Botanicals Suppliers

[Jimmy]

Inspired by another current topic about infusions, I was just wondering if anyone has a good supplier for botanicals to make gin, etc? I'm a bit limited to what is available locally, the local Tesco stocks junpier berries but none of the more exotic things. Anyone know any good online places or can recommend shops that stock a greater range?

[Admiral Toad]

Reputedly the distillers at Bruichladich distillery on Islay use a local Botanist to collect them from the island itself hence it's name 'the botanist'
Hmm never new the place was so fertile .... It is nice gin though (think mines better >:D )
Bet if I went foraging I'd be sure to pick something toxic

[Jimmy]

LOL, the only thing I could pick round here is a fight!

[Capt-Cudellez]

Reputedly the distillers at Bruichladich distillery on Islay use a local Botanist to collect them from the island itself hence it's name 'the botanist'

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The botanist is in my top 3 commercial gins - lovely stuff. Here is the botanical listings for it
http://lochindaal.com/trade/botanical_list.pdf



some suppliers for you Jimmy....

http://www.purplesage.org.uk/
http://www.justingredients.co.uk/
http://www.cotsherb.co.uk/index.php

Some related resources ...

http://whatscookingamerica.net/EdibleFlowers/EdibleFlowersMain.htm
http://wildflowerfinder.org.uk/

[Admiral Toad]

Bloody hell CC you are the font of all knowledge and that's some ingreadients list.
Thought I didnt see any cinnamon trees when I was there last year love the place though, never seen so many single Islay malts on optics !
So what's your other top two commercial gins then mate ?

[Capt-Cudellez]

So what's your other top two commercial gins then mate ?

Here's my top 6...I think.....

#6 No.209 with with Fever Tree tonic and a wedge of lime.

#5 Blackwoods 60 with Schweppes tonic, ice and a slice

#4 Sacred Gin with Fever Tree tonic

#3 Botanist with Fentimans tonic and a slice

#2 Citradelle - Recommended served in an iced wine glass garnished with fresh lemon peel and wedge, topped with Fever Tree tonic and finished with grated tonka bean.

#1 FIFTY POUNDS GIN - served with a squeeze of lime and 1724 tonic.



I'm a complete lush,

[Admiral Toad]

As Owen would say in the Vicar of Dibley 'Well bugger me ' ! >:D

[YHB]

"Fever Tree tonic, Schweppes tonic, Fentimans tonic, 1724 tonic."

I have too much too learn. I thought tonic was tonic and came in a yellow bottle. Now I have to worry about adding the wrong one and deciding if I should sprinkle my drink with grated "Tonka Beans".

I will have to go and tell the landlord of the Crown and Anchor to make sure he keeps some some Tonka Beans in stock.

So much to drink - So little time

[Admiral Toad]

Me too gonna give mine host an ultimatum 'No Tonka no Wonga , No beanies no see me !'

That'll show him >:D

[Jimmy]

From Wikipedia:

In the pagan and occult communities the Tonka Bean is considered to have magical properties and uses. Some who practice magical arts believe that by crushing a Tonka Bean and steeping it in an herbal brew or tea it will help cure ailments of depression, disorientation, confusion, and suicidal behavior, as well as boosting the immune system.

It is also believed by some practitioners of various occult traditions that Tonka Beans can grant or help one fulfill desires and wishes by using the bean in a variety of methods. Such methods include holding the bean in your hand while whispering your wish or desire then carrying it with you until your wish or desire is fulfilled, then burying the bean afterwards; another common method is by making your wish with the bean in your hand then stomping on it afterwards. Other methods include making your wish then planting it in fertile earth, when and as the plant grows so does your wish so become fulfilled.

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Sounds great, got to get me some of that stuff!

[Capt-Cudellez]

I had no idea I was meddling with such dark forces

by crushing a Tonka Bean and steeping it in an herbal brew or tea it will help cure ailments of depression, disorientation, confusion, and suicidal behavior, as well as boosting the immune system.

I'm certainly not depressed after a few GnT's, as for disorientated, cant say it keeps that at bay

whispering your wish or desire then carrying it with you until your wish or desire is fulfilled

I did whisper "I could go another one of those" and it appeared I guess it could have been that the barman heard me though.

[Almanac]

Shit! the bloody Vulcan's are back - Tonka Beans! I ask you!

David Bellamy's likely to pop up any minute now

AT: Owen might have gotten away with it in the Vicar of Dibley but I'd be careful who's company you repeat that in!

AM

[Admiral Toad]

Good advice will stick to sheep baa >:D