Review

Raisthorpe Manor
Raspberry Gin

Julia & David Medforth of Raisthorpe Manor Fine Foods Ltd., Wharram, Malton, North Yorkshire, England, UK.

Raisthorpe Manor.

Julia and David Medforth already had an established business (one of the biggest in the UK) of running flyers (both simulated shooting parties with real shotguns and actual shooting parties with live birds) on their 1,500-acre estate, which of course includes drinks afterwards. They started experimenting with the production of their very own Raspberry Gin Liqueur from a family recipe, which led to the birth of Raisthorpe Manor Fine Foods. This allied business was established in 2008 and has seen a steady growth of products including further spirits and liqueurs and other items including chocolates, preserves etc. Initially started from their kitchen this is now carried out in a separate production facility.

Point of interest: The “Three Trees” series of paintings by Yorkshire born artist David Hockney were undertaken on Raisthorpe Manor estate. At this particular spot blackthorn bushes grow beneath the “three trees” in question and today are harvested for sloes to produce Raisthorpe Manor’s own works of art: their sloeberry-based products.

They use the finest locally sourced ingredients, where possible, making all natural products from traditional and family recipes. In keeping with their ethical approach of using local supplies, a team of employees from the surrounding area carry out all the activities of the business from harvesting to bottling and sales. This includes the harvesting of raspberries, which are steeped in an undisclosed London Dry Gin with some sugar, for some months until matured and ready for bottling (all according to a family recipe nearly 100-years old!). The resulting red colored Gin is presented in clear squat rectangular (almost square) bottle with a large black colored, “R” shaped label.

Flavored Gin - Raspberry.

23% (46 Proof).

$$$$. Not available in the USA however Raisthorpe Manor will ship direct, subject to local restrictions. We are unclear of the additional costs involved but contact them direct and they will supply a quote.

Unknown but includes juniper berries and raspberries.

Named after the country estate where it is made and the key botanical flavoring used.

On the nose is a clear fresh raspberry aroma with faint hints of citrus. On the palate is a strong red berry/raspberry flavor. On the close the raspberry flavor persists with a slight warming finish. A clear traditional fruit flavored Gin.

This makes a good raspberry flavored drink taken neat or with ice, yet to us it doesn’t quite have the depth and warmth as found in their damson Gin or sloe Gin. However, where it really shines is when mixed as a long cool summery style drink. Examples include tonic water, lemonade, sparkling wines (especially Champagne - think Kir Royale) which create a refreshing and thirst quenching delight. It also proves to be delightful in culinary uses e.g. drizzled over desserts such as ice cream.

Overall this is a very pleasing flavored Gin, and Julia Medforth and her team at Raisthorpe Manor are to be congratulated on another quality offering from their growing product range.

1 Gold Star, Great Taste Awards, 2011.