Chase launches Sloe and Mulberry Gin

The launch of a limited edition Sloe and Mulberry Gin is the start of a campaign by Chase Distillery to “find the ultimate forgotten fruit” – the mulberry.

As always, inspired by traditionally British flavours, Chase Distillery has marinated Herefordshire hedgerow sloe berries, picked after the first frost last November in a bespoke gin blend.

Incorporating a selection of botanicals designed specifically to augment the rich flavour of the fruit, the sloes were left to marinade for an initial period of eight months. Chase then sourced mulberries; adding the fruit for a final two months before decanting and bottling at 30% abv.

Mulberry trees, once commonplace in Britain, have long since fallen out of favour due to their slow-growing nature, low yields and messy, deep purple staining berries. Consequently, the cultivation of mulberry trees in the UK has diminished, prompting Chase Distillery owner, William to create a campaign to find and further champion this tree that is so steeped in history and meaning.

William said of the campaign: “When I heard mulberries described as ‘fireworks in your mouth’ I knew that I had to incorporate them into one of our spirits. I did some research and found that mulberry numbers are tiny compared to what they once were in the UK. I wanted people to see what an incredible flavour they’re missing out on, and so our Sloe and Mulberry Gin was born.”

Williams Chase Sloe and Mulberry Gin is now available at selected independent retailers and online at www.chasedistillery.co.uk. RRP from £27.50

28 October 2013 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor