Cotton Lavender

Cotton Lavender, sometimes known as grey santolina, is a hardy, silver-leaved Mediterranean shrub long prized for its aromatic qualities. Traditionally used in herbal remedies and as a decorative plant, its potential as a gin botanical lies in its intensely fragrant foliage and button-like yellow flowers.

When distilled, Cotton Lavender brings a distinctive, slightly bitter herbal character, underpinned by resinous, almost camphorous notes. The aroma is reminiscent of sage or wormwood, with flashes of citrus and pine that sit comfortably alongside juniper. In gin, it can add depth and complexity, giving structure to lighter floral elements while balancing sweetness with a pleasantly dry edge.

Historically, Cotton Lavender was used in monasteries and apothecaries as a digestive and antiseptic, and even today herbalists value it for its cleansing properties. For distillers, however, its appeal lies in the way it bridges the gap between herbal and citrus botanicals, offering a flavour that is at once bright and grounding.

Used sparingly, Cotton Lavender can lend a gin a refined, aromatic lift, evoking Mediterranean landscapes and herbal gardens in bloom. It is not a common ingredient in modern recipes, which makes it an intriguing choice for those seeking a distinctive twist on tradition.