Rhubarb: The Secret Ingredient in Scottish Gin's Botanical Boom
Rhubarb, a tart and tangy vegetable often found in pies and crumbles, has become a key botanical in Scottish gin in recent years. This unexpected pairing has led to a surge in popularity for both rhubarb-flavoured spirits and Scottish gin. Let's explore the fascinating connection between rhubarb and Scottish gin and why this combination has gin enthusiasts buzzing.
The Rise of Rhubarb in Scottish Gin
Scottish distillers have long been known for their innovative approach to gin-making, incorporating unique local botanicals to create distinctive flavour profiles. In recent years, rhubarb has emerged as a standout ingredient, adding a complex tartness and subtle sweetness to gin that perfectly complements traditional botanicals like juniper and coriander.
Why Rhubarb Works So Well in Gin
Rhubarb's natural acidity and fruity notes make it an ideal botanical for gin:
It balances the juniper-forward profile of traditional gins
Adds a unique tartness that enhances other botanicals
Provides a subtle pink hue to the finished product
Offers a distinctly Scottish twist, as rhubarb grows well in the country's climate
Popular Scottish Rhubarb Gins
Several Scottish distilleries have embraced rhubarb as a critical botanical:
Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb & Ginger Liqueur
Caorunn Scottish Gin with Rhubarb & Blood Orange
Kirkjuvagr Orkney Gin - Rhubarb Old Tom
Arbikie AK's Gin (featuring rhubarb as a botanical)
The History of Rhubarb in Scotland
While not native to Scotland, rhubarb has been cultivated since the 18th century. Its ability to thrive in Scotland's calm, damp climate made it a popular crop for culinary and medicinal purposes. This long history has contributed to rhubarb's status as a quintessentially Scottish ingredient.
Rhubarb Gin Cocktails to Try
Rhubarb gin's versatility shines in cocktails. Here are a few to experiment with:
Rhubarb Gin Fizz
Rhubarb & Elderflower Spritz
Scottish Rhubarb Negroni
The Future of Rhubarb in Scottish Gin
As the small batch craft gin movement grows, we can expect to see even more innovative uses of rhubarb in Scottish gins. From rhubarb-infused dry gins to complex liqueurs, this versatile botanical will likely remain a key player in Scotland's gin renaissance.
Rhubarb's journey from humble pie filling to prized gin botanicals showcases the creativity and ingenuity of Scottish distillers. By embracing this unexpected ingredient, they've created a new gin category and highlighted Scotland’s rich agricultural heritage. Whether you're a gin connoisseur or curious about new flavour combinations, rhubarb gin offers a delightful taste of Scottish innovation.
