Poppy Fine Red Flower as Gin Botanical
Poppy, the fine red flower, has long been used as a botanical in the production of gin. Its delicate flavor and unique aroma make it a popular choice among distillers looking to create a complex and well-balanced spirit. In this essay, we will explore the history of poppy as a gin botanical, its flavor profile, and its role in the gin-making process.
Poppy has been used as a gin botanical for centuries, dating back to the early days of gin production in Europe. The flower was first introduced to the distilling process as a way to add a subtle floral note to gin, which was traditionally a juniper-forward spirit. Over time, distillers discovered that poppy not only added a floral aroma to gin but also a slight sweetness that helped to balance out the other botanicals used in the production process.
Poppy is known for its fine red flowers, which give gin made with this botanical a distinct color and flavor profile. The flower has a subtle, earthy flavor with hints of almond and honey, making it a versatile addition to any gin recipe. When used in moderation, poppy can enhance the overall complexity of a gin, adding depth and richness to the final product.
In the gin-making process, poppy is typically added to the botanical mix during the distillation or maceration phase. Distillers carefully select the finest poppy flowers, ensuring that only the highest quality botanicals are used in the production process. The flowers are then crushed or macerated to release their essential oils and flavors, which are infused into the base spirit during distillation.
Once the gin has been distilled and the botanicals have been infused, the final product is often aged in barrels to allow the flavors to mellow and meld together. Poppy adds a unique floral note to the gin, complementing the other botanicals and creating a well-balanced spirit that is perfect for sipping neat or mixing in cocktails. Its fine red color also adds visual appeal to the gin, making it an attractive option for consumers looking for a unique and flavorful spirit.
In conclusion, poppy is a fine red flower that has long been used as a botanical in the production of gin. Its delicate flavor and unique aroma make it a popular choice among distillers looking to create a complex and well-balanced spirit. Whether added during distillation or maceration, poppy adds a subtle floral note and slight sweetness to gin, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the final product. With its fine red color and versatile flavor profile, poppy is sure to remain a popular choice among distillers and gin enthusiasts for years to come.
Poppy Grow and Harvest
Poppy seeds have been a popular ingredient in various culinary dishes and baked goods for centuries, but many people may not be aware of how these seeds are grown and harvested. Poppy plants are actually quite fascinating in their lifecycle, and the process of growing and harvesting them is both labor-intensive and delicate.
Poppy plants thrive in temperate climates with well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. The seeds are typically sown directly in the ground in the early spring, as poppies do not fare well when transplanted. Once planted, the seeds require regular watering to ensure proper germination and growth. Poppies are known for their vibrant flowers, which can range in color from bright red to deep purple, and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
After the flowers bloom and fade, they are replaced by seed pods, which contain the poppy seeds. Harvesting poppy seeds can be a labor-intensive process, as the pods are small and delicate, requiring careful handling to prevent damage. The pods are typically harvested when they turn a pale green color and the seeds inside are fully mature. The pods are then dried and cracked open to release the seeds, which are collected and sorted for packaging.
Poppy seeds are a popular ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes, adding a nutty flavor and crunchy texture. They are often used in baking, particularly in breads, cakes, and pastries. In addition to their culinary uses, poppy seeds have also been used in traditional medicine for their potential health benefits, including pain relief and relaxation. However, it is important to note that poppy seeds contain trace amounts of opiates, which can cause false positives on drug tests.
In conclusion, growing and harvesting poppy seeds is a time-consuming and delicate process that requires careful attention to detail. From planting the seeds in the spring to harvesting the pods in the late summer, each step of the process plays a crucial role in ensuring a successful crop. Whether used in cooking or for its purported health benefits, poppy seeds remain a versatile and valuable ingredient that has stood the test of time.
Jun 11, 2018
Finding & Photographing Poppies
Updated: May 18, 2020
Once again its that time of year when we all go crazy chasing Poppies, that most elusive but beautiful mistress that takes so much of our time and effort but is worth every second.
Poppy used as Gin Botanical
The use of botanicals in gin production dates back centuries, with a wide variety of herbs, spices, and flowers being used to impart unique flavors and characteristics to the spirit. One such botanical that has gained popularity in recent years is the poppy flower. Poppy seeds have long been used in culinary applications for their nutty and slightly sweet flavor, but the use of poppy as a botanical in gin takes a different approach to incorporating this versatile ingredient.
Poppy seeds and petals are often used in gin production to add floral notes and a subtle earthiness to the spirit. The seeds can be ground and infused into the gin during the distillation process, while the petals can be steeped in the spirit to impart their delicate flavor and aroma. The result is a gin that has a unique twist on traditional botanical profiles, with a mild spiciness and a hint of sweetness that sets it apart from other gins on the market.
In addition to its flavor profile, poppy is also said to have various health benefits that can be associated with its use in gin production. Poppy seeds are rich in essential nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, making them a valuable addition to any diet. The presence of these nutrients in gin made with poppy botanicals can provide a subtle boost to the drinker’s overall health, adding to the appeal of this unique botanical.
While the use of poppy as a gin botanical may be relatively new, its popularity is steadily growing as more distillers experiment with different combinations of botanicals to create innovative and exciting products. The versatility of poppy as an ingredient makes it a valuable addition to any gin recipe, allowing for endless possibilities in terms of flavor and aroma profiles. Whether used alone or in combination with other botanicals, poppy adds a new dimension to the gin experience that is sure to attract a wider audience of gin enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the use of poppy as a botanical in gin production is a creative and innovative approach that has the potential to revolutionize the industry. With its unique flavor profile, health benefits, and versatility, poppy is a valuable addition to any distiller’s toolkit. As more consumers seek out new and exciting gin varieties, the use of poppy as a botanical is sure to become a trend that will continue to grow in popularity in the coming years.
I’LL REMEMBER YOU
Withers Gin and The D-Day Darlings Present
‘I’ll Remember You’ Limited Edition Gin
In a harmonious blend of heritage and craftsmanship, The D-Day Darlings and Withers Gin have joined forces to create a Limited Edition London Dry Gin that is as poignant as it is palatable. Crafted with the internationally acclaimed Withers Gin’s G1 recipe, this spirit is the distilled essence of remembrance in a bottle, distilled with the hero botanical, the heartsease flower—a flower of remembrance —to honour the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Named ‘I’ll Remember You,’ this commemorative gin resonates with the soul-stirring melody performed by The D-Day Darlings, the UK’s premier wartime music group, who soared to fame after their finals appearance on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent and subsequent signing with Sony Music UK. Their music, including the heartfelt rendition of ‘I’ll Remember You’ which was written and sung by Darling Katie Ashby on the Normandy beaches for the 75th D-Day anniversary, is a testament to the enduring spirit of the era.
Katie Ashby’s personal connection to this legacy—through her grandfather, Flt Lt Clifford Storr, a former Lancaster Navigator who completed over 50 operational return sorties during WW2, more than any Airman on record —deepens the significance of this collaboration. Each bottle of ‘I’ll Remember You’ gin honours his extraordinary service and the countless stories like his.
Withers Gin is an award-winning family owned gin business based in Derbyshire with rich military connections. Founded by Sarah, the daughter of an RAF officer, and her husband Brian, an Army veteran who now works closely with the MOD. With accolades such as the Gold Outstanding Medal at the IWSC 2020 and a triple win at the Gin Guide Awards 2021, including Best Gin in England, Withers Gin’s inaugural G1 gin is the foundation of this memorable concoction.
Sarah’s father, WG Commander Angus Balfour Crockatt AFC, a decorated fighter pilot instructor. Sarah’s late father led a formation of Hawk jets in the shape of a 50 over Buckingham Palace and the Queen in commemoration of the 50th anniversaries of D-Day and VJ Day.
This evocative gin is more than a drink—it’s a narrative, a melody of memory resonating with the timeless strains of the D-Day Darlings’ soul-stirring performance of ‘I’ll Remember You.’ It is designed to awaken conversations and stories from a fading past, to keep the spirit and lessons of bygone days alive in our collective consciousness, as the years pass, the voices of D-Day become quieter, but with every pour, we invite you to kindle the conversations that keep the spirit of that era alive.
In a heartfelt gesture of gratitude, Withers Gin and The D-Day Darlings will be presenting a bottle of this exclusive gin to all surviving British D-Day veterans—a token of our nation’s appreciation for their immeasurable sacrifice.
Each bottle comes with a QR code that, when scanned, plays the hauntingly beautiful ‘I’ll Remember You,’ creating an immersive moment of reflection.
We invite you to be part of this living tribute.
I’ll Remember You, Heartsease, London Dry Gin
This special collaboration between award-winning Withers Gin and the D-Day Darlings, the UK’s premier wartime music group, commemorates the 80th anniversary of D-Day and also looks forward to the significant milestones of VJ Day and VE Day in 2025.
Our shared objective is to commemorate a series of significant World War II anniversaries while embracing the essence of gin – bringing people together, sharing stories, and fostering connections. We recognise the challenge of initiating conversations with older family members about their early lives and experiences, especially as those who recall WW2 are now over 88 years of age. We are creating question prompts to encourage people to #listenandremember and will share these at launch. Our hope is to help more people discover their families’ history and keep these memories alive.
70cl
40% ABV
Vegan/Gluten Free
Weight: Approximately 1555gms
I’ll Remember You gin is an exceptionally smooth and well-balanced 40% ABV London Dry Gin.
Botanicals:
Heartsease flower, Poppy seeds, Juniper, pink grapefruit zest, coriander, orris, angelica, cassia, green cardamom,
Made in the East Midlands
£2 per bottle donated to Macmillan in addition to 10% of profits donated to cancer charities by Withers Gin.
Withers Gin
Poppy Seed
CASTLE FARM SMALL BATCH LAVENDER GIN
We were delighted when Castle Farm approached us to design a bespoke gin to showcase their famous lavender. We are proud to distil Castle Farm’s bespoke Small Batch Lavender Gin, a beautifully floral and soft gin, distilled with Kentish hedgerow botanicals and of course, the flavour of Castle Farm’s own Lavender.
“This was our absolute BEST SELLER in the summer (we sold out three times!)” – Castle Farm
Playful floral notes combine delicate perfumed lavender and meadow flowers, balanced with earthy herbal tones of wild marjoram, poppy seed and bay. A smooth long finish evokes pleasant soft lavender and evergreen forests.
Castle Farm Small Batch Lavender Gin is best served with premium tonic water, garnished with a sprig of lavender or rosemary.
Available in 5cl, 20cl, and 70cl bottles, Castle Farm Small Batch Lavender Gin can be purchased exclusively through Castle Farm’s website; follow the link to be taken straight through to the correct page.
Maidstone Distillery
Poppy Seeds
ATLAS SHICHIMI GIN
The Gin
This is a slightly savoury gin with an unusual blend of botanicals that delivers an umami kick, with subtle warmth that’s balanced by the inclusion of green tea. Bold and surprising, this gin goes beyond traditional botanical blends to open up a new world of flavours.
The Inspiration
A gin for those with adventurous tastes, our Shichimi gin is inspired by the traditional Japanese seven-spice blend, which has been at the heart of many Japanese dishes since around the 17th century.
Botanicals Include:
Juniper berries, Sichuan peppercorns, red chili pepper, nori seaweed, poppy seeds, white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, hemp seeds, ground ginger, dried orange peel & gyokuro green tea.
Aroma
Juniper aroma, with hints of green tea and nori seaweed.
Palate
Subtle hints of green tea, nori seaweed and sesame seeds, with a spicy but subtle flavour.
Finish
A long finish with a lasting but gentle heat which is balanced out with a fresh hint of citrus.
43% VOL | 70CL
Atlas Gin
Poppies Seed
