Lone Stag Spirits
Gin has been on the rise in popularity of late, particularly before meals as an aperitif, and here in the UK there are now double the number of gin distilleries as there were in 2012, many towards the higher end of the market. One particular local favourite for this writer is Sloane Home, an artisan brand based just outside Cowbridge with a line of drinks called Lone Stag Spirits.
The first one worth trying is Lone Stag Black: an infusion of gin, blackcurrants and Colombian coffee, with the latter being roasted over Welsh oak – 16.1% proof in a tall elegant 20cl bottle. I hate coffee, and yet: oh how the coffee, blackcurrants and gin combine in this drink, the smoothness of the coffee mixed with the aroma of the blackcurrants makes for an excellent experience. Over crushed ice it’s even better.
The follow up to that was the Lone Stag Spirit, a raspberry and lime gin infusion. Again, it was improved with the addition of ice, but one should also pour a little in a glass of prosecco – supposedly the done thing these days. The taste of the raspberry and lime added such zestfulness to the prosecco that this writer tried a few glasses to make sure the taste buds were not being deceitful. The Lone Stag Spirit actually won a Great Taste Award by the Guild of Fine Food in August 2017; judging by this it’s a worthy choice, and you won’t go far wrong with their other spirits. CARL MARSH
Info: www.sloanehome.co.uk