Sipsmith Sloe Gin

Sipsmith Sloe Gin shines in fruity, gin-based cocktails, where its rich berry notes and balanced sweetness can take center stage, though it's equally delightful sipped neat or over ice as an after-dinner treat. This ruby-hued spirit is perfect for cozy autumn evenings or chilly winter nights, pairing wonderfully with hearty game dishes, sharp cheeses, or dark chocolate desserts that complement its luscious, plummy character.

Nose: Ripe sloe berries dominate, reminiscent of tart plums and dark cherries. Hints of almond and marzipan emerge, complemented by subtle juniper and citrus notes from the base gin.

Palate: Rich and smooth with a balance of sweet and tart flavors. Sloe berries take center stage, offering jammy fruit flavors akin to blackberry preserves. Gin botanicals provide depth, with noticeable juniper, coriander, and a touch of licorice. A gentle sweetness reminds of berry-infused honey.

Finish: Long and warming with lingering fruit flavors. The initial sweetness fades to reveal a pleasant dryness and slight astringency typical of sloe berries. Subtle spice and nutty notes persist, leaving a satisfying, gin-like warmth.

Sipsmith Sloe Gin is crafted by steeping wild sloe berries in their London Dry Gin for several months, allowing the fruit to impart its rich flavor and color. What's particularly interesting is that Sipsmith hand-picks their sloes from the hedgerows of England's countryside, ensuring each batch captures the true essence of this traditional British liqueur.

• Sipsmith's Sloe Gin is made using wild sloe berries handpicked by the distillery team and local volunteers in the autumn. This community harvest, known as "sloe-picking parties," turns the production into a festive local tradition.
• Unlike many commercial sloe gins that use neutral grain spirits, Sipsmith starts with their award-winning London Dry Gin as the base, giving their sloe gin a more complex flavor profile and higher alcohol content (29% ABV) than most competitors.
• Sipsmith ages their sloe gin for a full three months, much longer than the industry standard. During this time, they gently rock the barrels daily, a process they playfully call "gin-nastics," to ensure optimal flavor extraction from the sloes.