Home › Brandy, Whiskey and Imitation Spirits › Fennel Seed, or Sweet Fennel
Fennel Seed, or Sweet Fennel
state, consequently it should be the aim of the fabricator to elevate rather than deprave the taste of the consumer. Juniper Berries.
The common juniper is a native of Europe; but has been introduced into this country, in some parts of which it has been naturalized. The berries, as the fruit is commonly called, are sometimes collected in this country, but, though equal to the European in appearance, they are in: ferior in strength, and are not much used. What the liquor manufacturer prizes in this berry is its volatile essence, which is an oily liquid having the same elements as turpentine and oil of lemon, but with different properties. Their smell is also very similar, hence the origin of the supposition that London gin is sometimes mixed with the latter. Oil of juniper is the most powerful of all diuretics, and gives to the urine the smell of violets. It promotes perspiration and relieves flatulency, consequently, gin is recommended in many diseases of the urinary organs. Oil of juniper is frequently adulterated with oil of turpentine, a fraud readily discovered, as the genuine oil is soluble in alcohol, while that adulterated is not. The oil of juniper consumed in this country is brought from Europe, and is believed to be procured chiefly from the tops of the plant, being sold for a price which is altogether incompatible with the idea that it is prepared from the fruit alone. As a general thing 1 or 1½ oz. of this oil will flavour 100 gals, of gin.
Fennel Seed, or Sweet Fennel.
The plant producing fennel seed is a native of Europe, as well as the United States. Our shops are partly supplied from our own gardens, but a much larger portion