Super-strength gin from Snowdonia’s mountains
AWelsh distillery has produced a gin that lays claim to being the strongest on the UK. Snowdonia Distillery, based in the Conwy Valley, only started up in 2015 and but has already built up a reputation for producing high-quality gins.
And now it is about to release a spirit for World Gin Day tomorrow that will put it on the map for its alcohol content.
With a proof of 61.8% ABV (alcohol by volume), Forager’s Black Label Mountain Strength is understood to have the highest alcohol content of any gin produced in the UK.
It is ahead of the previous strongest range from Strathearn Distillery, which produced a range of gins with 60.5% ABV.
It won’t come cheap – with the 700ml bottles to retail at £120 – and its production will be limited to 50 bottles a year.
Snowdonia Distillery owner Chris Marshall said: “It’s tradition in the gin world that ‘over-proof’ gins, or at least those of 57% ABV and above, are termed ‘Navy Strength.’
“But this beautiful corner of Britain, although on the coast, isn’t renowned for its navy, so we’ve been a little reluctant to append this term to this fabulous gin.
“Forager’s Gin speaks of rugged untamed landscapes and some of the most beautiful mountains in the world. It seemed fitting, therefore, to coin a new term, one more befitting of Forager’s Gin and its providence and ethos. Bottled at 61.8% ABV, that term will be known as ‘Mountain Strength’.”
He added: “Many over-proof gins are harsh. This is different. The natural viscosity and smoothness which can be detected in our regular Forager’s Black Label is enhanced in Mountain Strength.
“This all stems from the use of some of the finest waters and botanicals, a six-week-long maceration period and slow distillation cycles to capture delicate flavours. Some things cannot be rushed.
“The result is gin with a beautiful juniper-rich start, a gentle citrus undercurrent and super-smooth buttery mouthfeel.
“The great juniper depth and natural salinity from the inclusion of Sea Buckthorn give this gin a finely balanced and beautifully long finish.”