Juniper

Juniper is harvested from coniferous plants in the genus Juniperus of the cypress family Cupressaceae. Depending on taxonomic viewpoint, between 50 and 67 species of juniper are widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere, from the Arctic, south to tropical Africa in the Old World, and to the mountains of Central America.

Juniper is the defining botanical in gin—its undisputed king and the very essence of the spirit. Without juniper, there is no gin. This small, aromatic berry from the Juniperus communis shrub is what legally and sensorially distinguishes gin from all other spirits. Its distinctive piney, resinous, and slightly citrusy character provides the backbone of gin’s flavour profile, anchoring all other botanicals in the mix.

Juniper has been used for centuries, not only in distillation but also in traditional medicine and food. In gin, it provides more than just flavour—it provides structure. Its complex profile brings bright, fresh notes alongside deeper, earthy tones, offering both lift and depth. Depending on its origin—whether from Tuscany, Macedonia, or the Himalayas—juniper can exhibit subtly different aromas and intensities. Macedonian berries are prized for their rich, oily profile, while Italian juniper often brings a cleaner, fresher note.

Skilful distillers build their recipes around juniper, using it as a canvas to layer other botanicals such as coriander, angelica, citrus peel, and more exotic ingredients. But even the most creative expressions must pay homage to this noble berry. The EU legal definition of gin explicitly states that juniper must be the predominant flavour.

Juniper also plays a crucial role in the distillation process itself. Its essential oils are particularly volatile and respond beautifully to copper stills, where temperature and timing are everything. The result is a spirit that can range from bold and punchy to subtle and refined—but always with juniper at its heart.

For the Gin Guild and the wider industry, juniper is more than a botanical—it is a symbol of tradition, quality, and authenticity. Its enduring centrality speaks to gin’s heritage while allowing for endless innovation around its core. Simply put, juniper is the soul of gin.