used for centuries to cure various ailments. When added to gin, juniper berries add a vast range of flavors that range from citrusy to peppery.
Coriander Seeds
Coriander is an herb commonly used in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Coriander seeds have a citrusy, woody, and spicy flavor, which makes them a perfect botanical for gin. The timeless pairing of juniper and coriander seeds adds depth and complexity to gin’s signature flavor. Coriander plays a vital role in balancing the piney, resinous taste of juniper berries with its unique citrusy notes.
Angelica Root
Angelica root is a botanical used in gin production to provide earthy, woody flavors. It’s often used as a base note in perfumes and adds a complex aroma to gin. Angelica root contains an essential oil that contributes to the gin’s signature flavor profile while balancing the other botanicals’ flavors. Angelica root gives gin a dry, subtle earthiness that complements other flavors in a cocktail.
Orris Root
Orris root is another botanical used to add complexity to gin’s flavor profile. It’s a root that grows in Italy, and when dried, it has a floral and slightly sweet aroma. In gin, orris root adds a hint of floral notes, which compliments the citrusy and piney flavors of gin. Orris root is also used in perfumes as a fixative to prolong and enhance a scent’s lifespan.
Lemon and Orange Peel
Citrus peels are a common ingredient in gin. They add refreshing, fruity flavors that complement the piney and resinous flavors of juniper berries. Lemon and orange peels provide a sweeter, more fruit-forward flavor that balances the other botanicals’ bitterness. They are also responsible for giving gin a bright and citrusy finish.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice that’s common in baking and cooking. It’s also an essential botanical in gin production. When added to gin, it imparts a sweet, woody flavor that enhances the drink’s aroma and flavor. Cinnamon is an excellent botanical to use when making spiced gin, as it adds a spicy twist to the classic gin flavor.
Botanicals Conclusion
Botanicals are what make gin so unique and complex. Distillers use a range of herbs, roots, spices, and other aromatic plants that create a unique and signature flavor, which is the primary ingredient that defines the overall complexity of the spirit. Juniper berries are the most critical and fundamental botanical. They are the star ingredient and are responsible for that classic gin flavor. Coriander seeds, Angelica root, Orris root, Lemon, and Orange Peel, Cinnamon, are a few of the botanicals used in gin production, each lending its unique set of flavors to the finished product.
In conclusion, the botanics added to gin give the spirit a unique, vibrant, and compelling flavor profile. They create a synergy of flavors, balancing each other and enhancing the overall taste. Whether you prefer your gin in a cocktail or on the rocks, the botanicals are the key ingredients that make gin, what it is today, a classic and iconic spirit that never goes out of style.
Image Credit: Pexels