The Wild World of Botanicals – Beyond Juniper

Gin is a playground of flavours. Unlike whisky, where oak aging does the talking, gin’s personality comes from its botanicals—plants, spices, and herbs that shape its unique character.

Juniper: The Non-Negotiable

Legally, gin must contain juniper. It’s the defining ingredient, bringing piney, resinous, and slightly citrusy notes. Without juniper, you have a botanical spirit—but not gin.

But juniper is just the beginning…

Citrus, Spice & Everything Nice

Every gin has its own signature blend of botanicals. Here are some of the most common—and some of the most unusual—you’ll find in gin:

• Citrus (Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit, Bergamot) – Adds brightness, freshness, and a zesty lift.

• Coriander Seeds – Second only to juniper in many recipes, bringing citrus, spice, and a touch of nuttiness.

• Angelica Root & Orris Root – The unsung heroes, acting as binders that hold all the flavours together.

• Spices (Cardamom, Black Pepper, Cloves, Cinnamon) – A kick of warmth and complexity.

• Florals & Herbs (Lavender, Chamomile, Rosemary, Thyme, Basil) – Fresh, fragrant, and aromatic.

• The Wildcards – Here’s where it gets fun. Some distillers push the boundaries with ingredients like seaweed, truffle, or even Christmas pudding. At Wildfire, we love experimenting—think smoked botanicals, foraged herbs, and seasonal surprises.

Botanical Balance: The Art of Blending

Crafting a great gin isn’t about throwing in as many botanicals as possible—it’s about balance. Too much juniper, and you lose complexity. Too little, and it’s not gin anymore. Each batch we create is a careful balancing act, making sure every sip is layered, complex, and—above all—exciting.

Next Up: The Distiller’s Toolkit

How do distillers decide which botanicals to use? In the next post, we’ll dive into the science of flavour extraction—and how different distillation techniques shape the final gin profile.