It’s a tough job, but let’s face it, somebody’s got to do it.
Raisthorpe Manor, based near Malton pride themselves on using only the best ingredients combined with traditional methods to ensure their products are of the highest quality with an emphasis on taste! Robert and Speights, the wonderful deli on Norwood, supply our area with a range of products from Raisthorpe Manor and needed some interesting new and locally produced gins to be tasted, and tasted, and tasted again.
My panel of experienced tasters with refined palettes and discerning noses settled in for an evening of blind tasting of three different flavoured gins, to be tasted over ice and not in the usual format, with tonic.
Damson Gin Liqueur
The aroma was strongly fruity and almost syropy, and one of us thought it was reminiscent of a plum crumble (remember we were blind tasting – this companion has a future in the business!) It conjured up an image of an autumnal walk over the Westwood and popping into the pub for a glass of this before heading home. The taste was smooth, mellow and warming. It left a very pleasant tingle in the cheeks – and it was a winner for us!
Raspberry Gin Liqueur
This was a little sharper on the nose, lighter and smelled more summery with a hint of citrus we thought. It packed a delicious taste punch – thinner but deeply fruity, tasting of summer berries and sophisticated. This was lovely over ice but could be mixed with champagne or sparkling wine, and with a fresh raspberry in the glass it would be a stunning cocktail for that special occasion. This is definitely a rival for the Pimms summer cocktail crown.
Shoot Shots Sloe Gin
Mellow and warming on the nose, we declared the bouquet as like Christmas in a bottle. Strong and full bodied on the tongue, this was definitely the Big Daddy of the range, heavier and less fruity to taste than the Damson Gin, but just as heartening and warming.
This range was delicious and has opened up Discreet Diners eyes to the range and possibilities of gin drinking for all seasons – and not just with tonic!
The packaging of these bottles is very attractive and would make excellent gifts, on their own or in a home-made hamper for Christmas. Or why not just treat yourself… Roberts and Speight on Norwood is the place to be. I’ll see you there!
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