Why not enjoy something a little different and try some cocktails & mixed drinks made using our exclusive Shortcross Small Batch Cask Finish Gin.

A very limited and exclusive product as only a few hundred bottles were crafted especially for us by the talented and passionate gin and whiskey distiller David Boyd-Armstrong from the Rademon Estate Shortcross Distillery.

A new recipe for the base gin was specifically created for this project. A portion of the juniper was vapour infused to increase the juniper character. The bespoke spirit was rested in old French casks from Bordeaux. The premium barrels, which hail from the Haut-Médoc producer Château Cantemerle, had previously only been used twice and thus the impartation of vinous character was rapid. The colour is also a result of spirit and wood interaction. Three months was all it took for the desired criteria to be acquired. Cask and spirit shine without one overtaking the other.

The 43% proof gin exhibits the key Shortcross characteristics of being juniper led with citrus and floral notes, but with the addition of bright summer berries with notes of rose petals and vanilla, combined with lightly toasted oak and velvety tannins.

The nose exudes an herbaceous floral bouquet, followed by juniper and warm vanilla notes from the cask. On the palate dark fruits develop into bright juniper with hints clover and elderflower. A balance of spice and botanical oils leave a lush, rich mouthfeel on the finish.

Try a little neat to appreciate the flavours and aromas fully before mixing your favourite drinks.

Shortcross Small Batch Cask Finish Gin & Tonic

Delicious mixed as a classic gin and tonic. Try with Fever Tree Indian Tonic, pink grapefruit and lots of ice in a tall highball tumbler. Be sure to mix at the perfect ratio of 50ml of gin to 150ml of tonic water.

Why not serve some tasty bites alongside your drink? Forget the simple bowl of salted peanuts and try strong cheeses such as blue cheese, Pecorino or even Parmigiano-Reggiano. Appetisers such as pâté and smoked salmon work surprisingly well too.

Shortcross Small Batch Cask Finish Negroni

Simply shake everything bar the Champagne/sparkling wine in an ice filled shaker, fine strain into a chilled flute, top up with the Champagne/sparkling wine and garnish with a little lemon zest. At home I make the Harry's New York Bar addition of a tiny dash of Absinthe for a note of aniseed, but it is entirely optional. Using Shortcross Small Batch Cask Finish Gin not only adds a warmer hue to the cocktail, it adds some floral notes to this elegant, refreshing drink. The name French 75 derives from a French 75mm gun, implying that the cocktail packs a similar kick!

Just like Champagne, oysters are the classic food pairing with a French 75. If there is an “r” in the month then perhaps a mild brie might be a safer choice!

Shortcross Small Batch Cask Finish Delmonico No. 1

The Delmonico No. 1 is a riff on the classic Manhattan cocktail, where the traditional spirit of rye whiskey has been replaced by gin & Cognac. It makes for a sophisticated drink with the perfect balance of warm spice, botanicals and herbal sweetness.

Method:

30ml Shortcross Small Batch Cask Finish Gin

15ml Château de Montifaud VS 5 Year Old Cognac

15ml Quady Winery Vya Sweet Vermouth

15ml dry white vermouth

A dash of Angostura Bitters

 

Pour all the ingredients into an ice filled mixing glass and stir. Then simply strain into a chilled Martini glass & garnish with orange zest. The Château de Montifaud VS 5 Year Old Cognac adds notes of pear & apple and Quady Winery Vya Sweet Vermouth gives a warm spice to the cocktail.

Although lesser known than its Manhattan cousin, this cocktail also has a long history, dating back to the 1830s. It is thought that it was created at Delmonico’s Steakhouse Restaurant in New York by the Delmonico brothers. To this day there is still a Delmonico’s Restaurant in New York, but at a different location to the original.

Try serving with some pistachios, spiced olives or smoked cheese. It would even work well with rich, fatty foods such as fried chicken.

I do hope you will have a go at making some of these drinks at home and perhaps come up with a few new creations of your own.

Chin chin,

Edel.