Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is a type of fungus in the Hericaceae family native to North America, Europe, and Asia. Long lauded as a cure-all in Chinese medicine, the botanical possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is purported to stimulate and enhance nerve cells.

First found in North America, the lion's mane mushroom likes to grow on hardwood trees and decaying logs. It's found most commonly during the late summer and fall months, when it thrives in the fallen autumnal leaves. This fun fungus goes by quite a few peculiar nicknames, including but not limited to: the monkey head mushroom, bearded tooth mushroom, satyr's beard, bearded hedgehog mushroom, pom pom mushroom, or bearded tooth fungus.

Like ashwagandha and Reishi mushroom, lion's mane is classified as both a nootropic and adaptogen, meaning it helps the body cope with stress and enhances cognitive function. Long lauded as a cure-all in Chinese medicine, lion's mane mushrooms' health benefits have only recently been accepted in Western medicine. Research says that lion's mane mushrooms contain medicinal substances responsible for reducing blood sugar and regulating lipid levels. The botanical possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is known to stimulate and enhance nerve cells. In the future, lion's mane could even help treat and prevent cognitive illnesses like Alzheimers and Parkinsons.

TL;DR: a healthy dose of this mighty little mushroom does the body (and mind) a whole lot of good.

For us, flavor always comes first though, which is why we love lion's mane in our gin. The plant's culinary applications don't stop at spirits, though; if eaten when young, the mushroom's texture is akin to crab meat. Historically, lion's man was reserved for royalty because of its similar taste to seafood. While it's more commonly found in capsule or tablet form at your local health foods store, some specialty grocers and fungus purveyors will offer the delightful delicacy. Be careful, though; lion's mane can be bitter if not cooked until crispy along the edges. Caramelizing it in olive oil or butter until crisp is the best way to go when cooking it at home.

While an uncommon feature in gin, lion's mane gives the spirit a distinctive earthy finish with a kick of umami.