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General Subjects => General Forum => Topic started by: mark smyth on November 10, 2007, 12:19:50 PM

Title: Sloe Gin
Post by: mark smyth on November 10, 2007, 12:19:50 PM
Today, better late than never, I made my Sloe Gin. The fruit, Prunus spinosa, should have been gathered back in September. Now they are starting to wither. All you need is the fruit, sugar, a glass or plastic jar, Gin and patience. Disturb the contents once a day until the sugar has dissolved and set it aside for a minimum of 3 months
Title: Re: Sloe Gin
Post by: Heather Smith on November 10, 2007, 12:57:55 PM
I made Sloe Gin some 12 years ago. I did all the right things including leaving it for a whole year to mature.  I just wondered what it tasted like. While I was away in Switzerland, and the sloe gin was 11.5 months old, my sister drank the lot!!  So I still don't know what it tastes like. My sister loved it (obviously) and she doesn't usually like gin at all.
Somewhat frustrating.
Title: Re: Sloe Gin
Post by: mark smyth on November 10, 2007, 01:02:11 PM
I have some 2 and three year old bottles
Title: Re: Sloe Gin
Post by: Anthony Darby on November 10, 2007, 09:32:58 PM
The thing about sloe gin is it doesn't taste anthything like gin, and btw, that's a half hearted attempt at filling a sweetie jar Mark. ;) It should be filled to the top with pricked sloes, then the sugar added until it is again  full and likewise with the gin. :)
Title: Re: Sloe Gin
Post by: Carlo on November 10, 2007, 09:50:47 PM
oof...sounds more like syrup...
Title: Re: Sloe Gin
Post by: David Shaw on November 10, 2007, 10:05:48 PM
40% syrup, no problem!
Actually, as Anthony says, it doesn't taste anything like gin but a very pleasant and very potent appetiser.
Title: Re: Sloe Gin
Post by: annew on November 10, 2007, 10:10:19 PM
Funnily enough, I've been discussing sloe gin with people this week, and the recipes varied from 2oz to 1lb of sugar per pint of gin. The upper limit sounds more like the recipe for sloe jelly.
Title: Re: Sloe Gin
Post by: Anthony Darby on November 10, 2007, 10:36:43 PM
The upper limit sounds more like the recipe for sloe jelly.

You'd be amazed how much sugar dissolves in a pint (568ml) of gin! Jelly (or syrup) it ain't; delicious it is.
Title: Re: Sloe Gin
Post by: Paul T on November 10, 2007, 11:39:16 PM
I'm starting to think that SOME in these forums are a pack of alco's.  Consumption of fermented beverages DOES seem to find it's way into our pages rather often, no?  ;D
Title: Re: Sloe Gin
Post by: mark smyth on November 10, 2007, 11:53:47 PM
the recipe over here is half fill the container with sloes, add sugar until all gaps are filled, add a 'snow cap', fill the container with Gin. I need to buy another tomorrow to fill my jar
Title: Re: Sloe Gin
Post by: Carlo on November 11, 2007, 12:02:11 AM
It is all from plants, Paul...
Title: Re: Sloe Gin
Post by: David Shaw on November 11, 2007, 10:00:50 AM
How do you mean, Paul, alco's.
It's nearly 10 o'clock on Sunday morning and I haven't had a drop, yet!
Title: Re: Sloe Gin
Post by: jomowi on November 11, 2007, 05:16:49 PM
Mark

Beware some plastics, particularly the transparent ones,  it is possible that some of the constituents of gin might attack the plastic over time.  Glass, ceramic, polypropylene or polyethylene may be safer.

Brian Wilson Aberdeen
Title: Re: Sloe Gin
Post by: mark smyth on November 11, 2007, 05:43:34 PM
thanks Brian. This bottle is a very rare sweet bottle. They are all plastic now. I used to keep newts in them
Title: Re: Sloe Gin
Post by: mark smyth on October 05, 2008, 05:52:32 PM
Sloe time has come around once again!
Title: Re: Sloe Gin
Post by: Anthony Darby on October 05, 2008, 08:42:58 PM
......and we have plenty gin in the cupboard!
Title: Re: Sloe Gin
Post by: Anthony Darby on October 05, 2008, 08:44:31 PM
thanks Brian. This bottle is a very rare sweet bottle. They are all plastic now. I used to keep newts in them

I used to have a pet newt Mark. I called it Tiny because it was my newt. ;)
Title: Re: Sloe Gin
Post by: mark smyth on October 05, 2008, 10:43:52 PM
ar ar!

I broke the bottle  :-\
Title: Re: Sloe Gin
Post by: Maggi Young on October 07, 2008, 02:15:23 PM
I'm starting to think that SOME in these forums are a pack of alco's.  Consumption of fermented beverages DOES seem to find it's way into our pages rather often, no?  ;D

 It has often been said  of the SRGC that we are a drinking club with a plant problem, Paul ...... ::) ;) ;D ;D  8)
Title: Re: Sloe Gin
Post by: gote on October 07, 2008, 07:06:49 PM
Maybe that is why I joined ;D
Göte
Title: Re: Sloe Gin
Post by: mark smyth on October 07, 2008, 07:51:31 PM
Maybe I should make a litre or two for next years weekend?!
Title: Re: Sloe Gin
Post by: Maggi Young on October 07, 2008, 08:12:02 PM
Fun idea, Mark... not sure how you will transport it over the  sea..... ::) ???


Göte, if that WAS the reason, you are in good company, I think!! ;)
Title: Re: Sloe Gin
Post by: Joakim B on October 07, 2008, 09:41:48 PM

Fun idea, Mark... not sure how you will transport it over the  sea..... ::) ???
Maggi like everything else well packed in the checked in luggage.
Kind regards
Joakim
Title: Re: Sloe Gin
Post by: Rodger Whitlock on October 25, 2008, 10:56:37 PM
Anyone bold and brave enough to mail me some sloe stones?

Prunus spinosa has been on my wantlist for a long time. Though I've been assured repeatedly that sloes are grown on Vancouver Island, I've never been able to track down a plant.

Title: Re: Sloe Gin
Post by: mark smyth on October 25, 2008, 11:07:46 PM
I will. I'll send them in late winter when the flesh has come off the fruit
Title: Re: Sloe Gin
Post by: Carol Shaw on October 26, 2008, 09:23:44 AM
If you don't have any sloes blackcurrants work pretty well too  :D
Title: Re: Sloe Gin
Post by: shelagh on October 26, 2008, 10:15:58 AM
Although I love Sloe Gin I have to say that I prefer Damson Gin and the same quantities apply 1lb of fruit, 1lb of sugar and a pint of Gin. Then get your exercise by swilling or as my grandmother would have said swilkering the jar on a regular basis to keep it all well mixed.
Title: Re: Sloe Gin
Post by: mark smyth on October 27, 2008, 07:48:59 PM
Shelagh is that not being a wee bit tight with the gin?

What's the difference between wine, port and sherry?
Title: Re: Sloe Gin
Post by: David Nicholson on October 27, 2008, 08:37:38 PM
Port comes from Portugal, Sherry comes from Spain and both are fortified wines. Wine comes from Tescos :P
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