Review

Sloe Bloom Gin

G & J Greenall International (Quintessential Brands), Risley, Warrington, England, UK. 

G& J Greenall and Quintessential Brands.

Established back in 1761, Greenall’s are the oldest continuously producing London Dry Gin distillery in the world. Thomas Dakin built the distillery initially, Edward Greenall started using it and in 1870 it was purchased completely (The G&J comes from Edward’s younger brothers – Gilbert & John). The previous chairman, Lord Daresbury, was a direct descendent of Edward Greenall. The family motto “Alto Peto” translates as "I Strive Higher". This once cottage based industry is now the second largest gin distillery in Britain, producing over 50% of the UK’s Gin and almost 15% of the world’s Gin. In 2011 the business was bought by Quintessential Brands.

The original Bloom Gin was created by Master Distiller Joanne Moore (nee Simcock) and released in late 2009 or early 2010 (2011 in the USA). In early winter 2013 a limited edition version of this Gin (a Sloe Gin) was released under the name “Sloe Bloom”.

Made from English wheat it is triple distilled with infused botanicals and demineralised spring water. This base spirit is then matured with sloeberries steeped in the Gin.

The ruby red colored Gin is presented in a rectangular clear bottle with vine-like motifs on the glass (similar to the original) but with pink colored accents.

Flavored Gin - Sloe.

28% (56 Proof).

$$$$$ - $$$$$$. Not available in the USA but try online at Master of Malt in the UK, and prepare to pay an additional 40% for shipping. As a limited edition we are unsure how long this may be available, so buy it sooner rather then later, to ensure you’re not disappointed.

The 8 Botanicals used include: angelica, chamomile, coriander, cubeb berries, honeysuckle, juniper berries, pomelo (member of the grapefruit family) and sloeberries.

The Gin has been inspired by the gardens and wildflower fields of England, and the key botanical ingredient sloeberries, hence the name Sloe Bloom.

On the nose are fruity floral aromas with a hint of marzipan (almonds). On the palate this viscous spirit has fruity bittersweet cherry, red fruit and plum notes with honeysuckle and chamomile from the base Gin still noticeable, plus noticeable hints of almond. On the close the sweet fruity flavors continue with hints of cinnamon, liquorice and spicy pepper in the drying finish. This is a very delicately balanced Sloe Gin.

This has all the elements of a traditional Sloe Gin whilst maintaining the backdrop of floral notes found in the original Bloom Gin. This does tend to make the taste a little on the unusual side (compared with most other Sloe Gins) and whilst changes are not a bad thing (and are often to be embraced) we found our palates preferred this with a mixer rather than taken neat – although we are sure some will disagree and enjoy it perfectly unfettered! Try this as a long drink with tonic water, soda water, lemonade etc. but unusually we liked this when mixed with a sweet hard cider (think summer fruity orchard aromas and tastes)!

Overall the base Gin provides a unique flavor, and whilst not necessarily to everyone’s taste, it is a god twist on more traditional offerings. It can be difficult to mix in standard Sloe Gin cocktails but give it a try and see what you think.

Unknown.