Coriander seed, also known as cilantro seed, is a botanical commonly used in gin distillation. The scientific name for Coriander seed is Coriandrum sativum L. Coriander seed is native to the Mediterranean and Middle East regions, and it is also widely cultivated in other parts of the world such as Europe, Africa, and Asia.
When used as a botanical in a vodka distillation, Coriander seed imparts a unique and complex flavour profile to the spirit. The key constituents of Coriander seed are Linalool, α-Pinene, γ-Terpinene, β-Pinene, p-Cymene, Camphor, Geraniol, Camphene, Limonene, Geranyl acetate, Terpinen-4-ol and α-Terpineol. These constituents contribute to the characteristic aroma and flavour of Coriander seed, which can be described as fresh, floral, woody, spicy and earthy.
When used as a botanical in a vodka distillation, Coriander seed imparts a unique and complex flavour profile to the spirit. The key constituents of Coriander seed that contribute to its characteristic aroma and flavour include:
Linalool: Linalool is responsible for the fresh, floral, and herby notes in Coriander seed. It is also responsible for the slight sweetness and spiciness. It is the main constituent found in Coriander seed and account for 59.0 – 87.5 % of the Coriander seed’s oil.
α-Pinene: α-Pinene imparts woody and earthy notes to the spirit. It also contributes to the fresh and slightly resinous aroma of Coriander seed. It is found in amounts between 0.1 – 10.5 % of Coriander seed oil.
γ-Terpinene: γ-Terpinene imparts a spicy and slightly medicinal note to the spirit. It is found in amounts between 0.1 – 9.1 % of Coriander seed oil.
β-Pinene: β-Pinene imparts a woody and slightly resinous aroma to the spirit. It is found in amounts between 0.1 – 8.6 % of Coriander seed oil.
p-Cymene: p-Cymene imparts a fresh, clean and slightly spicy aroma to the spirit. It is found in amounts between 0 – 8.4 % of Coriander seed oil.
Camphor: Camphor imparts a refreshing, cool, and slightly medicinal note to the spirit. It is found in amounts between 1.6 – 7.7 % of Coriander seed oil.
Geraniol: Geraniol imparts a floral and slightly sweet aroma to the spirit. It is found in amounts between 0.3 – 5.3 % of Coriander seed oil.
Camphene: Camphene imparts a woody, earthy, and slightly spicy aroma to the spirit. It is found in trace amounts (tr) of Coriander seed oil.
Limonene: Limonene imparts a fresh, citrusy, and slightly sweet aroma to the spirit. It is found in amounts between 0.2 – 3.2 % of Coriander seed oil.
Geranyl Acetate: Geranyl Acetate imparts a floral and slightly sweet aroma to the spirit. It is found in trace amounts (tr) of Coriander seed oil.
Terpinen-4-ol: Terpinen-4-ol imparts a fresh, herby, and slightly medicinal aroma to the spirit. It is found in trace amounts (tr) of Coriander seed oil.
α-Terpineol: α-Terpineol imparts a floral and slightly sweet aroma to the spirit. It is found in amounts between 0.1 – 2.2 % of Coriander seed oil.
When used as a botanical in gin distillation, Coriander seed can be paired with other botanicals that complement its unique flavour profile. Some great flavour pairing for Coriander seed in gin distillation include juniper, lemon peel, orange peel, and angelica root. Together, these botanicals create a well-balanced gin with a complex and nuanced flavour profile. Additionally, Coriander seed can be paired with other spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon to create a warm and spicy gin.
Citrus: Coriander seed pairs well with citrus fruits such as lemon, lime, and orange. The fresh and zesty notes of these fruits complement the fresh, floral, woody and spicy notes of Coriander seed, creating a gin that is balanced and refreshing.
Herbs: Coriander seed pairs well with other herbs such as juniper, angelica, and bay leaves. The herbal notes of these botanicals complement the fresh, floral, woody and spicy notes of Coriander seed, creating a gin that is complex and full-bodied.
Spices: Coriander seed pairs well with spices such as black pepper, nutmeg, and allspice. The warming and spicy notes of these spices complement the fresh, floral, woody and spicy notes of Coriander seed, creating a gin that is rich and warming.
Floral: Coriander seed pairs well with other floral botanicals such as lavender, rose, and elderflower. The floral notes of these botanicals complement the fresh, floral, woody and spicy notes of Coriander seed, creating a gin that is light, delicate and refreshing.
