Review

Strawberry Bank
Sloe Gin

Strawberry Bank liquers Ltd., Crosthwaite, Lyth Valley, Kendal, Cumbria, England, UK.

Unknown.

From 1990 to 2001 Helen and Mike Walsh owned The Mason Arms bar in nearby Cartmel Fell, until an outbreak of Foot & Mouth Disease meant they had a quiet business period to contend with. During this time, having already produced their own damson beer, they experimented with flavoured spirits and made some Damson Gin as a way to supplement their income. This proved so popular they sold The Mason Arms and in May 2002 set up a production facility and shop at a purpose built food unit at Plumgarth Food Park just outside Kendal. Here they have increased their range of spirits and sell their products to local merchants and at food festivals.

The sloes used are all locally grown within the Lyth Valley in Cumbria. Unlike most other flavoured Gins, where the fruit is infused in the Gin across a few months, Strawberry Bank have a novel approach to their production methods. They mill and press the fruit to produce pure fruit juice (with no additives, chemicals or preservatives), which is added to an undisclosed London Dry Gin and sugar to make an instant flavoured Gin. 

The ruby red Gin is presented in a clear tall and thin rectangular bottle with a long neck. It has a long rectangular white colored label with a picture of several sloeberries.

Flavored Gin - Sloe.

25% (50 Proof).

$$$$ - $$$$$. Not available in the USA and has limited availability in the UK, order online from Love The Lakes (however international delivery prices from the UK are not readily available).

Unknown but includes sloeberries.

Named after the area known as Strawberry Bank, where husband and wife team Helen and Michael Walsh first started the business, at The Mason Arms in Cumbria.

Unfortunately we have not tasted this yet, so are unable to provide any personal details, but it will be interesting to see how the Sloe compares with their Damson Gin. According to Strawberry Bank, this Sloe Gin is delicious taken neat as a winter warmer or when mixed 1 part to 3 parts lemonade or tonic water.

Unknown.