Reflections on Making Chamomile Gin
In the world of craft gin, the selection and use of botanicals opens up infinite possibilities for expression. This time, I’m focusing on the gentle and elegant aroma of chamomile, and I’d like to share my personal approach to crafting gin with this unique botanical.
1. Chamomile Varieties and Aromatic Differences
When people mention “chamomile,” they usually refer to two main types: Roman Chamomile and German Chamomile.
- Roman Chamomile: A bit greener in aroma, with a stronger herbal impression. It also has bitterness and a somewhat woody nuance.
- German Chamomile: Sweet and soft, with a floral fragrance reminiscent of apples or honey. It also has a slight spiciness.
I’ve chosen German Chamomile for my gin. Its sweet and gentle scent aligns well with a floral-style gin. It doesn’t overpower other botanicals, making it easier to achieve harmony.
2. Dried vs. Fresh Chamomile: Differences and Uses
- Dried Chamomile: The aroma is more concentrated, especially highlighting floral and green-herbal notes. Its scent remains prominent even after distillation. It also has good shelf life and leads to a more stable final product.
- Fresh Chamomile: Brighter, softer, and more green. Fresh blossoms bring a “dewy sweetness” that dried flowers can’t replicate.
In this case, I plan to mainly use dried flowers, while also incorporating a small amount of fresh blossoms to add aromatic depth and complexity.
3. Flavor Characteristics by Plant Part and Balance
Chamomile has unique aroma and flavor characteristics not only in its flowers but also in its leaves and stems.
- Flower: Sweet and floral. This is the core of the gin’s main fragrance.
- Leaf: Somewhat herbal and green. Adds freshness, but also carries bitterness, so balance is key.
- Stem: Green and earthy with slight astringency. Too much can make the flavor heavy.
My approach is to use the flower as the main element, while adding a small amount of leaf and stem to bring a natural depth and lightness.
🌿 Chamomile Aroma by Plant Part
| Part | Aroma & Flavor | Effect on Gin |
|---|---|---|
| Flower | Sweet, floral, apple-like | Core aromatic. Should be the main note |
| Leaf | Green, slightly bitter | Adds herbal freshness. Use sparingly |
| Stem | Woody, green, bitter | Enhances complexity. Limit usage |
🧪 Balance Suggestion:
- Flower: 80–90% (main element)
- Leaf: 10–15% (accent)
- Stem: 0–5% (adds structure/wildness)
Run small test distillations to evaluate potential bitterness.
4. Botanical Design and Suggested Blending
To showcase the elegant scent of chamomile, the other botanicals should be soft and harmonious.
🎯 Desired Fragrance Profile
- Top Note: Bright and soft floral aroma (chamomile, orange blossom, lavender)
- Middle: Floral aftertones with subtle citrus and sweetness (rose, lemon peel)
- Base: Juniper backbone with soft spiciness (coriander, angelica root)
🌿 Recommended Botanicals
| Type | Botanical | Role & Aroma Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 🌼 Floral | Chamomile (main) | Apple-like sweetness, soft floral profile |
| Orange Blossom (Neroli) | Sweet, sensual, soft, and elegant | |
| Lavender (small amount) | Sharp floral, adds clarity | |
| Rose Petals (dried) | Elegance and depth, enhances aromatic layers | |
| 🍋 Citrus | Lemon Peel | Bright and refreshing, lifts the fragrance |
| Sweet Orange Peel | Rounded sweetness, brightens the top notes | |
| 🌿 Herbal/Spice | Juniper Berry | Essential. Woody + citrus backbone |
| Coriander Seed | Bridges citrus and spice aromas | |
| Angelica Root | Binds body and aroma, light earthiness | |
| Orris Root (Iris) | Enhances floral longevity, powdery softness | |
| 🪵 Supporting | Cassia or Cinnamon (small) | Subtle sweetness, adds depth (use moderately) |
Sample Botanical Ratio (for 100L of base spirit):
- Juniper Berries: 1.5 kg (core backbone)
- German Chamomile (dried flowers): 1kg
- German Chamomile (fresh flowers): 500g
- Sweet Orange Peel: 300g (gentle sweetness)
- Elderflower (dried): 150g (delicate floral)
- Rose Petals (dried): 80g (aromatic accent)
- Cardamom: 50g (light spice support)
- Angelica Root: 200g (foundation)
This design aims to center around the soft, fruity aroma of German Chamomile while achieving an elegant and transparent gin overall.
Chamomile is a delicate botanical, and how to make the most of it depends on how aromas are layered and how the finish is designed. Beyond just product quality, I want to convey a clear expression of the world I envision through careful and thoughtful distillation.
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