August Flowers

[patientheron]

With enough equipment lying around to get started on another couple of batches and an abundance of impatience, I've been searching for potential flavour sources while waiting for the elderberries, blackberries and apples ripen. Himalayan Balsam and Rosebay Willowherb (Fireweed) are all over the place! Has anyone attempted a wine using these flowers?

I intended to make a gallon of each tonight and see how they fared, thinking I could even blend the two at a later date. But nibbling on the flowers of the controversial Himalayan Balsam proved unpalatable to say the least. They had a very vegetal taste, almost like onion or garlic and it put me right off trying. Willowherb was a lot more pleasant; sweet and perfumed, but I missed the boat on these as most have turned to seed now.

Any previous experience would be interesting to hear about.

:thumb:

 

[RobWalker]

this is my go-to for weird wines...

http://winemaking.jackkeller.net/flowers.asp

neither are listed unfortunately, but some on that list may ring a bell!

 

[MichaelTheObnoxious]

Hah! I had the idea to use Himalayan balsam in wine also... A good mate of mine is a professional foraging instructor and recommended it.... Let me know!