It’s battle of the sloe gins
Getting in the spirit at Chapelhill Inn
Homemade spirit liqueurs are being sought to enter into a sloe gin competition at the Chapelhill Inn at Logiealmond.
Publicans Eileen Keay and Frank McKie are gathering the best concoctions in the county at their watering hole on February 9.
In years gone by, there was a silver salver awarded by previous Chapelhill pub landlords for the best bottle of local sloe gin.
This competitive relic was found in the attic when Eileen and Frank took over two years ago.
Explaining the thinking behind reviving the eventsw, Eileen said: “Not having had a sloe gin contest for the last 15 years, we thought it was a fine tradition to do again - especially as we had entered it ourselves in the past and absolutely love the product.
“We brought in two other prize categories, so you don’t have to just present sloe gin, other homemade drinks get a chance too.
“There is a category for sloe gin, another for other spirits and liqueurs and a third one for homemade wine.
“All we ask is bottles are behind the bar for judging by 7pm on the Friday of the competition.”
In what promises to be a tremendous evening during which everyone gets to try the entries, expert judges will pick their best tipples.
There were 30 entries in the 2017 competition and last year’s winner Jane Falkner is being asked back to taste the 2018 hopefuls.
Eileen added: “We also have Lady Georgina Bullough as a judge and a third judge for the wines is being sought - so it might be worth contacting us to tell Frank and I about your beverage credentials.”
The Chapelhill Inn can be reached on 01738 880456. Frank McKie Eileen Keay and