THE BERRY BEST

Over the last few editions of Gin Magazine, we have looked at a variety of flavour profiles – from savoury to sweet spice, and from citrus to floral – but now the time has come to address the essential element of gin: juniper.

The term “juniper” is typically used to refer to common juniper (juniperus communis), which is one of three native conifers in the UK. Gin produced for sale in the UK or the European Union needs to be made using at least some common juniper, but may also include other types. After all, there are more than 60 varieties across the globe (although you wouldn’t want to use some of these, since they’re poisonous!).

The table below right shows a range of the non- varieties currently being used to make gin. These junipers are