Bladderwrack Seaweed in Gin: A Scottish Coastal Treasure

Bladderwrack seaweed, scientifically known as Fucus vesiculosus, is a common brown seaweed found along the rocky shores of the Atlantic and Baltic seas. Known for its distinctive air-filled bladders that help it float, bladderwrack has been used for centuries in various culinary and medicinal applications. Recently, it has found a unique place in the world of gin, particularly in Scotland, where its briny, umami flavours enhance the complexity of coastal gins.

Historical Context

Bladderwrack's history dates back to the early 1800s when it was discovered to contain high concentrations of iodine, a vital nutrient for thyroid health. This discovery was instrumental in the development of iodine-based treatments and supplements. Over the centuries, folk medicine has used bladderwrack to treat various ailments, including thyroid disorders, obesity, and inflammation.

Bladderwrack in Scottish Gin

With its rugged coastline and rich maritime heritage, Scotland has embraced bladderwrack as a key botanical in several coastal gins. The use of bladderwrack in gin is part of a broader trend of incorporating local, natural ingredients to create spirits that reflect the unique terroir of their origin.

Hills & Harbour Gin

Crafty Distillery's Hills & Harbour Gin is a prime example of a Scottish gin that utilizes bladderwrack. This gin combines local noble fir needles and bladderwrack seaweed with nine other botanicals to create a vibrant and balanced spirit. The bladderwrack adds a subtle scent of the shore and a hint of salinity that enhances the overall flavour profile.

Shetland Reel Ocean Sent Gin

Another notable example is Shetland Reel's Ocean Sent Gin, which features native bladderwrack harvested from the rocks of the Shetland coastline. This gin offers a complex twist of saltiness and warmth, bringing a distinctive depth of flavour that evokes the crashing ocean waves.

Tasting Notes

Bladderwrack imparts a unique flavour profile to gin, characterized by its briny, mineral-rich taste. Here are some tasting notes from popular Scottish gins that feature bladderwrack:

• Hills & Harbour Gin: Leads with juniper and is balanced with hints of forest fir, tropical fruit, citrus spice, tangy sherbet, and a subtle shore scent. The bladderwrack adds a savoury quality that enhances the overall complexity of the gin.
• Shetland Reel Ocean Sent Gin: The nose has a traditional juniper with subtle hints of salt and spice. The palate holds traditional London dry juniper but with a complex twist of saltiness and warmth, leading to a long finish that brings you right to the crashing ocean.

Uses in Gin

Bladderwrack is used in gin for its unique ability to enhance flavours through its natural salinity and umami characteristics. Here are some ways bladderwrack is incorporated into gin production:

• Distillation: Bladderwrack is often distilled along with other botanicals to infuse the gin with its distinctive briny flavour. This method ensures a balanced integration of the seaweed's characteristics into the final spirit.
• Infusion: Some distilleries use bladderwrack as an infusion, steeping the seaweed in the gin to extract its flavours. This method allows for a more controlled and subtle addition of the seaweed's taste.

Bladderwrack seaweed has found a unique and celebrated place in the world of Scottish gin. Its briny, umami flavors enhance the complexity of coastal gins, creating spirits that are not only delicious but also deeply connected to their maritime origins. As more distilleries explore the potential of this remarkable seaweed, bladderwrack is set to become an even more prominent feature in the world of craft gin. Whether enjoyed in a classic gin and tonic or a creative cocktail, bladderwrack-infused gins offer a taste of the Scottish coast in every sip.