Review

Demijohn
Gooseberry Gin

Retailed exclusively by Angus and Frances Ferguson of Demijohn Ltd., Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.

Demijohn.

Family run business established in 2004 acting primarily as retailers for small scale UK based producers. They sell a range of liqueurs and other flavored liquids (including oils and vinegars) and refer to themselves as a Liquid Deli. Starting with the one shop in Edinburgh this has increased to include shops in Glasgow and York, not to mention a thriving mail order trade, which stretches across the globe.

They have the unusual but environmentally friendly process of selling their fluids in over 20 different sized and shaped bottles, which can be refilled at their shops, or returned by mail for refilling – saving a discount of 10%. Please note, due to small-scale production and limited seasonal supplies, products are not always available to meet demand! To assist in the process the business close down their retail outlets for several days throughout the year and everyone goes picking the natural produce from the wild e.g. elderflowers and sloeberries, to provide supplies for many of their producers.

First made by Rosie Sedgewick of MyGineration based in Cheshire, this was relaunched in mid 2013 and uses her original recipe but with a slight variation. Today Derry and Robin Ford, two retired PE teachers, make this in East Lothian, Edinburgh. Gooseberries and sugar are steeped in an undisclosed London Dry Gin and left to mature.

Flavored Gin - Gooseberry.

17% (34 Proof).

$$$$$$. Not available in the USA. Only available exclusively from Demijohn, shipping is available but some restrictions to the USA apply and cost is dependent upon location.

Unknown but includes Gooseberries.

It was while in Italy, seeing a Cantina refilling customers’ containers with wine, the idea to replicate this back in the UK came to mind for owner Angus Ferguson. A demijohn (or carboy) is a large container for carrying liquids (water, wine or liquor) and is usually 5 gallons in capacity (but can be anything up to 15 gallons). The name is based on this classic carrier and the key botanical flavor used.

On the nose is a green gooseberry aroma with faint floral grassy notes. On the palate this smooth sweet spirit has a strong mellow tang of tart gooseberry fruit (some might say similar to grapefruit) with a light grassy greenness (think of the green gunmetal taste commonly found in French Chablis and Sauvignon Blanc wines). The close continues the gooseberry flavor with a dry pepper and more bitter acidic sharpness in the finish.

In commercial form, Gooseberry Gin is a rare find and we very highly recommend this be tried by one and all. Gooseberries are not to everyone’s taste and yet in this form even if you do not enjoy the fruit a whole new world could open up before you. It may be drunk neat (or with ice) for a tart and warming adventure however the majority of people will perhaps prefer this as a long cool drink. Try soda water with a slice of lemon or sparkling white wine with one gooseberry (sliced in half), although we believe it is best as a Gin & Tonic (with either of the aforementioned garnishes). Demijohn recommends the G&T with a squeeze of lemon, a cocktail they call the Evoque, and we heartily agree with them. We also like this drizzled over vanilla ice cream.

Please consider yourself warned, if you enjoy this truly remarkable liqueur it just might become addictive. Even though all their products are highly delightful, we think this is Demijohn’s best offering and our congratulations go to Rosie Sedgewick, the Ford’s and the Ferguson’s – well done to the Demijohn team.

Unknown.