The Sakura tree, Prunus serrulata, is a member of the rose family and impresses in spring with delicate pink or white flowers. Symbolic of beauty and new beginnings, it is native mainly to East Asia. In gin, cherry blossoms are rather rare, but they give the drink a lovely and flowery note, reminiscent of the scent of blossoming cherry trees.
Background
Cloves are spice buds obtained from the flower buds of the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum). Their shape is strongly reminiscent of nails and so it is that in many languages cloves are called nails, as in French: "clou de girofle (clou means nail) or Nägeli or Nägelli.
Use of the Sakura Tree
Cherry blossom petals are not primarily used for culinary or commercial purposes. Rather, they have a deep symbolic meaning and a great aesthetic influence.
Cultivation and distribution
The sakura tree is mainly native to East Asia, especially Japan, Korea and China. However, due to its symbolic meaning, it has been planted in many parts of the world where it also displays its beauty and causes admiration.
Dosing and distillation
The use of sakura in gin is sparse and thus there is little to say about the optimal dosage. A suggested dosage is approx. 0.3kg/100L.
Taste influence on the gin
The taste of sakura can be described as lovely and flowery. It is an exact replica of the smell you get in your nose when you walk past a blossoming cherry tree in spring.
