The distillers of the international award-winning Shortcross Gin at Rademon Estate Distillery in Co. Down have launched a limited edition Cask Aged Shortcross Gin. The exciting new gin has been released this month through exclusive London retailer, Fortnum and Mason, as the store’s Spirit of the Month for February.
To create this limited edition, Shortcross Gin was carefully rested in French oak casks from the Chateau de La Ligne in Bordeaux that had previously contained the Chateau Cuvee Prestige wine. The casks were hand-picked by Head Distiller David Boyd-Armstrong with the help of the chateau owner, Terry Cross of Wine Geese fame.
Commenting on Rademon Estate Distillery’s latest product David Boyd-Armstrong, Head Distiller and Operations Director, said: “As the distillery has grown and developed we have been experimenting with ageing spirits in a variety of different casks and I am delighted with the results of this Cask Aged Shortcross Gin”.
The 44% proof Cask Aged Shortcross Gin exhibits the key Shortcross characteristics of being juniper led with citrus and floral notes, but now adds an abundance of bright summer berries with notes of rose petals and vanilla, combined with lightly toasted oak and velvety tannins.
An extremely exclusive and limited release, only 160 bottles are available to purchase through Fortnum and Mason, where it will feature as the Spirit of the Month throughout February. As a subtle reference to this partnership the trademark copper foil on the Shortcross Gin label has been replaced with Fortnum and Mason’s iconic duck egg blue.
In addition, a further 300 bottles of Cask Aged Shortcross Gin will be released through Rademon Estate’s distribution partners, JN Wines in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. These bottles will be available through the JN Wine Store in Crossgar, Co. Down, JNWine.com and off licenses across Ireland, which purchase stock directly from JN Wines.
Fiona Boyd-Armstrong, Managing Director, Rademon Estate Distillery, said: “Our aim is to become Ireland’s leading craft distillery and we are delighted to have added an exciting new addition to our growing portfolio. We have an excellent relationship with Fortnum and Mason and felt this was a fantastic opportunity to launch our latest product into the London market as their Spirit of the Month in February.
“Closer to home, we are also making this exciting new product available to Shortcross fans in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland with further small quantities released through JN Wines and other top tier retail outlets”
Rademon Estate Distillery is Northern Ireland’s first and only craft distillery and the producer of the multi award-winning Shortcross Gin. Founded in 2012 by husband and wife team Fiona and David Boyd-Armstrong, Rademon Estate Distillery is located at the couple’s historic family estate just outside Downpatrick, Co. Down.
The launch of the new Cask Aged Shortcross Gin is the latest in a line of exciting product innovations at Rademon Estate. Last year, the Distillery announced that it had laid down the first casks of a new Irish Malt Whiskey, the first bottles of which are expected to be released in summer 2018. There are also plans to open a unique visitor centre at Rademon Estate later in 2016.
TASTING NOTES:
Straight Up
Juniper and fruit forward nose with elderberries, bramble, fruits, violet and cut wood, with floral notes of wild clover and elderflowers coming through.
Taste
This Cask Aged Shortcross Gin exhibits the key Shortcross characteristics of being juniper led with citrus and floral notes, but now adds an abundance of bright summer berries with notes of rose petals and vanilla, combined with lightly toasted oak and velvety tannins.
Finish
Rich velvety mouthfeel, with a long smooth tonic.
Cask Aged Shortcross Gin will be available through Fortnum and Mason throughout February and is priced at £40 for a 70cl bottle.
