Lesson 6 - Botanicals

Question 1

Identify the 4 main botanicals in gin

Answer 1

Juniper

Citrus peal

Orris roots

Corridander

Question 2

How is Juniper berries cultivated, selection and used

Answer 2

Harvested manually beating branches, selection is manual picking ripe berries based on colour.

Question 3

Describe the 4 steps to ensure consisting juniper harvest

Answer 3

1 work with reliable suppliers

2 source berries from the same region

3 carry out benchtop test

4 assess, aroma appearance etc via GC if possible

Question 4

Describe the 3 main parts of the citrus fruit

Answer 4

Endocarp - innermost area section

Mesocarp - middle section

Exocarp - outer section which contains large amount of. Essential oils and flavours.

Question 5

Describe the cultivation of orris roots

Answer 5

Seeds are sown and allowed to grow for 3 years.. after this they are dug up and dried which can take 5 years.

Question 6

Why is Orris roots used as a fixative

Answer 6

Fixatives are Collins which equalise vapour pressure and reduce gin volatility. This prevents other flavour from evaporating too quickly.

Question 7

Describe the 3 ways botanicals should be stored

Answer 7

1 stored between 4 - 10 c

2 low humidity

3 sealed contains to prevent contact with oxygen