Flavor Profiles
and why they matter...
The adaptogenic mushroom and plant tincture industry is still maturing, and many products suffer from a negative flavor profile that can be off-putting to customers. This is because the natural tastes of medicinal mushrooms, such as Reishi or Chaga, can be earthy, bitter, or overly strong, making it difficult to create a pleasant drinking experience. Or plant roots such as Ashwagandha are almost unpalatable.
However, at FORMULĀE we emphasize both potency and flavor in our handcrafted elixirs, ensuring that the tinctures are not only effective but enjoyable to consume.
Unlike many others in the industry, we do not rely on added flavors or sweeteners; instead, we focus on using delicate methods to extract the natural flavors, allowing the mushrooms and plants to express their inherent taste in a beautifully balanced way. This careful approach ensures that our customers enjoy a positive, natural experience while benefiting from the full potency of the plants and mushrooms and not only experience wellness naturally but flavorfully.
Can’t do Alcohol? No problem. We have an easy solution for you.
Consumers can easily incorporate our adaptogenic elixirs into their daily routine by adding them to hot tea, coffee or even just hot water.
Simply stir the elixir into your beverage and allow it to sit for a minute, and the small amount of alcohol in the tincture will naturally evaporate due to the heat. This leaves behind only the beneficial compounds of the plants and mushrooms, providing all the health benefits without the minimal alcohol.
It's a convenient way to enjoy the full potency and flavor of our elixirs while savoring your favorite warm drink.
Twin Pines Elixir (Blend)
An alcohol infusion with Chaga, Lion's Mane, Stinging Nettle, and Pinyon Pine would result in a complex and layered flavor profile:
Earthy and Woody: The Chaga contributes a deep, earthy, and slightly soft rich base, while Pinyon pine adds a fresh, resinous, and piney note. Together, these create a robust, woodsy foundation.
Mild and Nutty: Lion’s Mane offers a mild sweetness and a hint of nuttiness, which helps to balance the bitterness of Chaga and adds a subtle, pleasant depth.
Herbaceous and Green: Stinging nettle adds a fresh, grassy, and slightly herbaceous flavor, which lightens the overall profile and introduces a crisp, green note.
Aromatic and Refreshing: The Pinyon pine also brings in a citrusy, aromatic quality that provides a refreshing contrast to the earthier, more grounding flavors.
Overall, this infusion would have a rich, layered taste with a strong earthy base, a touch of sweetness, a hint of nuttiness, and a refreshing, aromatic finish. The blend balances well between deep, grounding flavors and lighter, more refreshing notes where the refreshing profile lingers nicely on the tongue.
Chaga Elixir
An alcohol infusion of Chaga, a type of medicinal mushroom, typically has a complex flavor profile.
The taste is often described as vanilla earth, soft, yet slightly bitter, with hints of graham cracker and toasted chocolate.
The alcohol extraction can also bring out some subtle notes of vanilla, caramel, or woody undertones due to the Chaga's natural compounds.
Overall, the infusion has a robust, deep, and slightly smoky taste, often with a hint of sweetness.
Reishi Elixir
An alcohol infusion of Reishi, another medicinal mushroom, generally has a distinct and somewhat intense flavor profile.
It is often described as having a bitter, earthy, and woody taste, with notes of mushroom umami
The bitterness is more pronounced than in other mushrooms, which is a characteristic of Reishi's active compounds.
Some may also notice a faint sweetness or licorice-like note in the background, depending on the alcohol used and the length of the infusion.
Overall, Reishi infusions tend to have a strong, medicinal taste that some people find grounding or calming.
Turkey Tail Elixir
An alcohol infusion of Turkey Tail mushroom generally has a mild flavor profile compared to other medicinal mushrooms.
The taste is often described as earthy, slightly woody, and mildly sweet. It lacks the intense bitterness found in Reishi but has a subtle, mushroom-like umami flavor.
Some infusions may also have light hints of spice or a mild astringency, depending on the concentration of the infusion and the type of alcohol used.
Overall, Turkey Tail infusions are usually more approachable in flavor, making them easier to incorporate into various herbal blends or tinctures.
Lion's Mane Elixir
An alcohol infusion of Lion's Mane mushroom typically has a relatively mild and pleasant flavor profile.
The taste is often described as slightly sweet, earthy, and somewhat nutty, with a hint of mushroom umami.
Some people also detect subtle notes of citrus or a delicate herbal quality. Lion's Mane has a more neutral flavor compared to mushrooms like Reishi or Chaga.
The alcohol extraction process can enhance these flavors, providing a smooth and mild infusion that can easily be blended with other ingredients.
Cordyceps Elixir
An alcohol infusion of Cordyceps sinensis has a more pronounced flavor profile compared to other types of Cordyceps.
The taste is typically described as earthy, slightly bitter, and umami-rich, with a hint of sweetness. Some people also note a mild nutty or black pepper flavor.
The bitterness can be more noticeable, especially with a strong infusion, which is due to the active compounds extracted in alcohol.
Overall, Cordyceps sinensis infusions have a complex flavor that combines earthy and savory notes with a slight bitterness and mild sweetness, making it distinct yet still versatile in various tinctures or herbal preparations.
Maitake Elixir
An alcohol infusion of Maitake mushroom, also known as "Hen of the Woods," typically has a rich, savory flavor profile.
The taste is often described as earthy, with a strong umami character, similar to the flavor of cooked mushrooms.
There can also be a mild, pleasant bitterness and a hint of spiciness or pepperiness.
The alcohol extraction process can bring out these flavors more intensely, resulting in a robust and flavorful infusion.
Maitake's infusion is generally milder and more balanced than stronger medicinal mushrooms, making it a popular choice for those looking for a more approachable flavor.
Ashwagandha Elixir
FORMULĀE alcohol infusion methods of ashwagandha extract powder, known for its adaptogenic properties, has a distinct flavor profile that differs from other brands.
The taste is typically described as earthy, bitter and astringent.
Normally, it has a pungent and somewhat musky quality, which can be quite strong and lingering. Some people detect a mild sweetness or a skunky hay-like note beneath the more dominant flavors. It is often mixed with other herbs or ingredients to balance out its robust taste.
However, FORMULĀE has created something quite interesting with Ashwagandha’s flavor profiles.
FORMULĀE Ashwagandha, has a rich profile with a forwards nose and taste of fig, sun dried raisin, deep plum, slightly sweet and bitter combined with a slight tart cherry linger.
Overall, an alcohol infusion of ashwagandha is characterized by its robust, earthy dark fruit and savory finish.
Nettle Elixir
An alcohol infusion of stinging nettle typically has a mild and somewhat grassy flavor profile.
The taste is often described as fresh, green, and herbaceous, similar to the flavor of leafy greens like spinach or kale.
There can be a slight earthy undertone, with hints of a subtle sweetness.
Overall, stinging nettle is not as intense as some other herbs or mushrooms, its flavor in an alcohol infusion is usually gentle and more neutral, making it a versatile ingredient that can easily be combined with other infusions, drinks or extracts.