Review

Hayman's Sloe Gin

Christopher Hayman of Hayman Distillers Ltd. (and Thames Distillery), London, England, UK - although the production and storage is in Witham, Essex.

Hayman Distillers.

Haymans have been distilling Gin in London for 150 years and started with James Burroughs (of Beefeater Gin fame) as James Burroughs Ltd. The company was sold in 1987 to Whitbread, although part of the business was retained and renamed Hayman’s. Today Christopher Hayman is supported by his son (James) and daughter (Miranda), the great-great-grandchildren of James Burroughs. This is the longest serving family owned gin distiller in England today.

The Gin is handcrafted from triple distilled 100% grain spirit. The botanicals are left to steep for 24 hours before being gently redistilled for a fourth time in a copper pot still.

Launched in 2010 this uses an old family recipe with English wild sloeberries (including the stones). The sloes are infused in Hayman’s Gin for several months before being blended with sugar to make this ruby red liqueur.

Flavored Gin - Sloeberry.

26% (52 Proof).

$$$. Not available in the USA, try Master of Malt in the UK but be prepared to pay 80% more on the price for shipping.

11 botanicals are used, including: angelica root, cinnamon, coriander, juniper berries, lemon peel, liquorice, nutmeg, orange peel, orris root and sloeberries.

Named after founder, Christopher Hayman and the key botanical ingredient, Sloeberries.

On the nose is a sweet and fruity aroma. On the palate this light, mildly sweet and smooth liqueur has a fruity (sloe/blackcurrant) and citrus bittersweet flavor. There are faint notes of almond and it has a warming finish with notes of earthy juniper, herbs and spice.

Lovely to drink by itself as a winter warmer it also makes a fine Sloe Gin Fizz for a refreshing summertime experience.

94 Points, Beverage Testing Institute.

Gold Medal, Spirits Business UK Gin Masters, 2010.