Liquorice

Liquorice root is part of the bean family and is related to fenugreek and tamarind. The initial taste is bitter but the flavour develops and sweetens on the palate. Liquorice is used to flavour and colour some beers and tobacco– notes that can be found in some whiskies. It is believed to aid digestion but also to increase blood pressure. On a flavour spectrum it combines with sweet – honey and unrefined fruity sugars like jaggery and muscovado – as well as sweet spirit (sambuca) and sweet, creamy textures, often flavoured with vanilla. It can be interchanged with anise and fennel and used in combination with its flavour family of fenu-greek and tamarind.