North Uist Sloe and Bramble Gin 70CL

At the midway point of Scotland’s Outer Hebrides lies the wind blasted island of North Uist, population 1254. It’s the raw North Atlantic weather here that’s forged a starkly beautiful landscape where only the hardiest plants survive. There’s a sturdy outdoor lifestyle here: wild swimming and surfing are common, but they aren’t for the faint hearted. And it’s here in 2017 that Kate and Johnny founded the North Uist distillery, specialising in Gin. Nine years later and three consecutive Scottish Gin Producer of the Year awards is testament to their hard work and their brilliant Downpour range.

Good folks, good land, great Gin! The striking, rain embossed bottles complement the wonderful liquid inside and they make a great present for the self or for others. North Uist Distillery is sustainable and carbon neutral.

Tasting Notes

•    Nose: Fruity and fresh aromas of wild blackberries and hand-gathered sloe berries balanced by a subtle warmth of oak-aged vanilla.
•    Palate: Full-bodied and complex on the tongue. Vibrant, herbal blackberries and tart sloes lead the way, with a distinct presence of juniper taking center stage alongside notes of marzipan and almond.
•    Finish: A medium-length, velvety mouthfeel delivering a long, luxurious finish of seasoned oak, rich fruit cake and sweet vanilla. It is noticeably less sweet than a traditional sloe gin, maintaining a perfect harmony between sweet and dry profiles.

Description

North Uist Distillery Downpour Sloe & Bramble Gin is a premium Hebridean craft spirit presented in a 70cl bottle with an alcohol volume of 31% ABV. This award-winning expression offers an incredibly juicy twist on the classic island spirit, expertly balancing tartness with a rounded sweetness.

Distilling Methods

The production process behind this gin highlights authentic craftsmanship and island tradition. The distillers steep hand-picked Uist brambles and wild sloe berries into their signature bold Downpour Scottish Dry Gin. A slow maceration process is utilized, soaking the sloes for up to a year to allow the stones to naturally impart delicate marzipan notes. The liquid is then matured for a spell in specially selected ex-bourbon casks. This wood maturation provides a wonderfully mellowed, multi-layered profile, adding soft vanilla and seasoned oak characters to the naturally sharp berry spirit.

Serving & Cocktail Suggestions

•    The Perfect Serve: Pour a generous measure over plenty of ice, top up with premium blood orange soda, and garnish with a fresh orange slice or a sprig of wild heather.
•    Hebridean Fizz: Add a splash of the gin to a chilled flute of prosecco or Champagne for a vibrant, berry-infused celebratory toast.
•    Very Berry Ginquiri: Shake 35ml of the gin with fresh lemon juice, a touch of sugar syrup, and fresh seasonal berries, then strain into a coupe glass and garnish with mint.
•    Winter Warmer: Gently heat the spirit with apple juice, a cinnamon stick, and cloves to create a comforting mulled festive punch.

Food Pairings

The balanced dryness and rich fruit core of this spirit make it an exceptional match for food:
•    Savory Starters: Pair with a rich, creamy burrata or fresh ricotta served alongside charred seasonal vegetables like beetroot and fennel, drizzled with a light gin-infused vinaigrette.
•    Cheese Boards: The complex berry acidity cuts beautifully through strong, creamy blue cheeses, mature Scottish cheddar, or baked camembert.
•    Desserts: Complement the vanilla and almond undertones by serving this gin alongside dark chocolate tarts, warm blackberry crumbles, or a classic almond frangipane.