‘Tis the season for our annual limited edition Barrel-Aged Gin, which we produce each Christmas!
This year’s Barrel-Aged Gin has been injected with a little Christmas magic. After being matured in oak barrels for 20 weeks, it exhibits rich oaky notes which are complimented with subtle spices of cinnamon and clove. Winter fruit flavours add a dulcet sweetness, complimented by spices and subtle grapefruit citrus.
Following a similar maturing process as whiskey, where the spirit is left to rest in the barrels giving it a rich warm colour, this is a truly special Christmas treat.
The idea of resting gin in a barrel dates back to the 18th and early 19th centuries, when oak was used to ship and store the spirit rather than use breakable or expensive containers. As the gin sailed overseas, it picked up some of the oak’s sweet spiced qualities, as well as a little colour.
We recommend serving this festive spirit with ginger ale and an orange peel twist. Or try mixing up the two cocktails below. Sophisticated, stirred down and brown drinks to sit back and unwind with after Christmas dinner or a long day with the in-laws. These cocktails are sure to delight your taste buds!
Christmas in the Barrel
A gin Old Fashioned, sounds a bit out there, right? But trust us on this one! Our mixologists have replaced the classic whisky with our Christmas Pudding Barrel Aged Gin. Full of winter spice, rich tannins and malty sweetness. Great sat in front of the fire.
- 50ml Slingsby Barrel-Aged Christmas Pudding Gin
- 5ml Demerara Syrup
- 5ml Maraschino Cherry Syrup
- 2 Dashes of Orange bitters
- 1 Dash of Angostura bitters
- Orange peel to garnish
- 1 Maraschino cherry to garnish
Method: Add all ingredients to a stirring glass with ice. Stir for 30 seconds and strain into a rocks glass with ice. Garnish with an orange twist and a maraschino cherry.
Dean Martin(ez)
Inspired by the Christmas music of Dean Martin, we thought we’d use a twist on a classic cocktail that the Rat Pack would have certainly loved. Here’s to a snowy Christmas Day! Rich vermouth compliments maraschino and wintery spices, with woody notes coming through from the barrel.
- 50ml Slingsby Barrel-Aged Christmas Pudding Gin
- 25ml Mulled Wine
- 5ml Maraschino or a tap of Cherry Syrup
- 10ml Sugar Syrup
- 2 Dashes Orange bitters
- Clementine tonic to top up
- Orange peel to garnish
Method: Add all ingredients to a stirring glass with ice. Stir for 30 seconds and strain into a coupe or martini glass for a short serve. If a longer drink is required, pour into a Collins glass with ice and top with clementine tonic. Garnish with an orange peel twist.