Juniper is a particularly powerful scent, very reminiscent of gin. It is sharp and spicy—adding a noteworthy kick to elegent and sophisticated accords. Its distinguishable scent reminds one of a fresh pine forest: peppery and resinous. Its intense fragrance means it is typically used in small doses.
Juniper berries are the fruit from the juniper bush which belongs to the conifer family predominantly found in Mediterranean Europe. The bush grows wild in plains as well as at high altitudes. The fragrant small berries are green during their first year and turn black as they reach maturation in their second year. Each berry contains a slightly sweet, resinous pulp and three peppery-tasting seeds. The seeds have oil glands which solidify and become resinous as the galbulus reaches maturation. Using steam distillation, essential oil is extracted from the berries.
The juniper's penetrating scent and needle-like leaves are thought to have many properties, including a long history as a symbol of protection. The wood and berries are burned for protection against demons, while country hares hide from hunting dogs in juniper bushes because it will confuse their sense of smell. Similarly, trushes shelter their offspring in juniper bushes because the scent repels snakes. Even the Virgin Mary is said to have hidden under a juniper bush when fleeing from Herod's soldiers.
Hungary, Italy
Juniper Sling gives us an explosion of freshness imbued with juniper berries. Angelica and black pepper reinforce this complex cocktail of hot and cold spices, with a burning heart.
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