Hayman's Sloe Gin

Hayman's Sloe Gin shines in fruity, gin-based cocktails, where its rich berry notes and subtle sweetness can take center stage, but it's equally delightful sipped neat or over ice as an after-dinner digestif. This ruby-hued spirit is perfect for cozy autumn evenings or chilly winter nights, pairing beautifully with hearty game dishes, robust cheeses, or dark chocolate desserts.

Nose: Ripe berry aromas dominate, with prominent notes of dark plums and cherries. A subtle almond nuttiness emerges, alongside hints of vanilla and cinnamon spice.

Palate: Sweet and tart flavors blend, reminiscent of homemade berry jam. The sloe berries take center stage, supported by a gin backbone of juniper and citrus. A touch of marzipan adds depth and complexity.

Finish: Medium-long with lingering berry sweetness. Gentle warmth from the alcohol, balanced by a slightly drying tannic quality. Faint notes of orange peel and clove spice round out the experience.

Hayman's Sloe Gin is crafted by steeping wild sloe berries in their London Dry Gin for several months, allowing the fruit to impart its flavor and rich color. What's particularly interesting is that the Hayman family still uses a recipe from the 1800s, hand-picking sloe berries in the autumn and adding just the right amount of natural sugars to balance the tart fruit flavors.

• Hayman's uses wild sloe berries handpicked by local families in autumn, continuing a centuries-old British tradition that turns foraging into a community event.
• The gin steeps with sloe berries for a minimum of three months, but some batches are left to infuse for over a year, creating deeper, more complex flavors.
• Hayman's Sloe Gin played a role in keeping British troops' spirits up during World War I, as it was included in care packages sent to soldiers on the front lines.