Our Botanicals
Juniper : The key flavouring in gin, a strongly aromatic berry with a resinous pine note. The name “gin” comes from the Dutch juniper-based spirit “genever” then shortened over the years to “gin”. We source it from the Baltic countries – a nod to Dundee’s whaling past.
Coriander Seed : A fragrant spice with a hint of orange, grown in India. Coriander tempers the bitter elements in our gin, balancing the final flavour.
Lemon Peel : The intense flavour of lemon hides in the peel and is released into the gin during distillation. Mediterranean lemons found their way to Dundee via trading links with Spain and Portugal.
Bitter Orange : How could a gin born in Dundee, the home of marmalade, not have a hint of bitter orange? Seville orange peel adds a dry, bitter citrus note widely used in orange liqueurs.
Cassia Bark : One of the oldest recorded spices to come from Asia, and similar in taste to cinnamon but stronger. Small amounts add an earthy sweetness giving a complex base note and long finish.
Orris Root : This iris species is widely grown in Hungary and the Baltic area, smells of violets, but gives a soft bitterness to our gin.
Green Cardamom : Originally from India, with a unique flavour and aroma. It is unmistakably perfumed – sweet and warm with a fresh hint of eucalyptus.
Angelica : A tiny addition of the dried root of this plant adds an earthy, musky note for balance as well as adding a herbal note to the aroma. Grown in the Baltic area and Asia, it is widely used in vermouth, absinthe and aniseed aperitifs.
Liquorice : Widely grown in Turkey, this natural bitter-sweet flavouring is found in the dried root of a plant related to the pea, and imparts a delicate sweet aniseed note to our gin. It has been highly valued for its soothing health benefits and large quantities have been discovered in Egyptian tombs.
Grains of Paradise: Grains of paradise were discovered by spice traders in West Africa in the 13th century before being brought to the UK, where they were used as a seasoning before black pepper was brought to Europe. Small quantities bring a peppery spiciness with a hint of ginger to our gin.
