Sloe Gin Recommendations

[Old_Geezer]

My women has just said to me that she thinks it would be nice to get a sloe gin for Christmas. I'm no expert on this but I did enjoy a home made one from a past friend many years ago. She'd made it fruit heavy with just enough gin to give bite. However the couple of times I've bought a commercial bottle I've been far less impressed. Heavy on the gin flavour (which whilst drinkable isn't a favourite spirit of mine) and with only a hint of the fruit.

It's a bit of a long shot I know, but I was wondering if anyone can recommend a fruity commercial version. (I would say that it need not be overly sweet, as I'm trying to avoid consuming too much sugar at present, but if it is a bit sweet, well it'll be Xmas, and a rare treat.)

Cheers.

[Barmaid]

I was quite impressed with Aldis last year, altho I only ever drank it with fizz to make a Slogasm.

[Ellipsis]

Warner's is good

https://www.warnersdistillery.com/products/sloe-gin

[Buenchico]

Quote:
"Sometimes you just want a good old-fashioned sloe gin. And this bottling nails it. It’s sweet, but not too sweet. It’s zingy, but doesn’t strip your dental enamel. And, it warms the cockles on a frigid day, without being knee-wobblingly boozy. It’s generously fruity – rich in dark plum, prune and berry – and has a dialled down juniper profile, making it a real crowd-pleaser for all tastes too. We can’t imagine any sloe gin fan turning up their noses. And we can’t think of much better a match for a roaring fire or cosy night watching Netflix"

Source:
https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/food-drink/spirits/best-sloe-gins-brands-mixer-a7456646.html

The product:
https://www.daylesford.com/sloe-gin-large

The BBC Good Food magazine though gives their award for the best fruity sloe gin to one from right here in Suffolk:
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/review/best-sloe-gin

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B074P73D97

[Old_Geezer]

Wow, more experienced knowledge than I expected. Well, more then one bottle ain't on the cards so I'll need to choose between those suggested and go for it.

Many thanks all.

[Vagus]

In my experience, any bought sloe gin isn’t very nice..too dry and not enough fruit taste. I think I was expecting it to be more like a liquor but it definitely isn’t, it’s just a flavoured gin.
I made my own a few years ago and even that wasn’t great even though I added loads of fruit and sugar, I think it’s the sloes which aren’t fruity enough.
I then made a damson liqueur and the difference is amazing, that really is fruity. I used vodka to make it.
Sorry not to be more helpful, but I really do think sloe gin is overrated.

[-SharonA-]

I too love Aldi's sloe gin. I am just disappointed that they have none yet in my local shop. I tend to buy a couple of bottles to enjoy beyond Xmas.

[Old_Geezer]

Cheers both.

[Old_Geezer]

Just to say we went first with the cheap option. Hatsmiths hand steeped. And very nice it is too. Bit concerned it may contain more sugar than I ought to have, but, well, it's nearly Xmas. Cheers.