Lemon verbena is one of the most distinctive botanicals in Explorer’s Gin.
Known scientifically as Aloysia citrodora, this aromatic perennial originates from South America and is prized for the intense citrus fragrance released when its leaves are touched or crushed. Indigenous South American communities and ancient cultures like the Incas used the fragrant plant for centuries in traditional medicine, cooking, and cultural rituals.
Distillery Garden
It grows in our distillery garden, where the open sunshine and free-draining chalky soil suit it well. On warm days, even brushing past the plant releases a clean lemon scent into the air. Although vigorous during summer, lemon verbena dislikes prolonged frost and needs protection through the colder months.
Bees and butterflies visit the small, pale lilac flowers when they bloom between July and August, but it will deter flies and midges.
Leaves are collected through out the summer when whilst it vigrously grows, then we cut it back as the leaves fall and shelter the plant until new growth appears in spring.
Distilling
Its value in distillation lies in its freshness and character. Lemon verbena delivers a bright citrus character without the sharp acidity of lemon juice or the heavier oiliness of citrus peel. During distillation, its volatile oils create a refined top note that lifts the deeper flavours of juniper and Western red cedar. This balance gives Explorer’s Gin its clean opening, aromatic clarity and long, fresh finish.
Cooking
Lemon verbena has a long history of culinary and traditional herbal use. Its leaves are commonly infused in hot water to produce a fragrant, caffeine-free tea. They can also flavour syrups, desserts, sorbets and fruit dishes. It works as a garnish, releasing its aroma as the leaves warm above a chilled drink.We use it in salads through out the summer.
Traditional herbal preparations have associated the plant with digestion, relaxation and sleep, while modern research has examined its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Harvest the leaves throughout summer, preferably before the plant flowers, when their aroma is strongest. Use them fresh or dry them gently for winter. With sunshine, good drainage and protection from frost, lemon verbena returns year after year, providing vivid fragrance, delicate flavour and one of the defining botanical notes in Explorer’s Gin.
