Lemon (Citrus reticulata) is a citrus fruit that is native to Asia, and is now widely cultivated in various regions around the world. The most common variety of lemon used for culinary and medicinal purposes is the Lisbon and Eureka lemon.
When used as a botanical in distilling distilled spirit, lemon imparts a bright and refreshing citrus flavour to the spirit. The key flavour compound, limonene, is responsible for the majority of the lemon’s characteristic citrus flavour and aroma. Limonene is a terpene that is found in the essential oil of lemon peels, and is also present in other citrus fruits such as oranges and limes. Limonene gives a lemon distilled spirit a fresh, zesty, and fruity flavour, with a slight sweetness and a hint of bitterness.
The other flavour compounds present in lemon, such as beta-pinene, gamma-terpinene, and geranial, also contribute to the overall flavour profile of the distilled spirit. Beta-pinene imparts a woody, pine-like aroma, while gamma-terpinene adds a floral and spicy note. Geranial has a floral, lemon-like aroma and adds a subtle sweetness to the distilled spirit. These flavour compounds interact and combine to create the unique and complex flavour profile of a lemon distilled spirit.
When used as a botanical in gin distillation, lemon is a great pairing with other classic gin botanicals such as juniper, coriander, and angelica. The bright citrus flavour of lemon complements the piney, earthy flavours of juniper and the herbal notes of coriander and angelica.
Lemon, with its bright and refreshing citrus flavour, pairs well with a variety of botanicals commonly used in gin distillation. Some great flavour pairings for lemon include:
Juniper: The classic gin botanical, juniper provides a piney and slightly medicinal flavour that complements the citrusy notes of lemon.
Coriander: The warm, spicy notes of coriander seed add depth and complexity to the bright lemon flavour.
Rosemary: The herbaceous and slightly woody flavour of rosemary provides a nice contrast to the acidity of lemon and works well in both gin and distilled spirit.
Orris root: Orris root adds a floral and slightly earthy flavour which provides a good balance to the lemon.
Angelica: Angelica provides a unique flavour that is both earthy and slightly sweet. This botanical works well to balance the acidity of lemon.
Cardamom: The unique spicy-sweet flavour of cardamom complements lemon’s flavour nicely, adding complexity to the gin.
Anise: Anise provides a liquorice-like flavour that adds a unique sweetness to the gin, complementing the lemon’s acidity
Lemon can also be paired well with other botanicals such as rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves, which add a Mediterranean touch to the gin.
When used in distillation, lemon can add a bright, fresh, and crisp citrus flavour to the spirit, making it a popular choice for gin and distilled spirit.
The history of lemon cultivation is quite old, it is said that this plant was first domesticated in the region of Northeastern India and China. Lemons are mentioned in ancient Chinese and Indian texts and were used for medicinal and culinary purposes. The ancient Romans also cultivated lemons, and they were known to have been used to flavour food and drink. Lemons were later brought to Europe by traders and explorers during the Middle Ages, and soon became a popular ingredient in cooking and medicine. Today, lemons are widely cultivated in many regions around the world, including Europe, North and South America, Africa, and Australia.
