Review

Raisthorpe Manor
Sloe 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 picking sloes from their 60 miles of blackthorn hedgerow (this includes 20 miles of new blackthorn they planted in 2000); some of the bushes are 50-60 years old, producing magnificent sloes. The sloes are steeped in an undisclosed London Dry Gin with some sugar, for six to eight months until matured and ready for bottling. The resulting orange rusty red colored Gin is presented in clear squat rectangular (almost square) bottle with a large white colored, “R” shaped label.

Flavored Gin - Sloe.

25% (50 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 sloeberries.

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

On the nose is a red fruit aroma with hints of floral (Gin) notes. On the palate this full-bodied medium sweet spirit has clear red berry fruit (sloe) flavor with faint hints of marzipan (the sloe stones), juniper and floral Gin notes. On the bittersweet close is a long dry warming finish. This is a nicely balanced traditional styled Sloe Gin with hints of complexity.

A truly sparkling Sloe Gin sparkles, especially when mixed with tonic, soda water or sparkling wine (particularly Champagne, and the drier the better). However, we believe it is best when drunk neat, and with an example such as this it is easy to understand why Sloe Gin is often the British tipple of choice for outdoor sporting events during the colder months. Overall a very nice rendition of a classic Sloe Gin, being just a little sweeter and fruiter than others, it is strongly recommended.

1 Gold Star, Great Taste Awards, 2013.

Gold Medal, Sloe Gin Awards, 2011.

1 Gold Star, Great Taste Awards, 2011.