Barrel time can really push gin in new directions

Pushing gin in new directions with barrel time

Andrew loves to push the boundaries and surprise our regulars with new takes on gin. Ageing gin in barrels is a tried-and-tested way to draw out elegant flavours, and different barrels bring out different characters. For instance, the recently released limited-edition bourbon barrel-aged gin was aged in barrels from a Kentucky distillery.

American white oak is commonly used for ageing spirits, with French oak also popular. Each wood lends its own flavours, which shape the character of the finished spirit.

Barrels made from American oak offer caramel and vanilla flavours, while European oak brings spice and woody notes.

This limited-edition Humdinger Gin is made by ageing our award-winning Dry Gin in a used European oak Pinot Noir barrel from Matua Wines, Marlborough, New Zealand.

Its character comes from layering our lively botanicals with sweet, spiced red fruit up front, moving into a subtle oak body from the barrel and finishing with a lingering vanilla note.

Humdinger's Pinot Noir Barrel-Aged Gin is a limited edition, released just in time for Christmas — perfect for gift giving, or as an aperitif on Christmas Day.

For a tall, refreshing drink, try it over ice with East Imperial Ginger Ale. For a short drink, mix it with a little honey syrup over ice.

This Pinot Noir release has since sold out, but our current Rum Barrel Aged Gin carries on the barrel-aged tradition.