Texas WildGins & Rare Teas: A Botanical Journey with Molly Cummings | Whiskey Provisioner

Описание: Ever wondered what makes a truly Texan gin? Or how ancient wild teas connect with modern craft spirits? Get ready for a fascinating journey into the heart of Texas botanicals and rare tea traditions!

In this episode of the Whiskey Provisioner, hosts Richard and So-Han are joined by the remarkable Molly Cummings, biology professor and the entrepreneurial spirit behind WildGins Co. Dive deep into the world of gin as Molly shares her passion for foraging unique Texas juniper species – a biodiversity hotspot with more varieties than any other US state! Learn how she transforms these native treasures, like the Alligator Juniper and the rare Red Berry Juniper, into award-winning gins with distinct personalities.

Meanwhile, So-Han of West China Tea expertly pairs these exceptional spirits with equally unique and wild-harvested teas, including a "Wild Sparrow" purple green tea and a complex "Needle on the Sea Floor" Oolong. Discover the surprising parallels between tea and gin production, the importance of "Qi" and terroir, and the beautiful synergy when these two worlds collide.

(WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE):

Introduction to Molly Cummings: UT Biology Professor by day, Gin Entrepreneur by night.
Molly's mission: Hunting for the best Texas junipers to create unique gins.
So-Han & Molly's surprising shared background in marine biology!
Tea Tasting 1: Wild Sparrow Purple Green Tea - foraging, processing, and the concept of "Qi."
The incredible biodiversity of Texas Junipers (8 species!).
Debunking "Cedar Fever": The truth about Central Texas junipers (and why they're not in Molly's gin!).
The difference between real tea (Camellia sinensis) and other infusions.
WildGins' unique approach: Diversifying the heart of gin – the juniper itself.
The story of the Alligator Juniper and its discovery for Wild Bark Gin.
WildGins' distillation process: Steeping and then distilling.
The unique rye & malted barley base spirit of WildGins.
Gin Tasting 1: Wild Bark Gin (featuring Alligator Juniper).
Botanicals: Common Juniper, Alligator Juniper, Orris Root, Coriander, Orange Peel.
The story behind the coyote on the label and naming individual trees.
Parallels with "single tree" teas.
Why it took a "weirdo biologist" to explore Texas's best junipers.
WildGins' "Give a Wild Buck" campaign for the Nature Conservancy.
The interconnectedness of wild trees.
Pairing Perfection: Wild Bark Gin chased with Wild Sparrow Tea – and then mixed!
Gin Tasting 2: Wild June Gin (American Style, featuring Red Berry Juniper).
Botanicals: Red Berry Juniper, Common Juniper, Angelica, Orris, Citrus, Hops, White Pepper, Cinnamon.
Tea Tasting 2: Needle on the Sea Floor Oolong Tea.
Tasting the distinct character of Red Berry Juniper.
The symbiotic relationships in nature and how junipers can even seed clouds!
Where to find WildGins Co. products.
Final Pairing: Wild June Gin mixed with Needle on the Sea Floor Oolong.
Where to find West China Tea.
(FEATURED SPIRITS & TEAS):

WildGins Co.'s Wild Bark Gin (Alligator Juniper)
WildGins Co.'s Wild June Gin (Red Berry Juniper)
West China Tea's Wild Sparrow Purple Green Tea
West China Tea's Needle on the Sea Floor Oolong Tea
(CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST & HOSTS):

WildGins Co.:
Website: https://www.wildgins.com
  / wildginstx  

West China Tea (So-Han):
Website: https://westchinatea.com
Instagram & TikTok: @WestChinaTea
YouTube: ‪@TeaHouseGhost‬
Visit the new Teahouse: 1715 East 7th, Austin, TX

Whiskey Provisioner (Richard):
  / richard_whiskey_somm  

⸺ credits ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺
Richard Amiro - host
http://richardamiro.com
So-Han Fan - guest
   / @teahouseghost  https://westchinatea.com/
Cory Cranfill - a really helpful guy
   / @shedlogic  https://www.righttoolmedia.com
Guest - Molly Cummings
  / wildginstx  
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