We continue our exploration of gin categories with a look at one of the more unique ones today… sloe gin!
No, Sloe gin is not a gin that has been distilled slowly. It actually refers to a traditional English spirit that dates back to the 17th century, and is made with sloes (Prunus spinosa) – small tart berries from the same family as plums.
Sloe gin is made with sloes, a berry-like fruit that is related to plums.
Traditionally, sloe gin is made by macerating sloe berries in gin and sugar to extract the flavour from the berries. First, the sloes are harvested, pricked and steeped in gin with sugar. Sugar is needed to not only balance out the tartness, but to help draw out the flavour. Once they been soaking for at least 3 months then they can strained off.
The result is a liquid that is sweet, tart and fruity, and usually about 15-30% ABV (though the European Union specifies a minimum of 25% ABV for it to be called a sloe gin).
But wait, gin and sugar? Doesn’t that actually make it a liqueur? Well, yes, technically, sloe gins are actually gin liqueurs. It is also, however, the only gin-based liqueur that can also be legally called “gin” on the label without naming it as a liqueur.
These days, there are some producers that take the easy way out by adding sloe flavouring to neutral spirit. However, most premium sloe gins from the likes of Monkey 47, Elephant and Chase are still made the traditional way.
So, how do you usually drink sloe gins? Well, in the UK, sloe gin is popular as a Christmas tipple, and is typically drunk neat as a winter warmer. In more tropical climates like Malaysia, you can have it on the rocks, with tonic water or soda, or use it in a cocktail as a sweetener.
Here are some of the sloe gins Wholly Spirits currently carry. Do check them out at our ONLINE STORE, or Whatsapp us at 012-58-5813 for more information.
Chase Oak-Aged Sloe & Mulberry Gin (29.1% ABV)
Made with a base of Williams GB Extra Dry Gin, Chase also adds mulberries to their sloe gin and then ages it for one year in Rhone Valley red wine casks.
The result is a rich and warming sloe gin that balances out the tartness with mulberries. Best enjoyed neat or on ice, for a long drink, bitter lemon or lemon flavoured tonic works really well.
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Elephant Gin German Sloe Gin (35% ABV)
While it is made in a similar way to most sloe gins, Elephant Gin takes a extra few steps. Firstly, it’s a vintage gin, so it changes from year to year. Secondly, it is bottled at 35% ABV, which is quite high for a sloe gin. Thirdly, the maceration takes several months and uses less sugar. And finally, they break the sloes when using them instead of the usual pricking of the skin.
The result is a more marzipan note to the gin. Almond flavours often come from stone fruit pits. The sloes are the star of the show here. Intense jammy nose with hints of woody cinnamon and fresh pine spice from the juniper. Tart flavour, but the sweetness builds as does a soft marzipan note. The finish is long and fruity. This would be great on its own or with a splash of tonic or soda.
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Monkey 47 Sloe Gin (29% ABV)
Hailing from the Black Forest in Germany, Monkey 47 is an iconic gin. Here, however, sloes are added to the spirit and left for around 1 month to steep. The result is an opaque gin with a touch of sediment. They use a lot less sugar, so the flavour of the sloes and the original gin isn’t lost or masked.
Big and complex on the nose with juniper ever present. The tart, almost sour like sloe comes through on the palate, but they don’t muddle or confuse all the other 47 botanicals. Crisp and tangy, and with almond and hints of buttery pastry on the finish. Definitely one for sloe gin lovers.
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Brookie’s Byron Slow Gin (26% ABV)
At first glance, you’d think this is a sloe gin, especially with its reddish/pink hue. But it’s not, it actually IS a SLOW Gin. The gin is literally made slowly!
Made by The Cape Byron Distillery in Australia, which is well-known for its environmentally-conscious philosophy, this gin isn’t exactly a sloe gin – instead of sloes, it is made from local Davidson plums which are steeped for a long time (6 months) in their dry gin. It is then diluted to 26% then bottled. Very fruity on the nose – think peach and raspberry. The juniper flavour is still there, but now watermelon, rose and plum are easily found. Delicious in a gin and tonic.
Brookie’s Byron Slow Gin is one of the featured products of our October Real Deal promotion, so don’t be too slow to give it a try!
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