Lemon Thyme: The Zesty Botanical Elevating Scottish Gin
Lemon thyme (Thymus x citriodorus) has become a star ingredient in the world of Scottish gin, adding a unique citrusy twist to this beloved spirit. As the Scottish gin industry continues to innovate and grow, distillers are turning to local and distinctive botanicals to create standout flavours. In this post, we'll explore how lemon thyme is making its mark on Scottish gin and why it's become a favourite among craft distillers.
What is Lemon Thyme?
Lemon thyme is a hardy, aromatic herb hybrid between common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and broad-leaved thyme (Thymus pulegioides). It's characterised by:
Small, dark green leaves with a bright lemon scent
A low-growing, bushy habit reaching 15-30 cm in height
Pale purple or pink flowers that bloom in early summer
A hardiness that allows it to thrive in Scotland's climate
This versatile herb offers a unique combination of herbal and citrus notes, making it an ideal botanical for gin production.
Lemon Thyme in Scottish Gin
Several Scottish gin distilleries have embraced lemon thyme as a key botanical in their recipes. Here's why it's becoming increasingly popular:
Distinctive Flavor Profile: Lemon thyme adds a fresh, citrusy note to gin without the acidity of lemon peel, creating a more nuanced and complex flavour.
Local Sourcing: Many Scottish distilleries use locally sourced ingredients. Lemon thyme can be grown in Scotland, aligning with the industry's focus on terroir and sustainability.
Versatility: The herb pairs well with other joint gin botanicals like juniper and coriander, allowing distillers to create balanced and exciting flavour combinations.
Visual Appeal: The tiny leaves of lemon thyme can be used as a garnish, adding flavour and visual interest to gin cocktails.
Scottish Gins Featuring Lemon Thyme
Several Scottish gin brands have incorporated lemon thyme into their recipes:
Lussa Gin: This Isle of Jura gin uses lemon thyme as one of its 15 botanicals, contributing to its fresh and complex flavour profile.
Fidra Gin: Produced in East Lothian, Fidra Gin includes lemon thyme hand-picked from local dunes, adding a unique terroir-driven element to the spirit.
Rock Rose Gin: Dunnet Bay Distillers offers a Lemon Thyme Liquid Garnish designed to complement their Rock Rose Gin and add an extra layer of flavour to cocktails.
Lemon Thyme in Gin Cocktails
The herb's versatility extends beyond the distillation process. Many bartenders and gin enthusiasts are using lemon thyme to create innovative cocktails:
Lemon Thyme Collins: A refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins, using Rock Rose Gin and their Lemon Thyme Liquid Garnish.
Lemon and Thyme Gin Cocktail: A simple yet elegant cocktail that combines gin, fresh lemon juice, and a thyme-infused syrup.
Growing Your Lemon Thyme for Gin
Growing lemon thyme at home can provide a fresh supply of cocktails and garnishes for the ultimate gin enthusiast. The herb is relatively easy to cultivate:
Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny location
Water sparingly, as thyme prefers drier conditions
Harvest sprigs as needed throughout the growing season
The Future of Lemon Thyme in Scottish Gin
As the Scottish gin industry continues to evolve, we expect to see more innovative uses of lemon thyme and other unique botanicals. The herb's ability to add complexity and freshness to gin aligns perfectly with the industry's focus on craft production and distinctive flavours. The use of lemon thyme in Scottish gin also reflects broader trends in the industry, such as:
Emphasis on local and sustainable ingredients
Exploration of unique flavour profiles
Focus on artisanal production methods
By incorporating botanicals like lemon thyme, Scottish gin distillers create distinctive products and tell the story of Scotland's natural landscape through their spirits. In conclusion, lemon thyme has found a welcome home in Scottish gin. Its unique flavour profile, local availability, and versatility make it an ideal botanical for innovative distillers looking to create gins that stand out in a crowded market. Whether you're a gin connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, watch for Scottish gins featuring this zesty herb – your taste buds will thank you!
