Bareksten Sloe Gin

OSS Craft Distillery in Norway makes Bareksten in a distinctly Nordic register, and this sloe gin starts from its multi-award-winning Botanical Gin. Pure Nordic juniper spirit is macerated with hand-picked sloe berries, drawing out the deep ruby colour and that tart, fruity aroma, then bottled at a gentle 29 per cent. Made in small batches with an eye on natural ingredients, it reads less like a liqueur and more like the Norwegian wilderness poured into a glass.

The nose is fruity and aromatic, dominant sloes alongside spicy juniper and fine herbs. The palate is full-bodied and lightly sweet, dark berries and almond folded into delicate spice, before a long, soft finish with an elegant bitterness. Serve over ice with tonic and a twist of orange zest, or top it with sparkling wine for a Sloe Royale.