In the world of craft spirits, gin has seen a remarkable resurgence in recent years. No longer confined to traditional juniper-heavy recipes, gin enthusiasts are embracing the art of botanical infusion to create unique and flavourful spirits. If you’re keen on taking your gin-making endeavors to the next level, the Still Spirits Gin Botanical Basket is an indispensable tool. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to use the botanical basket, including the essential “stripping run” and the “spirit run,” along with a wide array of botanical ingredients to craft your one-of-a-kind gin. 

The Still Spirits Gin Botanical Basket: A Game-Changer 

The Still Spirits Gin Botanical Basket is a game-changer for distillers who want to infuse their gin with a diverse selection of botanical flavours. This innovative stainless-steel basket attaches to your distillation column, allowing vapour to pass through a bed of botanicals before condensing into liquid form. This ingenious device enables you to create a customized gin blend that perfectly captures your unique taste preferences. 

The Gin Distillation Process: An Overview 

Before we dive into the specifics of using the Gin Botanical Basket, let’s briefly overview the gin distillation process, which comprises two primary steps: the “stripping run” and the “spirit run.” 

• Stripping Run: This initial run is focused on extracting alcohol from the wash or base spirit. It’s called the “stripping run” because it aims to remove impurities and concentrate alcohol content. The resulting liquid is known as “low wines” and serves as the foundation for your gin. 
• Spirit Run: The second phase, the “spirit run,” involves taking the “low wines” from the stripping run and re-distilling them, infusing them with botanicals in the process. This is where the Gin Botanical Basket comes into play, allowing you to create a flavourful gin with a tailored botanical blend. 

Now, let’s explore how to use the Gin Botanical Basket effectively in both the stripping run and spirit run. 

Step 1: The Stripping Run 

The stripping run is a crucial preliminary step that prepares the base alcohol for the infusion of botanicals in the spirit run. Here’s how to go about it: 

Procedure: 

• Prepare Your Still: Set up your distillation apparatus according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  
• Load the Still: Pour the wash or base alcohol into the still boiler.  
• Heat and Collect: Begin heating the still. As the wash heats up, alcohol vapours will rise through the column and eventually condenses into low wines. Collect the low wines in a heat-resistant container, no need to discard the “foreshots” as this will be done in the “Spirit run 
• Measure Alcohol Content: “From a 25ltr wash, using 8kg of sugar and Still Spirits Classic 8 Turbo yeast. You should typically be getting around 4 – 4.5ltrs of alcohol @ 90-94% alcohol by volume (ABV). 

 

Step 2: The Spirit Run 

Now that you have completed the “stripping run”, it’s time to infuse them with botanicals using the Gin Botanical Basket. Here’s how to do it: 

Ingredients for the Spirit Run: 

• Botanicals of your choice 
• Water (to dilute the distillate) 
• Heat-resistant container for collecting gin (e.g. Demijohn) 

Procedure: 

• Prepare Your Still: Assemble your still, making sure the Gin Botanical Basket is securely attached to the distillation column (See the manufacturers guide for your still). You will also need to dilute your distillate with water to achieve the desired starting alcohol percentage (40% or below). I like to start mine at about 25% 
• Load the Botanical Basket: Fill the Gin Botanical Basket with your chosen botanicals. This is where your creativity shines as you select the herbs, spices, and other flavoring agents that will define your gin’s taste. 
• Heat and Begin Distillation: Start heating the still again. As the low wines vapourize and rise through the column, they will pass through the botanical basket. The vapour will pick up the flavours and aromas of the botanicals as it continues to the condenser. 
• Collect Your Gin: Collect the condensed liquid in a separate container, which will now be your gin. Don’t forget to remove the foreshots from the distillation process (First 50-200mm). This liquid will carry the distinctive flavours of the botanicals you’ve chosen. 
• Taste and Adjust: After the distillation is complete, taste your freshly distilled gin. Take notes on the flavours and aromas. If you’d like to intensify specific botanical notes, you can experiment by adjusting the type and quantity of botanicals in the basket for future batches. 

 

Selecting Botanicals for Your Gin 

The Still Spirits Gin Botanical Basket opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to choosing botanical ingredients for your gin. Here are some popular botanicals and the flavour profiles they can impart: 

• Juniper Berries: The cornerstone of gin, juniper berries provide classic piney and resinous notes. 
• Coriander Seeds: Coriander adds citrusy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavours, complementing juniper beautifully. 
• Citrus Peel: Lemon, orange, or grapefruit peel can add bright and zesty citrus notes to your gin. 
• Cardamom: This aromatic spice offers warm, slightly sweet, and spicy character, making it ideal for adding depth to your gin. 
• Angelica Root: Angelica root imparts earthy and herbal notes while helping balance the other botanicals’ flavors. 
• Orris Root: Orris root contributes a floral aroma and helps fix the other botanicals’ flavours, ensuring stability over time. 
• Lavender: For a floral and fragrant gin, consider adding lavender petals in moderation. 
• Cassia Bark or Cinnamon: A touch of cassia bark or cinnamon can introduce warm, spicy, and slightly sweet undertones to your gin. 
• Rosemary: For an adventurous twist, add a sprig of fresh rosemary to create a unique herbal profile. 
• Chamomile: Chamomile flowers can bring a gentle, soothing quality to your gin, along with subtle floral notes. 

 

Gin Recipe Ideas 

Now that you have a variety of botanicals at your disposal, let’s explore some gin recipe ideas to spark your creativity: 

• Classic London Dry Gin: 
• Juniper Berries 
• Coriander Seeds 
• Angelica Root 
• Lemon Peel 
• Orris Root 

 

Citrus Burst Gin: 

• Juniper Berries 
• Lemon Peel 
• Orange Peel 
• Cardamom Pods 

 

Spiced Gin: 

• Juniper Berries 
• Coriander Seeds 
• Cassia Bark 
• Cardamom Pods 

 

Floral Elegance Gin: 

• Juniper Berries 
• Lavender 
• Chamomile Flowers 

 

Remember that the quantity of each botanical will influence the final flavour of your gin. Start with small amounts, take notes, and adjust to achieve your desired taste. 

Conclusion 

The Still Spirits Gin Botanical Basket is a fantastic tool for gin enthusiasts and distillers looking to craft their unique flavour profiles. By using this botanical basket and carefully selecting your ingredients, you can create gin that not only meets your taste preferences but also stands out as a unique and personalized creation. So, gather your botanicals, fire up your still, and embark on a journey of gin exploration that will delight your palate and impress your friends. Cheers to the art of gin-making!