Review

Cowen Sloe Gin

Malcolm Cowen (Drinks) Ltd., London and Timbermill Distillery, Thames Distillers Ltd., Clapham, London, England, UK.

Malcolm Cowen Drinks Ltd.

Malcolm Cowen established his business in the 1980’s and is an importer and distributor of niche drinks in the UK, with an emphasis on liqueurs and flavored drinks. He also makes his own range of liqueurs with Thames Distillers, including this Sloe Gin released in mid 2007.

Thames Distillers is run by Charles Maxwell who is the 8th generation of the family (founders of the Finsbury Distillery) who have been producing Gin since 1700 – making them the oldest unbroken lineage in Gin distillation.

Made with organic sloes.

Presented in a tall clear cylindrical bottle to show its red color, with a white label and purple colored writing.

Flavored Gin - Sloe.

26% (52 Proof).

$$$ - $$$$. Not available in the USA. Try Master of Malt in the UK and be prepared to pay an additional 45% for shipping.

Unknown but includes sloeberries.

Named after the company founder Malcolm Cowen and the key botanical flavoring, sloeberries.

On the nose is fruity cherry-like plum with gin undertones: juniper and faint herbal peppery notes. On the palate this sweet oily spirit has a clear currant berry plum (sloe) flavor with almond and a light spicy pepper. The close continues in the same vain with perhaps more almonds and honey-like sweetness in the increasingly tart, dry and warm finish. A nicely balanced and smooth Sloe Gin.

This is a good example of a Sloe Gin and is priced competitively making it a good choice for an everyday drink. Sip it neat as a winter warmer or mix with tonic or soda water to make a long refreshing drink in summer. This should make a welcome addition to any bar due to its versatility i.e. there are no extremes in its flavor profile).

Unknown.