Scientists assert that the climate crisis is negatively impacting the flavor of juniper berries, a key ingredient in gin recipes. Unstable weather conditions, which have become more likely due to climate change, are altering the taste of juniper berries that give the drink its unique character. Researchers from the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD) at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland have found that changing weather patterns inevitably affect the flavor compounds in the berries. The researchers explained that the berries possess their own regional terroir, a term that refers to the environmental factors influencing agricultural properties. Primarily, these properties depend on the amount of sunlight and rainfall.
Matthew Polley, an associate professor at ICBD, noted, “A wet harvest year can reduce the overall volatile compound content in juniper by about 12 percent compared to a dry year. This directly impacts the sensory characteristics that make gin, gin.”
How did the scientists come to this conclusion? The research team distilled juniper berries from various regions across Europe, including Albania, Bosnia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo, and Italy. The berries were harvested in different years. Experts analyzed the resulting spirits using gas chromatography to measure the levels of key flavor compounds. The scientists discovered that berries from each region have distinct chemical compositions. These differences influence the woody, resinous, citrus, and floral notes in gin, as reported by The Guardian.
The amount of rainfall each year significantly affected the taste of the berries. Wetter weather led to longer drying periods, which altered the content of water-soluble chemicals in them. Professor Annie Gill, the study’s lead researcher, stated, “The least water-soluble compounds are most susceptible to the effects of post-harvest drying. For distillers, this means that the flavor profile can vary depending on harvest conditions.” The researcher warned that this poses a significant risk to the multi-billion-dollar industry. Premium gin producers carefully select berries from specific regions to maintain their unique flavor and signature style. However, this process could be disrupted by climate change, particularly due to increased rainfall in some areas.