Do we have any Sloe Gin fans here?

Gavin_Hall

I have made some Sloe Gin this year, started in October 2013, however everybody I talk to say it won't be at it's best until May-June next year, when you should decant into another bottle, ready for Xmas 2014!  Patience is something I have never had...do I wait or do I try it now?

reiteration

we went for a walk not long after I made my last post and we found a couple of last bushes - enough to make a small batch - well, one bottles worth...

we had a taste last night - and it's a little paler than the pic above...nce, but not as flavoursome as I'd like, so we added some brambles...will taste it again in a month or so...

hyperfish

That's what I hear also, but I had a little left from the previous year and I would describe the flavour as "Port-like" and much smoother. While it was indeed very nice, I think I prefer the Gin kick in the back ground. A couple of months does it for my taste.

I was suprised how quickly the Gin took on the colour in this batch, a bit more intense than last year. The result has lots of rich Sloe flavour and not too sweet.

I have just started another litre steeping.

reiteration

yes, the sloes we got were very ripe (another week and I think they'd of fallen off/died?) - but I have made darker sloe gin...

hyperfish

I always freeze the Sloes to break them down a little and to avoid the tedious pin pricking thing.

Perhaps that makes the difference.

reiteration

yep, done that in the pasgt as that's supposed to replicate the first frost? and thus breaks the skins...

I did squash these with a spoon - but no doubt missed a few

shodan

I've tried it before and really liked it.  I'd love to brew my own booze but  just don't have the patience.  Can I just buy a bottle of sloe's?  Is it worth it?

reiteration

I've never saw any sloes in shops...but you can get sloe gin, I've had gordons once - and was ok from what I remember...

shodan

Thats what I mean..

hyperfish

Gordon's and others sell it. I tried it once and it tasted too much like sweet cough syrup to me. Nothing like the homemade stuff. I use a bit less sugar than the recommended amount for my taste.

I too am a bit impatient in general life, but it takes little effort to make. It's all about resisting the urge to neck it.