Food & Beverage

From garden to glass, this well loved spirit has evolved from an herbal remedy to a staple behind the bar. Originating in the Middle Ages and popularized during the reign of King William III, gin has long derived its signature flavor from juniper berries. While European juniper is the traditional source, our own native eastern red cedar Juniperus virginiana has played an important historical role as well. Highly valued for its aromatic wood, ecological importance, and abundant berry like cones, eastern red cedar was used by early American distillers as a local juniper substitute, lending gin its characteristic piney, resinous