The Ultimate Guide to Sloe Gin: History, Flavour & Why Bristol Dry Gin’s Sloe Gin Stands Above the Rest
Sloe gin has quietly become one of the UK’s most beloved seasonal spirits — a rich, ruby-red liqueur that evokes crisp autumn walks, hedgerows bursting with fruit, and slow-crafted tradition. Whether you're new to sloe gin or already a dedicated fan, this guide explores what makes it unique, how it’s made, and why Bristol Dry Gin’s Sloe Gin is quickly becoming the go-to choice for bartenders and home connoisseurs alike.
What Is Sloe Gin?
Despite the name, sloe gin isn’t technically a gin in the traditional sense — it’s a liqueur. It begins with classic gin, infused with sloe berries, the fruit of the blackthorn bush. These small, tart berries transform the gin by adding:
- Deep red colour
- Rich berry sweetness
- Distinctive almond-like notes
- A velvety, warming finish
The result is a spirit that’s perfect for winter cocktails, gifting season, or simply sipping by the fire.
The History of Sloe Gin
Sloe gin dates back to the 18th century in the UK, when hedgerows were abundant and households made their own batch each autumn. Traditionally, families pricked sloes with a needle, soaked them in gin with sugar, and waited months for the infusion. Today, high-quality distillers continue this craft — but very few do it with as much character as Bristol Dry Gin.
How Sloe Gin Is Made
1. Picking the Perfect Sloes
The best sloes are harvested after the first frost, which softens the berries and brings out their natural sugars. Our Sloe Berries are harvested by our friends at Pibley Bottom Farm, and instead of pricking the skin, are briefly frozen. The expanding liquid in the berries, ruptures the skin of the fruit making them ready from the next step of infusing.
2. Infusing with Quality Gin
Bristol Dry Gin’s Sloe Gin is made using the distillery’s award-winning spirit, but made to a particular recipe which allows the character of the fruit to shine through the botanicals and ensuring the final product has clarity, depth, and balance.
3. Slow Extraction
Proper sloe gin takes time, in fact, most of a calendar year at Bristol Dry Gin. This slow maceration extracts:
- Bold berry flavour
- Gentle warmth
- Natural sweetness
- Almond and marzipan tones from the sloe stones
Why Bristol Dry Gin’s Sloe Gin Is Exceptional
If you're searching for a premium, small-batch, handcrafted sloe gin, Bristol Dry Gin delivers. Here’s what sets it apart:
1. Made With Real Sloes — No Artificial Flavourings
Each batch is infused with whole hand-picked local berries for an authentic flavour, and a proper Westcountry provenance.
2. Rich, Deep Flavour Profile
Expect a beautiful balance of sweet berry richness, soft spice, and that unmistakable Bristol Dry Gin character.
