Sloes are members of the plum family, and are the fruit of the blackthorn shrub that grows prolifically around the United Kingdom as part of the traditional hedgerows. Early settlers planted the blackthorn around northern Tasmania to create field boundaries and a sense of home. Some of these hedgerows still exist. Sloe gin is actually a fruit infusion rather than distilled from the berry itself, and the sugar/fruit ratios vary according to the maker’s taste. Many use cheap gin but we believe in quality and therefore use the very best ingredients throughout. London-style dry gin is a legal term that defines the best quality gin.Maturing time: 3–6 months
Level of difficulty: easy
Season: Winter
You will need to begin this recipe at least 3 months ahead, but the longer you leave it the better it will be, preferably a minimum of 6 months.