Blackthorn berry liqueur

Reference

British Isles, Northern Europe, Central Europe

ABV20–30%

Sub-styles

sloe liqueurhedgerow berry liqueurwild fruit liqueur

Tasting Notes

Sloe berry, damson plum, almond stone, tart cherry, hedgerow fruit, gentle tannin, juniper echo (from gin base), autumn berries. Color is deep ruby to garnet. The tannin-acid structure is unique among fruit liqueurs — more wine-like than most.

Brand Guide

Well

Gordon's Sloe Gin ($18-22)

Call

Plymouth Sloe Gin ($25-30) — benchmark quality

Premium

Sipsmith Sloe Gin ($30-35), Hayman's Sloe Gin ($28-32). Craft: homemade sloe gin (the British tradition — many bartenders make their own). Pacharán: Zoco ($18-22, Spanish sloe-anise)

Explore Spirits

The Story

Sloe's wild cousin. Blackthorn berries deliver a tart, tannic intensity that defines British hedgerow spirits.