Mint (Mentha _ piperita) is a plant in the Lamiaceae family distributed across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and North America. Its distinctly cool and fresh taste makes it a common culinary herb, used in classic cocktails like the mojito or the mint julep.

Around the world, there are nearly two dozen species of mint. Due to the plant's propensity to spread wildly, some varieties of mint are considered invasive, thriving and eventually dominating wet environments with damp soil. Mint is not a pest, though; the fruits of its labor are beloved across cultures. In Middle Eastern cuisine, the herb is paired with lamb, while northern African and Arab countries enjoy Touareg tea, a popular beverage steeped with spearmint leaves and sugar.

Mint is also frequently used as a breath freshener, used to flavor toothpastes and chewing gum for a squeaky-clean taste. Historically, the herb was used to treat stomach aches, and it's still remarkably effective for that use; sipping on peppermint tea is known to soothe an upset stomach. The ancient Greeks rubbed mint leaves on their arms, believing the astringent herb would make them stronger, bigger, faster. It didn't necessarily work, but the smell of the plant does have the ability to instill a sense of vigor.

In fact, in Greek mythology, mint was considered the herb of hospitality, used as one of the first known room deodorizers. Its leaves were strewn across the floor so that every time someone stepped on the herb, its refreshing aroma would emanate through the room. This was to cover the stench of soil from the ground, as well as the other less-than-sweet smells of the time.

As we mentioned, varieties of the herb abound, but usually when we say "mint leaves," we're talking about the classic spearmint variety. In John Gerard's 1597 book Herbal, he wrote of spearmint, "It is good against watering eyes and all manner of break outs on the head and sores." He also touches on the emotional benefits of the botanical, saying, "the smell rejoice the heart of man," and for that reason it ought to be strewn about places of "recreation, pleasure and repose."

At AMASS, we use mint in Riverine to give it the sharp, refreshing finish expected in a sophisticated spirit, as well as a touch of sweetness. In Basilisk Breath, mint blends with sweet basil and other aromatic herbs to deliver a refreshing and invigorating scent.