The Enchanting Violet Flower: A Journey Through Its History and Use in Gin
With its delicate petals and enchanting aroma the violet flower, with its delicate petals and enchanting aroma, has long been a symbol of elegance and refinement. Its use in gin, particularly in the context of Scotland, has added a unique floral dimension to this beloved spirit. This blog explores the history of violet flowers, their incorporation into gin, tasting notes, and their significance in Scottish gin culture.
A Brief History of Violet Flowers
Violet flowers, precisely the species odorant symbolises, have a rich history dating back to ancient times. Known for their sweet fragrance, violets were used in Roman times as a symbol of mourning and were often placed on graves as a sign of remembrance. During the Victorian era, violets became popular in perfumes and cosmetics, valued for their delicate and soothing scent.
The Role of Violet Flowers in Gin
Incorporating violet flowers into gin is a relatively modern innovation, but it has quickly gained popularity due to its unique floral notes. Violet gins are typically made by adding violet flowers or liqueur after distillation. This not only enhances the gin's flavour but also gives it a distinctive purple hue.
Notable Violet Gins
Whitley Neill Parma Violet Gin: This luxurious handcrafted gin combines the smooth base of Whitley Neill Gin with the subtle floral notes of violet, resulting in a vibrant and intense taste of Italian elegance.
Boë Violet Gin: Infused with violets, this gin boasts a rich purple colour and a flavour profile dominated by floral and fruity notes, including apple and lavender. It is trendy for its striking appearance and unique taste.
Isle of Bute Heather Gin: Distilled on the Isle of Bute, this small-batch Scottish pink gin features hand-picked purple heather flowers, adding a vibrant floral nose and a sweet citrus finish from pink grapefruit.
Tasting Notes
Violet gins are celebrated for their aromatic complexity and floral sweetness. Here are some standard tasting notes:
Aroma: A delightful floral bouquet with prominent violet notes, often accompanied by hints of juniper and other botanicals.
Palate: A smooth and velvety mouthfeel with a balanced sweetness. Subtle hints of citrus, herbs, and spices complement the floral notes of violet.
Finish: A lingering floral sweetness with a touch of earthiness, often attributed to the use of orris root as a fixative to enhance the longevity of the violet aroma.
Violet Gin Cocktails
Violet gins are versatile and can be used to create a variety of visually stunning and delicious cocktails. Here are a few popular recipes:
Violet Blueberry Gin Sour: This fruity and floral cocktail is made with fresh blueberries, floral gin, lemon and lime juice, violet liqueur, sugar cane syrup, and egg whites. Garnished with blueberries and food-safe flowers, it is a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Violet Gin Fizz: This cocktail combines butterfly pea flower gin, crème de violette, lemon juice, simple syrup, cream, and egg white. It is topped with soda water and garnished with edible flowers for a beautiful pastel purple hue.
Gin Violette Cocktail: This colourful and smooth cocktail features gin, crème de violette, red wine, egg whites, lemon juice, and simple syrup. It is known for its delicate floral notes and vibrant appearance.
The Scottish Connection
Scotland has a rich tradition of gin distillation, and the use of violet flowers in Scottish gins adds a unique twist to this heritage. For example, the Isle of Bute Heather Gin showcases the local flora by incorporating hand-picked purple heather flowers, creating a distinctly Scottish gin and delightfully floral.
The violet flower's journey from an ancient symbol to a modern gin ingredient is a testament to its enduring appeal. Its use in gin not only enhances the spirit's flavour but also adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. Whether enjoyed neat, over ice, or in a beautifully crafted cocktail, violet gin offers a unique and enchanting drinking experience that will delight gin enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
