Copeland Rhuberry Irish Gin (70cl, 37.5%)

Copeland Rhuberry is a flavoured gin from the Copeland Distillery in Donaghadee, County Down. Fresh rhubarb and blackberries from local farms are macerated in alcohol for 16 to 24 hours before distillation in a 300-litre copper column still, with further fruit and botanicals added. After distillation it is reduced to 37.5% and rests for two weeks before hand bottling and labelling. Rhubarb and blackberry add a lightly sweet fruit note to the juniper character. It is bottled at 37.5% in a 700 ml bottle with no added colouring. Nose: juniper and clearly perceptible cinnamon with sweetly scented rhubarb and blackberries. Palate: fresh blackberries and rhubarb lead, with rhubarb acidity rounded by berry sweetness; soft and refreshing, with subtle juniper plus cinnamon and coriander. Finish: round and lightly sweet, with the classic gin character retained.