The almond nut hails from the Middle East, although it now grows in most regions around the world. However, as a gin botanical there are two almond variations used. The first is the nut commonly sold for eating at grocery stores. The second is slightly bitter. These almonds are used to give liquors like amaretto its taste. Most gins with almonds as a botanical use the snacking, sweeter almond, as the bitter almond variant actually contains cyanide.