Chase Sloe & Mulberry Gin

Appearance: Deep crimson/brick red, reminiscent of cranberry juice. Nose: Initially presents as juniper-forward gin. After a few moments and several inhalations, fruit notes begin to emerge. They are mild at first but gradually intensify, eventually displaying a robust red berry character. The gin botanicals remain prominent, and the aroma possesses excellent balance. Flavor and Texture: Equally excellent, but the reverse of the nose – it's sweet and slightly tart on entry with fruit upfront, then the gin botanicals appear as it lingers on the palate. Considerable complexity is present, yet an excellent balance is maintained. The texture is rich and lightly syrupy, and the finish is medium-long, herbal, juicy, and just slightly tinged with oak. A very pleasant and finely balanced sloe gin. Berry-infused gin can sometimes be overly sweet, but while this is warming and comforting, it still retains a gentle balance that distinguishes it from other examples. It avoids the persistent, jam-like sweetness often found in sloe gin. Sugar is necessary for macerating the fruit and balancing its natural tartness. However, it's a common error to add too much, turning it into a liqueur instead of a flavored spirit. This particular sloe gin also includes mulberries, which contribute their own flavor and sweetness from fructose to balance the sloes, allowing for less added white sugar. The maceration is then aged for a year in ex-red wine casks, adding berry notes and integrating the components. I've sampled many sloe gins, and in my experience, they express themselves best in various ways. Most are good neat as a liqueur, but tonic might suit some, creating a result similar to an aperitivo spritz. Some pair best with lemonade, akin to Pimms, while others might be best with dry mixers like soda water and a squeeze of lime. This specific example is quite versatile and also excellent on its own as a liqueur. "Very Good": 87/100 (4.25 stars)