Had a quick look at the amount of botanicals in gin. Note they were called liqueurs in the old days. The amount of juniper berries is a bit too much and overpowering. Bruise the berries and do not grind up your spices and herbs. Macerating is best up to three weeks if fine. Things like juniper berries best in a basket above the wash just under the outlet to the head. one of my guidelines is an old publication from 1821 written for the professional spirit merchant. A good 600 recipes to choose from. I also grow some of my stuff. Keep experimenting and be prepared not everything works out well but that is only part of the fun.