Climate crisis could alter the taste of your gin and tonic, say scientists

The flavour of a gin and tonic is at risk of being altered by climate change, according to scientists.

- Helena Horton

Volatile weather patterns, made more likely by the climate crisis, could change the taste of the juniper berry, the botanical that gives gin its distinctive taste.

Scientists from Heriot-Watt University's international centre for brewing and distilling have found that changing weather patterns may be altering the flavour compounds in the berries.

The berries have their own regional "terroir" just like wine, depending on rainfall and sunshine, according to the findings published in the Journal of the Institute of Brewing.