#Juniper Berry Market Market

[peachdues]

peach!! what would you recommend for someone who who likes scents like:

and also types like ysl's black opium?

I'm in the market for something new!

BESTIEEE YOU HAVE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!! YSL Black Opium was my wedding scent, so I’m ALL about the pink pepper fragrances!!

Okay, so first up for the floral-fruity combo

Deja Vu White Flowers by Kayali — this is actually probably my most repurchased perfume. INSANE lasting power and it ALWAYS gets me compliments. God I love this one so much.

Notes: gardenia • jasmine • vanilla • tuberose • Sri Lankan sandalwood

Burberry Her — I was pleasantly surprised how much I loved this one. Its sweet but not overpowering

Notes: dark berries • jasmine • violet • musk-amber

Dare by browngirl Jane

Notes: top (juicy cherry • lychee • black pepper) • middle (pink peony • rose damascena • sakura bloom) base notes (Italian leather • musk • amber woods)

James by Rosie Jane

Notes: fig • Amber • gardenia

YSL Libre intense — another one of my favorites. I wear this one almost every day to work

Notes: lavender essence • orange blossom absolut • white tea accord • saffron

For perfumes similar to Black Opium —

Lush’s Lord of Misrule — I have such a love for this perfume. The staying power is insaneeee and it’s a really decent price!

Notes: patchouli • black pepper • vanilla

Golden Nectar by Nest New York — another favorite of mine that I discovered last year. It’s so warm and sweet but also very unexpected?? I love it so much oh my god. I find myself smelling my wrist allll day when I wear this

Notes: golden orchid • amber • musk

Ataraxia by Pearla-Nera

Notes: top notes (pink pepper, orange blossom, pear) • middle notes (white flowers • jasmine • coffee) • base notes (vanilla • patchouli • cedar wood • musk)

Lancôme’s midnight rose — YOU WANNA TALK OGS?? I started using this perfume at 15 and sid not use any other for over ten years. This perfume was so known among my friends, my students, even acquaintances that people knew me by scent alone. God I love this.

Notes: top notes ( raspberry • black currant bud absolut) • middle notes (rose absolut • jasmine) • base notes (vanilla • musk)

Voodoo lily by heretic perfume — it’s a limited edition but I might actually beg them to make it mainstream. Oh my goddd this one

Notes: top (geranium • coroiander • frankincense • cedar • juniper • black pepper) • middle (Moroccan rose • black currant • lily accord) • base notes (patchouli • sandalwood • oud • styrax)

[wooahaes]

on the house

pairing: non-idol!seungmin x gn!reader

genre: fluff.

word count: 0.8k~

warnings: food mentions. reader has a golden retriever. reader and seungmin crushing on each other like idiots btw.

daisy's notes: also hi isa @sseastar thank u for help on this one as well!! <3

Seungmin liked the familiarity of the farmers market. The faces he saw regularly, both in terms of customers and other vendors, and the fact he could always find something interesting when his grandfather gave him a small break to explore. It wasn’t monotonous in the slightest (that’s where the interesting things helped), but… if there was one constant he could count on, it was you.

See, Seungmin barely remembered when you started coming here. All he knew was that you did, because you’d always walk your golden retriever through, and you’d always stop by this stall to see what jams and whatnot his grandfather bought this time. Your pup (Juniper, you once told him, like the berry? You can call her Junie, though) was always so well-behaved, even though she always knew Seungmin was carrying treats in his pockets (mainly for her). He’d chat you up as you looked through the selection, sometimes kneeling down to give Junie her treats and attention. He liked the cute bandanas you had loosely tied around her, just barely hiding her collar, and the way she sat dutifully by your side. You’d always told him that Juniper loved seeing him.

But Seungmin, thankfully, was not an idiot. It was you. You liked seeing him. You had a crush on him. And, no, it did not take someone else pointing it out to him for him to realize.

(He didn’t realize it until his grandfather let it slip that you’d come by twice until he told you Seungmin was too busy with exams to be there. That he would be back on Saturday, though, and sure enough… There you were, casually strolling past.)

For a while, Seungmin had just assumed you really liked jam. Or that you were a fan of fruit, since you sometimes bought some from their stand as well. The jam was the showstopper of it all, though: it was what people always loved the most, and you’d always complimented it when you came by. Yet figuring out that it was him you were coming for made a lot more sense. Sure, he liked the jam, too, but he couldn’t imagine himself stopping by constantly to survey the different kinds. Learning that you were crushing on him made him a little more smug, though: you were cute, and he liked you enough from your talks…

So when you came by later that week, Seungmin had a plan. His grandpa always ended up helping other customers, sending Seungmin over to you to help you make your selection and pay. Conversation always came easy to the two of you: he’d ask you about college, you’d ask him about college, and then you’d start talking about something silly that happened. Sometimes about Felix (he’s just my friend!) or Hyunjin (also just a friend–I’m single, haha) and something that they said…

“You know,” Seungmin was picking up a jar of strawberry jam, carefully wrapping it to keep it secure. “You don’t have to keep buying so much jam. I know you want to see me.”

“What?” Your eyes went wide, and for a moment, Seungmin wondered if he fucked up. Yet he saw the way you averted your gaze, pouting a little as you grew more flustered. Oh. He caught you outright. “Junie wants to see you. Not me.” 

He chuckled. “Right… Just Juniper.”

“I’m here for the jam,” you said, still not meeting his gaze. The moment your eyes flickered back to him (just to his hands), you tore them away immediately, too embarrassed to even look at him now. “Nothing else. It’s not like I like you like that—”

Ah. He’d have to never mention that to anyone. Jeongin would tease him and say something about you ‘stealing his line’ since Seungmin… wasn’t always the most up front with his feelings. This time had been different: one of you needed to make a move, and Seungmin didn’t want your wallet to hurt any further than it already did. 

“Grandpa said you came by when I was busy with exams,” he said, “and that you suddenly didn’t come back until Saturday since he told you that’s when I’d be back.”

“That means literally nothing. You carry treats for Juniper. Why would I subject her to expecting to see you?” You finally gathered your nerves enough to meet Seungmin’s gaze for a minute. “Maybe if your grandparents didn’t make good jam—”

He chuckled, picking up one of the mini jars while his grandfather wasn’t looking. He jotted down his number on a sticky note, placing it into the bag.

“Wait, I didn’t—”

“It’s on the house,” he said. “Just call me later. I’ll be mad if you don’t.” 

You snatched the sticky note off the top of it, shoving it into your pocket for safekeeping. “Then pick up when I do… or I’ll be mad if you don’t.”

He’d make sure to answer on the first ring if it meant seeing your flustered face again soon… outside of the farmers market.

taglist: @twancingyunhao @weird-bookworm

[mathosapabeads]

the market today was kind of a bust, but i finished these earrings. handmade cabs from pourfection, juniper berries from navajo nation, smoked hide backing. these will be available with my next restock, october 29th, 6pm pacific.

[hezzabeth]

Next story part of Saying Farewell to Armageddon

A forest had engulfed Baker Street. A romantic, sunlit forest with twisting trees covered in puffy, bright yellow blossoms bursting from upturned cobblestones. Dotted among them were smaller, dark trees heavy with bunches of magenta berries. Two of the feral children had already attacked the berries, their lips a deep purple.

Dityaa stopped helping Revati with the popcorn cart and started skipping towards the children. Revati sneezed loudly as the pollen hit her nose. She hated to admit it, but it was all rather pretty.

A few feet away, Brigadeiro was working outside the greenhouse along with the school students and Dusk. Mrs. Gupta was glaring at them with firm disapproval. “Does that fool have any idea how much water plants use?” She grumbled to Revati, who was pushing the cart towards everyone.

“I told you, Mrs. Gupta, these are all drought-resistant native Australian plants,” Brigadeiro replied as he stooped over an upturned cobblestone, spraying the mud below. There was a faint rustling sound, and a bush burst from the earth. The bush had peculiar finger-like mint-green leaves. Seconds later, it was covered in hot pink fleshy fruit.

“They look like your hair,” Revati remarked, faintly startled by the entire thing. “Here, try one,” Brigadeiro replied, picking a piece of fruit and handing it to Revati.

“I was only gone for less than an hour,” Revati pointed out.

“I know, if I had more time, I would have been able to turn that old fountain into a herb garden,” Brigadeiro said with a small shrug.

A fresh, salty-sweet flavor hit Revati’s tongue, and she swallowed loudly, staring at the fruit with astonishment. “It’s so unusual,” she said after a second of shocked silence.

“Enchylaena tomentosa, otherwise known as Ruby Saltbush; they used to grow wild all over the deserts of Australia,” Brigadeiro said as Revati devoured the rest of the berry.

“Australia? Is that one of the smaller Saturn moons?” Revati asked, and Brigadeiro chuckled.

“No, it’s an ancient old Earth country,” Brigadeiro said. As far as Revati knew, nobody had stepped foot on old Earth in almost a thousand years.

“Don’t laugh at me, you thought a dog was a shoe!” Revati snapped back, tossing the rest of the fruit onto the earth. The bush rustled, and a branch grabbed the bright pink berry, shoving it into the dirt.

“Is it supposed to do that?” Revati asked, faintly horrified.

“Oh yes, it’s just reabsorbing its nutrients! All plants are modified to be self-sustaining,” Brigadeiro said cheerfully, and he reached into his jumpsuit pocket once again. This time he pulled out a tiny, slim plastic box. He held it up to his eye, and it made a clicking sound.

“What’s that?” Revati asked suspiciously.

“Oh this is just my seed vault! I did my master's thesis project on native Australian plants,” he said as he showed Revati the inside of his vault. The inside of the box was filled with tiny balls of clear goo, each with a speck inside.

“Why are you doing this? These seeds would be worth a fortune on the black market,” Revati asked, and Brigadeiro shrugged.

Here's the corrected version of your text:

"The least I can do after you saved my life is to build a self-sustaining garden for your community," he said, plucking one of the gel balls out before closing the ball with a snap. "Besides, it’s fun! Gardening has always been my passion," he added as he walked to the old fountain.

Juniper and Aurora were busy filling the fountain with volcanic Martian dirt. "You agreed to help him on this project? I thought you hated him," Revati whispered to Aurora.

"Shhh! I don’t hate him! I just don’t want you getting into a mess! I’m willing to like anyone who makes us more food," Aurora hissed.

"Miss Juniper! Will you say our prayer before the planting?" Bridgadeiro asked, and Juniper rolled her eyes.

"Fine, O Goup, Divine Goddess of Fertility and Wellness. Bringer of cosmic balance and nurturer of all that grows. We seek Your bountiful grace and nurturing embrace. To foster life’s richness wherever it flows.

In Your lush gardens, where seeds turn to flowers, Grant us the strength to cultivate with care, To nurture each bud and blossom with love, And rejoice in the abundance we share.

May Your fertile essence inspire our lands, With a symphony of life, vibrant and bright, Guiding our steps in the dance of creation, Under Your watchful, life-giving light. Amen." Juniper finished.

"Amen! That was lovely! You could be a high priestess," Bridgadeiro smiled.

"No thanks," Juniper replied as Bridgadeiro pushed the gel ball into the soil. Bridgadeiro then pulled out the bottle of serum, which was now half empty. "Two pumps," Bridgadeiro smiled, pumping the soil. A vine-like plant with sharp leaves sprang out of the fountain, seconds later covered in heavy greenish-yellow vegetables. "Bush banana, very high in protein, but it tastes best cooked," Bridgadeiro smiled, gesturing to the plant.

Bridgadeiro reached for his seed vault again, and Revati grabbed his hand. "No, you've given us more than enough! Stop wasting your serum," she said firmly.

"What the hell is that doing here?" Nanni's voice suddenly screamed. Nanni was standing next to the popcorn cart, pointing at the broken android.

"We found it in the maze, right after I sucked a bunch of black sand out of Queen Victoria’s bosom," remarked Dityaa. Dityaa was sitting on the ground, fashioning a flower crown out of several yellow flower-covered twigs.

"Actually, I found it first. She warned me that something called 'the spider' is coming," Revati explained. Nanni was trembling, shaking her head from side to side.

"You need to burn that thing! The only good thing that came from it was your sister!" Nanni said, and Dityaa glanced up, looking faintly confused.

"I came from that? Didn’t I grow in Anna’s body like Sissy?" Dityaa asked curiously, and Nanni pursed her lips together.

"No, you grew in that maternity droid… lots of babies did before the war," Nanni said evasively.

"I did! Then we should save it, we should dress it up and put it on display," Dityaa smiled. Dityaa slowly got up and then tenderly placed the flower crown on the android's head. "Your mother can't see this! Go make a fire right now," hissed Nanni, ripping the crown off.

"It's made out of solid metal! I can't make a fire hot enough to burn it," Revati pointed out.

"You have no idea! This thing killed over a dozen people! It destroyed ripped their hands off!" Nanni grimaced, kicking it.

"Really? It seemed more interested in saving us," Revati said dubiously.

"It's an empty shell, you can't trust emptiness! It could be filled with anything," Nanny said firmly, and Aurora cleared her throat slightly.

"Mistress?" She asked.

"Hmm," Revati replied.

"We could take the android to the blacksmith forge; they would be able to melt metal," Aurora said with a small shrug.

"The blacksmith forge, the one in the medieval faire? I'm not in the mood to have rancid urine thrown all over me," Revati shuddered.

"They use it to brush their teeth," Dityaa said helpfully.

"I know a back way of getting in, I use it when I visit my girlfriend," Aurora admitted, blushing bright red.

"Girlfriend?" Revati cried with surprise.

"Yes, she's the daughter of the guy who plays the castle's beekeeper," Aurora admitted with a small shy smile.

"Is that where our honey comes from?" Revati asked, and Aurora nodded meekly.

"Well, you are a lady full of surprises!" Revati said, and Aurora looked pleased.

"I always meet her at noon; we have plenty of time to get the android there," Aurora said. Revati glanced up at the sky. "It’s hard to tell what time it is; the trees are blocking the sun," Revati grimaced with annoyance. "It's 10:32 AM circus Martian time," Bridgadeiro said helpfully, flipping over his wrist. A glowing clock had been tattooed onto his skin. Revati flinched, and Bridgadeiro smiled reassuringly.

"Don’t worry! It’s just a standard tattoo clock; it doesn’t think for itself," Bridgadeiro said reassuringly, and Revati sighed with relief.

"Can I come too? I’m dying to see the inside of Medieval faire!" Dityaa remarked.

"Only if you go clean yourself up; you’re starting to smell like a blocked drain," Revati firmly replied.

"I smell like vanilla and fresh flowers!" Dityaa shrieked back before storming off in the direction of their home.

"Medieval Faire. Before the tornado, Revati only ever visited Medieval Faire once a week. Revati would slip her hand into her father's, and together they would head down to trade carrots. Father had at one point asked if they wanted any tomatoes, and Lady Morganna shrieked it was "new world poison." Out of all the actors, the residents of Medieval Faire were the most authentic.

[earthstellar]

Just thinkin' about Nightshade: The Meaning of a Name

This started out as me thinking about how much I love their beast mode, and turned into thinking about their designation.

So, for those who might live in regions where Nightshade doesn't grow naturally, Nightshade is massively, massively poisonous.

So much so, that it's called Deadly Nightshade. In the UK, it's famous for being the plant that Macbeth probably used to poison Duncan's troops.

I always grew up hearing it called Belladonna, which is part of its Latin name, Atropa belladonna.

"Atropa" comes from "Atropos", the name of the Grecian Fate who severs the thread of life. (If you've seen the Disney Hercules movie, this is the Fate who cuts the thread with scissors.)

It has a beautiful purple and yellow flower, more reminiscent of Tarantulas' colours than Nightshade's.

It also features little black/dark purple berries.

Now, Nightshade is a great name for a bot that turns into an owl.

The name doesn't necessarily have anything to do with the plant.

However! I'm overthinking it anyway, so let's goooooo

Bad Implications!

What's super interesting is that Deadly Nightshade has some symbolic meanings in the UK/Europe; Namely, that Nightshade is one of the Devil's chosen plants, and that eating it (especially the berries) would bring Satan's wrath down upon the consumer as punishment.

It can represent danger, risk, betrayal, punishment, hopelessness, and sometimes even murder.

Plants with similarly mythologised toxic properties are Pennyroyal and Juniper-- Both of which can harm humans in various quantities.

(Interestingly, Pennyroyal is still sold in the UK as an insect repellent, and I even have some in my closet and drawers to repel moths-- But it is most famous as a risky historical abortifacient. I am usually asked for ID when I buy it in London Bridge Market, and they ask if you are familiar with it's use/inform you not to consume it when you buy it.

Juniper is most famous for being a common ingredient in sloe gin, but only in careful amounts. We've seen people in A&E come in with kidney pains from trying to make homemade gin, who ended up poisoning themselves by using the wrong type of juniper berry, or by concentrating it too much. Juniper was also considered a risky historical abortifacient.)

But in regards to Deadly Nightshade, a lot of people have hurt themselves trying to take advantage of its psychoactive properties-- Primarily in the form of the hyoscyamine and scopolamine (tropane alkaloids) found in the plant. However, the dosage is too finnicky, and it's way too easy for someone to poison themselves by accident. It's happened before. :( This plant is far too dangerous to use for these purposes. Do not consume!

But because of this connection with psychoactive properties, Deadly Nightshade is also sometimes symbolic of altered states of mind, having visions, or esoteric/magical thinking.

You can see this in a few fine arts works throughout history, various bits of folklore, and other historical media such as stage plays since audiences would be familiar with this plant as being a potential poison (thus making it a good choice for a playwright to work into a story).

Medical Applications!

The medication Atropine was first created via concentrated extracts derived from Deadly Nightshade. It has multiple medical applications, and can be concentrated from other members of the Nightshade family of plants, not just Belladonna.

Interestingly, although it can be poisonous on its own if someone decides to munch on the plant or its berries (a bad idea, do not eat any part of this plant ever), medically concentrated Atropine can be used in healthcare environments when administered appropriately to help address certain organophosphate poisonings by blocking muscarinic receptors by way of disrupting the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine.

Something that is sort of interesting is that historically, people used to put small amounts of liquid concentrated Deadly Nightshade into their eyes, as this resulted in very dilated pupils. This was considered a desirable cosmetic effect, hence the "Belladonna" part of the plant name-- It means "beautiful woman"! And Nightshade absolutely has large, round eyes with big pupils. (Do not put this shit in your eyes, it is a bad idea. Do not fuck with poisonous plants in general. Just need to be super clear on this!)

Again, that's an owlish trait, and it doesn't necessarily have to do with the plant. But I like that it could go either way.

I've also spotted Deadly Nightshade growing in overgrown cemeteries in the south of England, typically those that are near wooded/forested areas. So it's interesting that Nightshade got their alt-mode in a cemetery near a forest, since this plant is known to grow in woodlands.

But I wonder if Nightshade's name might have multiple implications; Especially considering their relationship with Tarantulas-- who we still haven't seen again, as of yet anyway-- it will be interesting to see how things play out.

Hopefully this is at least interesting trivia! :)

Also, Obvious PSA: Once again, don't eat any of the plants/flowers/berries mentioned here, you can die or suffer a surprisingly large amount of pain/potential organ damage. Either way, don't eat this stuff.

[iamnotyourgodsherald]

Fanfic Work!

Welcome back! This was based of Anon’s request for a Qunari Male Rook and Lucanis so I decided to make it a short fluffy and comforting work! Right in time for the season!Maybe Ill add a bit of spice to it later, who knows <3

For now, take some fall season comfort!

Pairing: Qunari M!Rook X Lucanis Dellamorte

Contains: Snuggling, comfort, cozy feelings.

I was walking down the stairs from my room in the Lighthouse, ready to go talk to Harding about her feelings on the last mission when I smelled the familiar spices of star anise, cinnamon, clove, and then the strong scent of crisp apples.

I followed the scent to the kitchen where my love, Lucanis, was cooking at the stove. His dark eyes watching the contents with sharp focus.

He was wearing his usual casual clothes, with a small apron on. His little coffee cup sitting next to the stove.

“I was wondering who could be baking.” I said in a cheery tone.

I ducked my head to avoid my horns hitting the top of the door, walking over to the side of Lucanis to watch what he was doing. I gave him a quick kiss on the side of his forehead, and started hugging him from behind as he stirred.

“I am not a baker. Meals, I can make. Baked goods, I cannot. I am making cider.” He wearily said.

“Cider! I haven’t had apple cider since I was a child! We used to drink it in Orlais when the weather turned frosty and the leaves changed color!”

I excitedly looked over his shoulder, the scent of the cider was strong and comforting. Like being wrapped in a warm blanket. The color of that perfect dark tan color was starting to come through in the pot and made me want to drink it straight out of the pot.

“You used to live in Orlais?”

“Grew up in the forests of Orlais. Easier to hide there when you're on the run from the Qun, I guess.”

“I see. That explains why the recipe came from an Orlesian vendor… I had to go through the Eluvian and sneak into Val Rouyex’s market just to get these apples. The recipe was very specific.”

I scrunched my nose, thinking of the bitter flavor that could possibly be in there. Orlesian culture likes misery and tends to put it in their cuisine. Their mark.

“Be careful using an Orlesian recipe… Could make the cider taste… off.” I gently cautioned.

“Trust me. I know.” He chuckled, bringing up the recipe page to his face, reading it off. “Add Juniper Berries if you wish to give your cider that taste of autumnal depression.”

I laughed as he tried to do an orlesian accent, hunkering down so I could bury my face in his back.

“You didn’t add them, did you?” I asked, hopeful.

I looked at the pot, looking for any aign of the berry but did not see them.

“I think I have had enough depression for this fall season.” I said with my tongue out.

He laughed in response, and he gently shrugged me off.

“No. I wanted this to be special for you. You hate bitterness.” He said, a bit shyly.

“Let me get some mugs for us. I want to drink this together.” I suggested.

“You want me to try it?”

I looked down, tracing my nails into the counter. Making them do figure eights. Almost shy to ask him.

“My family… when it got cold, we’d make apple cider and cozy up by the fireplace. My parents were not used to the cold so they'd snuggle with us and drink cider. Telling scary stories and making plans to bake. Things like that. I was hoping since you and I are together now that you’d want to do that with me?”

His eyes got big and soft, staring at me. He already seemed uncomfortable to me so I started to try and back track.

“Sorry, I just miss home and-“ I stammered.

“It honestly sounds… Very nice. Let’s do it.” He nodded.

“Are you sure? I don't want to force you-“

“You cannot force me to do something I do not want to do. Let's get… cozy.”

I excitedly ran out of the room, my heart all a flutter. I quickly grabbed my blankets from my room, speeding down to the fireplace area and laying our blankets out in front of the fire, running back up to grab pillows and more blankets until a sort of cozy blanket nest had been made. Lucanis came in with the mugs and set them on the table nearby, looking over at me with an amused but confused expression.

“You really went all out.” He chuckled.

“I really want to do this with you. Come! Bring the mugs! I want to wrap you up and snuggle you!”

Lucanis lowered his face but I could see his face turning pink as he grabbed the mugs, coming over.

“Alright… Take your mug first. I will…settle in.”

“Here! Sit on my lap!” I tapped enthusiastically.

“Y-your lap?” He said with an embarrassed expression.

“Yeah! I want to hold you!”

He nervously lowered himself onto my lap, his legs hanging off of one side and pressing the side of his body into my chest as I wrapped my blanket around us and around him tightly.

“Therreee we go…” I purred in contentment.

“Mm… This is nice… I feel…like I’m melting into you.” He purred.

“It’s nice, huh?”

“Very.”

I grabbed my cup, and sipped at its contents. The cider is so crisp and refreshing and the spices… So warm and bright. Reminded me perfectly of home.

I saw Lucanis bring the cup to his lips and then a soft and gentle coo escaped his body.

“That is… very comforting. Especially with the cold weather we've been fighting in. It's perfect for chasing a chill away.”

“You are so precious, I can’t handle it!”

I hugged him closely and kissed his face, nuzzling my face into his.

He reacted like a cat. He tried to bury himself deeper into my lap, but when he couldn’t escape he just sat there and took it but growled in discontent.

“Rooook… you're embarrassing me.”

“But you are!” I smiled.

“You are the one who is precious here. Soft and warm. So kind as well. Like a really nice bear.”

“Are you saying ‘bear’ because I am a Qunari?”

“Bears are fluffy and big. You are big and quite soft, are you not?” Lucanis argued.

I laughed and held him tighter, snuggling him closer. My heart was beating softly, watching over Lucanis sip at the coder. His soft dark hair falling in his face as he snuggled into my chest.

“Rook?”

“Yes, my little bird?”

“Let’s stay like this for a while.”

I smiled and watched the fire, putting some blanket over him while he nestled in.

“Whatever you want, Lucanis.”

[saa-na]

went to see dad because i bought him some juniper berry and rosemary earl grey tea as a little gift for funzies and the dog was sooo in love with me today. and then i said bye and cycled to the big car market and bought coffee and chocolate covered digestives #breakfast #win

[maximumwobblerbanditdonut]

The <0.5 % ABV spirit is made with locally foraged rowan berries

Loch Lomond creates first non-alc spirit

Spirits producer Loch Lomond Group has entered the low-and-no market with a non-alcoholic botanical ‘spirit’ version of its Ben Lomond Gin.

The non-alcoholic botanical spirit, which has an ABV of less than 0.5%, is inspired by the full-strength Ben Lomond Scottish Gin and has a similar citrus and juniper-focused flavour profile.

Locally foraged rowan berries from Loch Lomond and the Trossachs are described as adding a ‘crisp bitterness’, while the sweetness of Scottish blackcurrants provide balance.

Its tasting notes see orange and pine on the nose, and sweet berries and rowan berries on the palate. The finish is said to bring citrus and berries to the fore with peppery spice.

It will debut at the 152nd Open golf championship, taking place at the Royal Troon Golf Club in Ayrshire between 18-21 July.

The spirit will be poured across bars at the championship and will also be available to purchase from the Ben Lomond Gin website for £22 (US$28).

John Grieveson, chief marketing officer of Ben Lomond Gin and its owner Loch Lomond Group, said: “Over the past few years, we’ve seen the trend towards more mindful consumption increasing. However, this doesn’t mean consumers should have to compromise on quality or taste.

“Ben Lomond Gin has always been passionate about giving people the freedom to explore, to drink wherever and however they choose. Our Non-Alcoholic Botanical Spirit is a delicious non-alcoholic gin alternative to be savoured anywhere you choose, ensuring you can fully embrace everyday adventure.

“We’re excited to debut this elevated option to the low and no-alcohol category at the 152nd Open at Royal Troon, where we look forward to hearing what gin enthusiasts and golf fans think of our new creation.”

Last year Loch Lomond Group created two limited edition whiskies and a gin for The Open. It has a partnership with the championship until 2028.

The gin Ben Lomond released for The Open this year – The Open 2024 Special Edition (43% ABV, £45/US$58) – was made with native botanicals hand-picked directly from Royal Troon, including tansy herb, elderberries and blackberry leaves.

The low-and-no space is developing at pace. IWSR data predicts the sector will rise by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6% from 2023 to 2027 in 10 key markets – and this will be driven by non-alcoholic products, rather than low-alcohol

By Rupert Hohwieler

Posted 15th July 2024

————————————

You are welcome to The Open ⛳ 🤗 The Perfect NON-ALCOHOLIC GIN ALTERNATIVE

NON-ALCOHOLIC BOTANICAL SPIRIT

Bold & Versatile

£22.00

#LochLomond #non-alcoholspirit #TheOpen #Spirits Business

Posted 17th July 2024

[sirenjose]

What Arbor Day/2022 lore ?

My best summary of the event:

Eli is a wandering bard who's home, once a lush forest, has transformed into a desert after 10 years.

Demi runs Desert Inn, which she opened with her brother. He created a fruit punch recipe using wild berries they picked together as they wandered the world until his disappearance some years ago. As she's awaited his return, she watched the forest cut down for fuel and construction of markets and pubs that took business away from her fruit punch sales using the recipe her brother left for her.

Eli stays at the inn, telling her he's awaiting friends he promised to reunite with under the ash tree to celebrate Ashen Day to show their appreciation for nature by singing and playing music.

Eli then meets Robbie, a child who no longer has his parents or sister and currently lives at the inn after the Juniper tree he used to live under was cut down.

After Robbie is Naib. The ash tree reminds him of home, a faraway place he's had to get used to being away from but was destroyed while he was away. He now makes a living by "running errands" for others and sends what he earns to his mother.

Next is Antonio, a "world-class violinist" who's played for the king and princess but detests how nobles have ruined nature while attempting to replicate it in their art. He's fallen in love with the princess, who he promises to return to on "the day I promised" but tells her to stop looking for him until then, and at the moment is looking for "extraordinary" inspiration and "nostalgia".

Victor arrives last to deliver a letter, but is encouraged to join in the festivities by the others.

It's then that Eli reveals they are the "friends" he'd been awaiting (he was searching for people like him who want change) and asks that they reunite when the ash trees bloom.

[simplegenius042]

FC5 Silva Omar Aesthetics

Bold - YES

Italics - Somewhat

HOLLAND VALLEY.

red, gold, and orange leaves against a clear blue sky // rows of apple trees in an orchard // pick your own pumpkin patches // baskets of puppies // a sleeping fawn hidden away from predators // pumpkin spice // the bite of apple cider // a harvest festival // the faint smell of a bonfire on the wind // the slight unease of getting lost in a corn maze // a hint of fall in the air when it’s still warm // golden sunsets // leaves just beginning to turn from green to orange // the rumble of a tractor // the buzz of an airplane flying low overhead // golden wheat swaying in the wind // the smell of gasoline // sprawling river deltas // crystal clear water // an old wooden dresser // family heirlooms // jingling keys // crimson blood // dark ink on parchment // the sting of a bruise // the warmth of a grand fireplace // gunmetal // work boots in the mud // cattails // the harsh cry of crows // the faint musty smell of taxidermy animals // farm animals making a racket // open air farmers markets // catching your clothes on a barbed wire fence // a fresh breeze through an open window // white rocking chairs // old farmhouses // scarecrows // wild westerly winds // the barely contained excitement for the approach of autumn

WHITETAIL MOUNTAINS.

fishing at dawn // the smell of woodsmoke clinging to your clothes and hair // wolfsong // locking eyes with another predator // a night that falls faster than expected // the crisp hint of snow in the air // log cabins // the scent of evergreen trees // stone fireplaces // a well worn camouflage jacket // old field guide books// the smell of a cigarette still lingering on your hands // lager // the roar of whitewater rapids // cool dark caves // the rough wood of an antique gun // the scent of iron // woodland paths crisscrossed by gnarled tree roots // a haze of dust from a recent rockslide // losing your breath as you wade into an icy river // winding mountain roads // an eagle’s cry // the bright red flash of a foxes tail at the corner of your eye // the patter of rain on dead leaves // petrichor // seeing your breath in the cold morning air // the click of a projector // the jangling of a chain link fence // gunpowder // the sizzling of a grill // burnt hair // the grand lobby of a lodge // gravel crunching underfoot // the cry of blue jays // information boards // brochures piled on a table // cold metal bars // the sour smell of a lumber mill // the rough texture of scouting achievement badges // muffled oldies music from another room // sharpening a hunting knife // blood red leaves blooming from bone white birch trees // red bleeding into the edges of your vision

HENBANE RIVER.

cloying floral scents // the thick mist that gathers near the ground at dawn // dewdrops sparkling on spiderwebs // the almost too intense morning sun // unseasonable warmth // birdsong // honeyed wine // walking barefoot in the cool grass // the clanging of a jail cell door // spying hazy figures of animals in the fog // lemon balm and lavender // the low growl of a wildcat that you can’t see (but it sees you) // choking clouds of pollen settling on cars like snow // vineyards // faint humming and singing from an unidentifiable source // juniper berries // feeling uncomfortably hot in overly formal clothes // lace // burning incense // frogs in the reeds // soft brunette tresses // long winding rivers // mesmerizing music // glistening trout // the sweet nectar of honeysuckle flowers // rumbling of truck motors // glass beakers // bundles of dried flowers // wind chimes tinkling // rough concrete bricks // tumbling barrels // the ringing of a vintage phone // sweet words // broken promises // moonflower and datura // the smell of freshly cut grass // the faint sound of children laughing

JOSEPH’S COMPOUND.

babbling brooks // humming // whistling // dogs barking // grand oak trees // the faint sound of hymns // a crate of ripe peaches // melted wax candles // the smell of fresh newspaper clippings // caged birds singing // a warm embrace // wrought iron arches // flames reaching for the sky // gentle voices murmuring // your feet sliding in thick mud // pouring rain // vape smoke // the slight scent of sweat // ink on skin // the smell of wooden church pews // the rustle of hymnals // old book smell // slight hint of ozone from old electronics // bradford pear petals floating on the breeze

DUTCH’S ISLAND.

creaking metal hinges // the crackle of a radio // the scratch of an old record player // the smell of antiseptic // the flickering light of a projector // the feel of pushing pins into cork board // echoing footsteps // shelves stacked with canned food and mason jars // dark shadowy figures on the edge of your vision // gleaming metal badges // a table of bullet shell casings // vertigo from standing on swaying radio towers // the sound of shattering glass // whistling pipes // suffocating heat // the chatter of squirrels // faint scent of mothballs// the sputter of a boat engine // the high electronic whine of an old television turning on // the sound of distant gunfire // tear stained letters // old family photographs // the smell of a mildewy basement

[honeyed-poet]

Voretober Day 17

Prompt: Drink

I tried something a little different in my mead brewing recently. Mixing in some juniper berries, yarrow, and hibiscus leaves to give it a nice red hue and delicious flavour.

I went to a market in a local village to sell it, and immediately after serving a few samples, it was selling out in no time at all! The months work had been worth it!

Unfortunately… preds attend those markets too, and I learned firsthand that some preds have a “fun” tradition when they discover a new brew made by a prominent prey…

They take the brewer, and see how well they pair with their creation.

She was so polite about it at first, that giantess, talking to me sweetly and paying for the last of the mead. Enough, at least, to fill her stein at home. I thanked her profusely, turned to pack up… and in an instant, I was grabbed, tossed into her purse, and carried back to her house… and you can guess what happened next.

Apparently the sweet yet salty accents of my skin, along with the hint of honey flavour offset the berries of the mead nicely… she really was quite the connoisseur. Accurately describing every flavour note of the mead and my body out loud as she drank and tossed me about her mouth, until at long last, she drained the glass, and swallowed me…

I sat there, feeling the last of my passion project drain into her massive belly with me… and she reclined on her couch, somewhat drunk, and very satisfied.

Thinking fast before digestion set in, I informed her that there was more mead back at my home, and if she let me go, I’d show her the way…

She considered this for a long moment. Too long, my skin reddening and tingling from the potent mix of alcohol and acids inside her. Until at last, I heard her swallowing something else… a bit of rope for me to ascend by. And with a steady grip and a long tug from her end, I had somehow survived.

I fled as fast as I could, of course, and she was too drunk to track me. But I still sent her a healthy amount of my next batch. Repeat customers are good, even if they do want to eat me.

[parfumieren]

Secrets of Egypt (DSH Perfumes)

In one of her many incarnations, my friend JC served as a special exhibition curator for a major art museum. She recalls the singular experience of receiving a traveling exhibit of ancient Egyptian artifacts:

The most fragile and precious object was the mummified remains of a child, a young girl who was in no condition to make the journey. While two of us could have lifted her up and into the display case, there were six of us just to be certain no harm came to her. We felt very strongly that she should be pulled from the show. The exhibit coordinators appreciated our input… but said that some of the major funding they received hinged on the fact that at least one mummy be included. Over the years I had been alone in the Gallery at closing, with the lights out, on numerous occasions. However, when I found myself alone with the ancient objects of the Nile, it was somehow different. I sensed a presence. I wasn't necessarily frightened, but I didn't feel the desire to linger, either. The first time that I encountered this feeling, it really took me by surprise because it was palpable… never had I been so struck by the power of seemingly inanimate objects. There was weight and energy and power… almost a smoky essence in the air. It was as if the collective history of all of the objects formed a powerful force that commanded reverence. In that respect, I wasn't alone. I've held great works of art in my hands over the years. Rembrandt, Warhol, Dali. I've held Walt Whitman's famous hat and a first edition of Leaves of Grass. So many beautiful and awe-inspiring things-- but nothing compares in my mind to the objects from Egypt. They were the real deal.

Waiting at the root of every journey into fragrant history is ancient Egypt, where perfume pervaded all aspects of life, death, and afterlife. For its 2010-11 exhibit entitled Tutankhamun: The Golden King & the Great Pharaohs, the Denver Art Museum commissioned perfumer Dawn Spencer Hurwitz to interpret four notable formulae of the time period: Susinon, Metopion, Megaleion, and The Mendesian. To these, Hurwitz added reworkings of two fragrances from her extant catalog: Arome d’Egypt and Cardamom & Khyphi.

From my armchair travels as a history reader, I was somewhat familiar with kyphi, arguably the best-documented fragrance in pharaonic Egypt. At once perfume, incense, and medicine, kyphi began as a thick paste of raisins, honey, and pulverized aromatic resins macerated in red wine. Mastic, myrrh, frankincense, pine resin, and bdellium (Commiphora wightii, a relative of myrrh also known as gum guggul) were all used in various ratios to build this mighty base. After several days of aging, a variety of aromatic substances were ritually added in a prescribed order. These included sweet flag (Acorus calamus), papyrus (Cyperus papyrus ssp. hadidii), camel grass (Cymbopogon schoenanthus or African lemongrass), aspalathos (a shrub tentatively identified by experts as either caper bush or broom), saffron, spikenard, cinnamon, juniper berries, mint, cassia, cardamom, pine nuts, balm of Gilead buds, cedar, seseli (a flowering member of the carrot family), and bitumen (a naturally occurring black tar used to bind incense mixtures). One can imagine a finished product that smelled formidable, perhaps even overpowering—as befitted the divine rulers who made use of it.

In confronting the challenge of recreating Ancient Egypt through scent, I imagine that Dawn Spencer Hurwitz might have felt a bit like JC cradling the precious, delicate remains of that tiny child-mummy. A perfumer cast in the role of curator, she brought to the project all of the knowledge, zeal, and faith of a duly-deputized priestess of old. But when the end result needs to be marketable in a museum gift shop… the millenia must weigh awful heavy.

We know about the composition and production of kyphi and its companion fragrances because of historians such as Galen, Rufus, Dioscorides, and Plutarch. Due to their careful recordkeeping, a modern perfumer seeking to recreate these signature scents is not left at a disadvantage. It's entirely possible to compound a "reasonable facsimile" of kyphi and even give it a contemporary, personalized twist. But missing from the written recipe is power -- a spiritual significance that takes centuries to accumulate, remains tangible for centuries more, and is impossible to synthesize.

In the Secrets of Egypt museum set kindly gifted to me by a friend, only Susinon (here called 1000 Lilies) is absent. It's just as well; I admit I may not be ready for the essence with which Cleopatra perfumed the sails of her royal vessel, rendering the winds "lovesick" with scent. Instead, I reach first for Keni (The Mendesian), an interpretation of the cinnamon-myrrh accord for which the Delta city of Mendes earned its fame.

Experienced on one axis, Keni certainly does smell like an ancient unguent: hale evergreen and mint notes steeped in a precious chrism. On a second, intersecting axis, I find a burst of modern candy scents -- basil ribbons and cinnamon red-hots, spicy and bright. This is fitting. Drug stores and candy counters share a common ancestor in the apothecary, where medicine and comestible might be one and the same. Owing to my dual love of weird liniments and old-fashioned sweets, Keni (like Heeley's L'Esprit du Tigre) seems right up my alley. But in less than an hour it vanishes, leaving behind only a trace of faint waxy perfume, like that which clings to a candy wrapper once the treat inside has been devoured.

While we travel together, I truly like where Keni is headed. I just wish the trip lasted longer.

Next up: Megaleion. Taking its name variously from a Syracusan perfumer named Megalus and the Greek word megalos (“great”), Megaleion is described as an infusion of cinnamon, cassia, myrrh, and charred frankincense in balanos, an oil derived from seeds of the Balanites aegyptiaca tree. Its preparation is an interesting exercise in alchemical give-and-take. The oil must be kept at a constant boil for days before it is judged ready to receive the aromatic ingredients, whose properties it greedily devours. It remains at a boil for several days more, its scent seeming to diminish as it is stirred. Only when left alone to cool thoroughly does it relinquish all of the fragrance it has absorbed.

Yet it's not cinnamon and cassia I detect most from DSH's version of this age-old accord. Lemongrass and pine conspire to summon up the ghost of juniper berry, one of kyphi's most oft-cited ingredients. The evergreen cypress trees which produce these tiny, blue drupe-like cones originate from Greece, but their presence in Egyptian tombs implies that they were prized across borders and on both sides of life's threshold. In this floral-resinous fragrance hides their appetizing sourness, their astringent bite, and all the implied powers of purification that a Western mind may connect to them.

But the conundrum is this: they are not there. The nose tells lies, and the mind grasps at a ghost.

Antiu (Metopion) confronts the wearer with no such phantoms-- unless you count the galbanum which the name metopion is said to signify, and which here goes nearly undetected. Then again, Dioscorides opines that the best metopion showcases almond over galbanum-- in which case Antiu wins this round. With its notes of fresh carrot-root and pine needle atop a sweet almond foundation, it's a simply pleasant and pleasantly simple fragrance-- sort of a palate cleanser for the challenging course to follow.

When Greek and Arab invaders chiseled their way into ancient Egyptian tombs, they discovered that all of the scented resins, natron salts, and beeswax used to embalm the occupants had mixed with… well, the occupants themselves, biologically speaking. The resulting petrified goo, erroneously labelled pissasphaltus (pitch asphalt), was used to manufacture a range of ancient pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, including a rather esoteric perfume called mūmiyā’. It's said to have smelled like heaven itself-- presumably once you got over the gag factor.

So it is with Arome d'Egypt. A sweet opening marred by a sudden fetid note of wet wood and mushrooms reminds me of spikenard's close relation to that monster of stomach-turning stonk, valerian. Believing myself the possible victim of a primordial scourge, I thrust my arm under my husband’s nose. He takes one sniff, and together we simultaneously intone the solemn incantation against ancient evils: "Eeewwwww!"

Our rough magic works. Shortly thereafter, Arome d’Egypte transforms into a warm, penetrating cinnamon incense with a drydown graced by the cozy, animalic presence of ambrette. I feel at once favored and spared, brushed by a curse and visited by a blessing. Thank the gods!

I'm tempted to preface my final review by saying something conciliatory like “While Cardamom & Khyphi smells very nice indeed…” I mean, it does. A powerful citrus-spice potpourri cozily couched in nougat, it's a fragrance damn near anyone would love to wear. It incorporates enough classic kyphi ingredients (juniper berry, mastic, myrrh) to justify both its name and its place amongst the other Secrets of Egypt. But here's the catch: leaving it until last makes me think less of it. It smells too much like a typical DSH "Yuletide candle" frag for me to suspend disbelief and imagine that it's an authentic reproduction of a great and ancient sacred perfume. I mean, I like it. But when I expect to be Nile-bound, I don’t want to end up back in the Christmas village. You know?

So how to sum up this trip back in time? I keep returning to JC's phrase about a "force that commands reverence". Which of the Secrets of Egypt possesses it? None, to be honest. For a moment, Arome d'Egypt -- with its fear-and-trembling initial salvo -- comes close. But it's ultimately too sweet-mannered to command or enslave me. These are all fine creations, and I sincerely got a kick out of wearing them. But in a strange (and possibly silly) way, I wanted - no, NEEDED - to feel the uncanny breath of some antediluvian entity on the back of my neck, brushing me with a chill right where I applied the perfume.

Still, who knows? I have yet to encounter Susinon/1000 Lilies. Perhaps when I do, the hand of Nefertem herself will extend one of those thousand blossoms my way.

Scent Elements:

Keni (The Mendesian): Bitter almond, cardamom, cassia, cinnamon, sandalwood, benzoin, fragrant wine accord, Atlas cedar, myrrh, pine

Megaleion: Cardamom, cassia, cinnamon, fragrant wine accord, lemongrass, sandalwood, balm of Gilead accord, spikenard, Turkish rose, balsam copaiba, balsam Peru, costus, myrrh, frankincense, pine, sweet flag

Antiu (Metopion): Bitter almond, cardamom, fragrant wine accord, galbanum, lemongrass, sandalwood, rose otto, balm of Gilead accord, honey/beeswax, balsam copaiba, balsam Peru, mastic, myrrh, pine, sweet flag

Arome d’Egypte: Spikenard, cassis, rose, jasmine, labdanum, sandalwood, Virginia cedar, cinnamon bark, amber, benzoin, balsam Peru, frankincense, myrrh, ambrette

Cardamom & Khyphi: Cardamom CO2, cardamom seed absolute, clove bud, plum accord, sugar date accord, sweet orange, honey, juniper berry, labdanum, mastic, myrrh, frankincense, patchouli

[health-win]

Gluco Shield Pro Supplements: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction: The Quest for Better Health As someone keen on maintaining optimal health, I recently tried Gluco Shield Pro, a dietary supplement marketed as a natural way to support healthy blood sugar levels. With its blend of herbal ingredients, it promises to improve energy, regulate blood sugar, and enhance overall well-being. Here's my detailed review based on my experience.

The Packaging and Presentation The first impression of any product often comes from its packaging. The Gluco Shield Pro supplements arrived in a sturdy, neatly designed bottle. The labelling clearly outlined the ingredients and usage instructions, which I found helpful. The compact size makes it easy to store, though the design was quite generic compared to other health products I’ve used.

Ingredients: A Natural Blend of Herbs One of the key selling points of Gluco Shield Pro is its all-natural formulation. Ingredients like cinnamon bark, licorice root, and juniper berry are well-known for their potential health benefits. However, I appreciated the inclusion of lesser-known elements like bitter melon and guggul, which are said to aid in blood sugar regulation. While the herbal combination seems impressive on paper, I wish the website had more information about their exact proportions and clinical backing.

Ease of Use: Straightforward and Convenient The supplement is incredibly easy to incorporate into a daily routine. The instructions recommend taking one capsule daily with water, ideally before a meal. I followed this consistently for a month, finding no difficulty in swallowing the capsules. The dosage is convenient for busy schedules, though some might prefer having an option for powdered or chewable versions.

Initial Observations: Changes in Energy Levels Within the first week, I noticed a subtle boost in energy. I felt less lethargic during mid-afternoon slumps, which was a pleasant surprise. Although I initially doubted whether this was due to Gluco Shield Pro or other factors, the consistent energy levels made me inclined to attribute it to the supplement.

Blood Sugar Regulation: Tangible Effects? As someone with slightly fluctuating blood sugar levels, I was curious to see how this product would perform. After a few weeks of use, I noticed my post-meal sugar spikes were less pronounced, which I confirmed with regular glucose monitoring. While the results weren’t dramatic, they were consistent. This gradual improvement gave me confidence in its efficacy.

Digestive Health: An Unexpected Benefit Another benefit I experienced was improved digestion. Ingredients like cinnamon and licorice root are known to aid gut health, and this was evident in my case. I felt less bloated and more comfortable after meals. This was an unexpected, yet welcome, outcome of using Gluco Shield Pro.

Potential Downsides: Room for Improvement While my overall experience was positive, there were a few drawbacks. Firstly, the supplement doesn’t come with a comprehensive guide on diet or lifestyle adjustments, which are crucial for managing blood sugar. Secondly, while I didn’t experience side effects, the lack of transparency about ingredient proportions may concern some users with allergies or sensitivities. Lastly, the price point could be more competitive given the availability of similar products in the market.

Who Would Benefit the Most? Based on my experience, Gluco Shield Pro is best suited for individuals with mild blood sugar fluctuations looking for a natural supplement to complement a healthy lifestyle. It may also appeal to those interested in herbal remedies or seeking a gentle energy booster.

Final Thoughts: A Worthwhile Addition In conclusion, my month-long experience with Gluco Shield Pro was largely positive. While it’s not a miracle cure, it serves as a valuable supplement for maintaining steady blood sugar levels and improving energy. The all-natural formulation, ease of use, and additional digestive benefits make it a product worth trying for those seeking a holistic approach to health. That said, a more transparent ingredient breakdown and additional guidance would elevate its appeal further.

This review contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase the Gluco Shield Pro supplements through the links provided. These commissions support the maintenance of this website and allow me to continue sharing honest and unbiased reviews. My experience and opinions are entirely my own and are based on my personal use of the product. I recommend Gluco Shield Pro only because I found it beneficial, but individual results may vary. Please consult a healthcare professional before starting any new dietary supplement.

[exitrendmarkettrend]

The Gin Market: A Spirited Journey Through Growth and Flavor

The global Gin Market, once a classic drink associated with old-world sophistication, has seen a resurgence, evolving into a versatile and fashionable spirit enjoyed by enthusiasts worldwide. The global gin market, valued at $13.15 billion in 2023, is projected to grow to $13.88 billion in 2024 and reach $19.23 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 5.58%. This blog explores the trends driving growth in the gin market, its key segments, major brands, and what the future holds for this iconic spirit.

Market Overview

Gin has come a long way from its historical roots. With new types and flavors, gin appeals to a wide range of consumers, from cocktail connoisseurs to casual drinkers. The rise in cocktail culture, consumer interest in artisanal spirits, and innovation in gin flavors have contributed to this spirit’s growing popularity. From spicy and bold varieties to fruity and refreshing options, gin’s adaptability has established it as a staple in bars, restaurants, and homes alike.

Key Market Drivers

Rise in Cocktail Culture: The popularity of mixology and craft cocktails has fueled demand for unique and premium spirits, with gin often serving as the preferred base for cocktails.

Innovation in Flavors: The gin market has expanded beyond traditional juniper-forward profiles, incorporating bold, spicy, and fruity flavors that cater to diverse consumer palates.

Increased Premiumization: Consumers are willing to pay more for premium gin, which is often associated with higher quality, unique botanicals, and superior distillation processes.

Growth of Home Consumption: With more consumers recreating bar-quality drinks at home, the demand for versatile spirits like gin has increased, driving market growth across retail channels.

Market Segmentation

The gin market is segmented by type, application, and region, allowing companies to develop products that meet varying consumer preferences and lifestyles.

1. By Type

Spicy Gin: This type of gin is known for its bold, peppery flavor profile, often including spices like cardamom, coriander, and black pepper. Spicy gin appeals to consumers looking for a gin with complexity and intensity, ideal for mixing in cocktails with a kick.

Old Tom Gin: Sweeter than most other gins, Old Tom Gin has seen a resurgence as cocktail culture revives classic recipes. Its slightly sweet flavor makes it a favorite in vintage cocktails, appealing to consumers seeking authenticity and a hint of nostalgia.

Fruity Gin: Fruity gin has grown in popularity, especially among younger drinkers and those new to gin. Infused with flavors like berries, citrus, or tropical fruits, fruity gin adds a refreshing twist to cocktails and is often enjoyed as a standalone drink with tonic.

2. By Application

Cocktails: Gin’s adaptability in cocktails is one of the primary drivers of its popularity. From classic gin and tonics to sophisticated martinis and refreshing summer punches, gin’s versatility makes it a staple ingredient in the cocktail scene.

Other Applications: While cocktails remain the primary application, gin is also enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Additionally, gin is sometimes used in cooking and baking, adding a unique botanical flavor to sauces, desserts, and even marinades.

3. By Region

North America: The North American market for gin is growing, driven by the popularity of artisanal spirits and cocktail culture, particularly in urban areas. The U.S. is seeing a shift toward premium and flavored gins.

Europe: Europe is a mature market for gin, with countries like the UK and Spain leading in both production and consumption. The region has a strong preference for traditional and innovative gin types.

Asia Pacific: The Asia Pacific market is growing as gin gains popularity among younger consumers, particularly in metropolitan areas. The rise of cocktail bars and interest in Western spirits are driving demand.

Latin America and the Middle East & Africa: These regions are experiencing a gradual increase in gin consumption, with demand driven by growing urban populations and an emerging cocktail culture.

Key Players in the Gin Market

The gin market is dominated by well-established brands and distilleries that continue to innovate, offering unique botanicals and flavor profiles. Leading players include:

William Grant & Sons: Known for its premium gin offerings, William Grant & Sons has made a mark with unique botanicals and high-quality ingredients.

Bombay Spirits: A popular brand worldwide, Bombay offers classic and versatile gins that cater to a wide range of tastes.

Chase Distillery: Known for its artisanal approach, Chase Distillery is renowned for small-batch gins that highlight quality and craftsmanship.

Diageo: Diageo’s extensive portfolio includes renowned gin brands that appeal to both traditional gin enthusiasts and those looking for contemporary options.

James Burrough: With a legacy in gin production, James Burrough is known for crafting well-loved gin varieties with classic appeal.

Pernod Ricard: Pernod Ricard offers a range of premium gin brands, leveraging its global distribution to reach gin enthusiasts worldwide.

Seagram’s: Known for its smooth and accessible gin, Seagram’s is a go-to choice for consumers seeking affordable, high-quality gin.

Whitbread: Whitbread continues to be a prominent name in the gin market, known for quality products that cater to a range of consumer preferences.

Key Trends Shaping the Gin Market

Botanical Experimentation: Distillers are experimenting with unique botanicals, from traditional juniper berries to exotic herbs and spices, creating gins that offer distinct flavors and aromas.

Sustainable Production Practices: Many gin brands are adopting sustainable practices, using locally sourced ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and low-impact distillation processes to meet consumer demand for responsible choices.

Canned and Ready-to-Drink Cocktails: The ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail trend has reached the gin market, with brands offering gin-based cocktails in cans, making it easier for consumers to enjoy a quality cocktail on the go.

Revival of Classic Cocktails: With the resurgence of classic cocktails like the Tom Collins and Martinez, Old Tom Gin and other vintage varieties are gaining new life in the market.

Focus on Health and Wellness: Lower-alcohol and no-alcohol gins are becoming popular, providing consumers with options that fit a health-conscious lifestyle without compromising on taste or social enjoyment.

Challenges and Limitations

High Competition: The gin market is highly competitive, with numerous brands and craft distilleries entering the scene. Established brands must constantly innovate to maintain market share.

Price Sensitivity: Premium gin can be expensive, which may deter some consumers. Brands need to balance quality with affordability to attract a wide range of customers.

Changing Consumer Preferences: With trends in alcohol consumption constantly evolving, gin brands must adapt to changing tastes, such as the growing interest in low-alcohol or alcohol-free options.

Regulatory Constraints: Different countries have regulations on alcohol advertising, distribution, and labeling, which can pose challenges for brands looking to expand into new markets.

Future of the Gin Market

With a projected CAGR of 5.58% from 2024 to 2030, the gin market is set to experience sustained growth. Key developments expected in the market include:

Expansion of Premium and Artisanal Gins: The demand for high-quality, small-batch gins will continue to grow, particularly among discerning consumers who value craftsmanship.

Rise of Non-Alcoholic Gin Options: As the sober-curious movement gains traction, brands will introduce more non-alcoholic and low-alcohol gin varieties, appealing to a wider audience.

Innovation in Packaging and RTD Options: Ready-to-drink gin cocktails will expand, offering consumers more convenient ways to enjoy their favorite drinks, especially in outdoor or social settings.

Emphasis on Local Ingredients: Many gin brands will increasingly use local botanicals to create distinct flavors, helping to establish regional identities and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

Conclusion

The gin market is on a robust growth trajectory, driven by trends like botanical innovation, premiumization, and the rise of cocktail culture. With a diverse array of flavors and applications, gin has positioned itself as a versatile spirit that appeals to a broad spectrum of consumers. As brands continue to innovate with unique botanicals, sustainable practices, and ready-to-drink options, the future of gin looks promising, poised to satisfy the tastes of both traditionalists and newcomers. Whether enjoyed in a classic martini or a fruity, contemporary cocktail, gin remains a spirited favorite with a global following.

[writeforustechnologyandfashion]

The Ultimate Guide to Bath & Body Works Candles: Scents That Elevate Your Home Experience

When it comes to luxury home fragrances, few brands capture the hearts of candle lovers quite like Bath & Body Works. With their vast range of scents, seasonal collections, and high-quality products, Bath & Body Works has become synonymous with indulgent self-care and creating inviting home atmospheres. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer looking to dive into the world of candles, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Bath & Body Works candles, from why they're so popular to how to find the perfect scent for your home.

Why Bath & Body Works Candles Are So Popular

If you've ever walked past a Bath & Body Works store, you've likely been hit by an irresistible wave of warm, inviting fragrances. The brand has mastered the art of scent marketing, but their success isn't just about what you smell in the store. There are several key reasons why Bath & Body Works candles have become a household name:

1. High-Quality Ingredients

Bath & Body Works prides itself on using high-quality essential oils and proprietary fragrance blends that create long-lasting, true-to-life scents. These aren't your run-of-the-mill candles with artificial smells. The careful crafting process ensures that each candle has a powerful yet balanced fragrance, whether it’s a fresh eucalyptus blend or a sugary sweet vanilla.

2. Long Burn Time

The three-wick candles, one of their most popular formats, burn evenly for up to 25-45 hours. This extended burn time makes them a cost-effective choice compared to other luxury candle brands, providing many hours of soothing light and delightful fragrance.

3. Seasonal and Limited-Edition Scents

One of the reasons Bath & Body Works fans are so loyal is their ability to continuously surprise with seasonal and limited-edition candles. Whether it's a Pumpkin Spice Latte scent for fall or a Peppermint Twisted holiday blend for winter, Bath & Body Works always has something fresh and exciting for candle lovers. Collectors especially love the seasonal offerings, which come in limited-edition packaging and often sell out quickly.

4. Variety of Scents

From florals and fresh linens to desserts and exotic spices, there’s a scent for every nose and every occasion. Their expansive collection makes it easy to switch things up based on your mood or the season. Whether you're trying to create a calming space in your bedroom, an energizing environment in your kitchen, or a festive atmosphere for the holidays, Bath & Body Works candles have got you covered.

Best-Selling Bath & Body Works Candles

While the store offers an extensive selection of fragrances, certain candles have become iconic in the Bath & Body Works lineup. These fan favorites have earned their place in homes across the world.

1. Mahogany Teakwood

One of the brand's most recognizable scents, Mahogany Teakwood is a sophisticated blend of rich mahogany, black teakwood, and dark oak. It’s perfect for those who enjoy woodsy, masculine fragrances that bring a sense of warmth and luxury to any room. If you love the scent of cologne, this candle is a must-have.

2. Eucalyptus Spearmint

Part of Bath & Body Works’ Aromatherapy collection, Eucalyptus Spearmint is the ultimate stress-relief candle. Its crisp eucalyptus and cooling spearmint scent help soothe the senses and promote relaxation. This candle is a popular choice for those looking to create a spa-like atmosphere in their home.

3. Sweater Weather

A seasonal favorite, Sweater Weather combines fresh sage, juniper berry, and aromatic eucalyptus to create a cozy, invigorating scent reminiscent of cool autumn mornings. This candle is a top pick for fall and pairs well with a good book and a hot cup of tea.

4. Leaves

Leaves is another fall favorite that epitomizes the cozy vibe we crave as the weather cools. With notes of crisp red apple, golden nectar, and clove spice, it brings the essence of a brisk walk through a leaf-strewn forest right into your living room.

5. Champagne Toast

For those who prefer lighter, bubbly fragrances, Champagne Toast is a celebration in a candle. The scent combines champagne, sparkling berries, and juicy tangerine, making it a great option for special occasions or simply adding a touch of glamour to your day.

How to Choose the Perfect Bath & Body Works Candle

With so many options to choose from, finding the perfect candle for your home can feel overwhelming. However, by considering a few factors, you can easily narrow down your selection to the scent that best suits your needs.

1. Consider the Room

Each room in your home has a different purpose, so choosing scents that match the vibe of the room is important. For example, in the bedroom, you may want to go for calming, soothing scents like lavender or eucalyptus. In the kitchen, you might prefer something fresh or fruity like lemon or cucumber. For communal spaces like the living room, warm, inviting scents like vanilla or cedarwood work well.

2. Match the Season

Bath & Body Works excels at offering seasonally appropriate scents that reflect the mood and weather of each time of year. For example, in summer, you might enjoy tropical, citrusy scents like "Island Margarita" or "Waikiki Beach Coconut." In the fall and winter, spicier, warmer fragrances like "Marshmallow Fireside" or "Hot Cocoa & Cream" can add to the cozy, holiday ambiance.

3. Personal Preference

Ultimately, choosing a candle comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer fresh, clean scents, while others gravitate toward gourmand fragrances with vanilla, sugar, or chocolate notes. If you're unsure of what you like, start with a variety pack of mini candles, which allows you to experiment with different scents before committing to a larger jar.

How to Care for Your Bath & Body Works Candles

To get the most out of your candles, proper care is essential. Here are a few tips to ensure your Bath & Body Works candles burn evenly and last as long as possible:

1. Trim the Wick

Always trim the wick to about ¼ inch before lighting your candle. This helps prevent the flame from getting too large, which can lead to uneven burning and produce excess soot.

2. Let It Pool

Allow the candle to burn until the wax melts across the entire surface, creating a full "pool." This will prevent tunneling and ensure that your candle burns evenly over time.

3. Use a Candle Snuffer

Instead of blowing out the flame, use a candle snuffer to extinguish it. This minimizes the smoke and helps preserve the fragrance for your next use.

4. Reuse the Jar

Once your candle has burned down, don't toss out the beautiful glass jar. Bath & Body Works candle jars are reusable and make for excellent storage containers for small items like cotton balls, office supplies, or even makeup brushes.

Why You Should Stock Up During the Annual Candle Day Sale

If you're a true candle lover, you’ve probably heard of Bath & Body Works' legendary Candle Day Sale. Held annually in December, this event offers significant discounts on their famous 3-wick candles, with prices dropping as low as $10-12 per candle. It's the perfect time to stock up on your favorite scents, try new ones, or buy gifts for friends and family.

The sale usually draws huge crowds, both in-store and online, so it's a good idea to plan ahead. Pro tip: Create an online account and fill your cart early, so you can check out as soon as the sale starts to avoid missing out on limited stock.

Conclusion

Bath & Body Works candles are more than just a way to scent your home—they're an experience. With their wide variety of high-quality fragrances, long burn times, and seasonal offerings, these candles are perfect for any occasion, room, or mood. Whether you're looking to unwind after a long day, add ambiance to your dinner party, or simply fill your home with delightful scents, Bath & Body Works has a candle for you.

So go ahead, light up your favorite Bath & Body Works candle, and enjoy the magic of transforming your home into a cozy, fragrant haven.

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Essential Oils Market Size To Reach $40.12 Billion By 2030

The global essential oils market size is expected to reach USD 40.12 billion by 2030, and expanding at a CAGR of 7.9% from 2024 to 2030, as per the new report by Grand View Research, Inc Key factor contributing to the demand for essential oil is that aromatherapy is rapidly gaining momentum as a convenient method of healing lifestyle diseases. The sales volume of essential oils is rising on the account of the rising consumer awareness related to the wide utilization of the product across various applications.

They are primarily made of terpenes and their oxygenated derivatives which usually include monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, etc. They are present in specialized cells/glands in various plants and the position of these glands varies depending on the morphology, and physiology of the plant. During the manufacturing process, these glands are ruptured by pressing or by application of heat, which emanates aroma.

The product is widely used for enhancement of air freshness at home with the help of aroma diffusers and addition of essential oils in aroma pots. It is added to the water or baths in order to relax muscles and improve the aroma of place. Young women use these products for making homemade cosmetics due to their natural content and medicinal benefits.

Increasing demand for organic products is influencing consumer trends across the globe. Further implementation of regulations favoring the use of environmentally friendly ingredients in cosmetics, and food & beverage industry. The increased the consumer’s interest for products produced from natural ingredients. A majority of the global population are shifting their preference to organic products which in turn is increasing the demand for plant based products, leading to a significant drop in the demand for synthetic fragrances.

Owing to the outbreak of coronavirus around the world, many countries experienced lockdown situations. This had led to major raw material shortages, disruption in the supply chain, and increased prices for highly demanded products for two to three quarters in 2020. Moreover, the restrictions on imports & exports of goods by any means from most of the South East Asian countries further worsened the situation. However, the temporary closure or slowing down of manufacturing plants of synthetic flavors & fragrances in China led to a rise in opportunity for essential oil distillers, as the manufacturers turned to smaller vendors to fulfill their raw material requirements.

Essential Oils Market Report Highlights

Cleaning & home witnessed the fastest growth rate of 7.7%, due to the presence of antifungal and antibacterial properties of essential oils

Black pepper witnessed one of the fastest growth rate of 8% on the account of its wide use in food & beverage, spa & relaxation, and medical sectors

Direct selling channel witnessed the fastest growth rate of 8.4%, as consumers have the need to smell and feel the oils in person

Europe witnessed the fastest growth rate of 8% as compared to other regions, due to strong presence of food & beverage industry in the region, coupled with high disposable income and high standards of living

The global product market is highly competitive on the account of the presence of multiple manufacturing companies operating in the market

Essential Oils Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global essential oils market report on the basis of product, application, sales channel, source, method of extraction, and region

Essential Oils Product Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Thousands, 2018 - 2030)

Acorus Calamus

Ajowan

Basil

Black pepper

Cardamom

Carrot Seed

Cassia

Cedarwood

Celery

Cinnamon

Citronella

Ciz-3 Hexanol

Clove

Cornmint

Cumin Seed

Curry Leaf

Cypress

Cypriol

Davana

Dill Seed

De-Mentholised Peppermint

Eucalyptus

Fennel

Frankincense

Garlic

Ginger

Holy Basil

Juniper Berry

Lavender

Lemon

Lemongrass

Lime

Mace

Mustard

Neem

Nutmeg

Orange

Palmarosa

Patchouli

Pepper Mint

Rosemary

Spearmint

Tangerine

Tea Tree

Turmeric

Vetiver

Ylang Ylang

Others

Essential Oils Application Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Thousands, 2018 - 2030)

Medical

Pharmaceutical

Nutraceuticals

Food & Beverages

Bakery

Confectionery

Dairy

RTE Meals

Beverages

Meat, Poultry & Seafood

Snacks & Nutritional Bars

Spa & Relaxation

Aromatherapy

Massage Oil

Personal Care

Cosmetics

Hair Care

Skin Care

Sun Care

Makeup And Color Cosmetics

Toiletries

Soaps

Shampoos

Men's Grooming

Oral Care

Baby Care

Fragrances

Perfumes

Body Sprays

Air Fresheners

Cleaning & Home

Kitchen Cleaners

Floor Cleaners

Bathroom Cleaner

Fabric Care

Method of Extraction Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Thousands, 2018 - 2030)

Distillation

Cold Press Extraction

Carbon Dioxide Extraction

Others

Source Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Thousands, 2018 - 2030)

Fruits & Vegetables

Flowers

Herbs & Spices

Essential Oils Sales Channel Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Thousands, 2018 - 2028)

Direct Selling

Others

Essential Oils Regional Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Thousands, 2018 - 2030)

North America 

U.S.

Canada

Mexico

Europe

Germany

France

U.K.

Spain

Italy

Asia Pacific

China

India

Japan

Taiwan

South Korea

Singapore

Australia

Middle East & Africa

Central America

South America

Brazil

Argentina

List of Key Players of Essential Oils Market

Sydney Essential Oil Co. (SEOC)

Biolandes SAS

India Essential Oils

H. Reynaud & Fils (HRF)

Young Living Essential Oils

DoTerra

Essential Oils of New Zealand

Farotti S. R. L.

Flavex Naturextrakte GmbH

Falcon

Ungerer Limited