Swedish gin brand Hernö has unveiled its Sipping Gin 2022, which has been aged in Port casks for 60 days. Previously, the barrels held tawny Port from Santa Marta de Penaguião, Portugal, for 12 months.
Hernö Sipping Gin 2022 is the sixth edition of the limited release spirit and finds the brand using its Old Tom Gin for the first time. Botanicals in the gin include juniper berries, coriander seeds, black pepper, cassia bark, vanilla, lingonberries, meadowsweet, and lemon peel. In previous years, Hernö has matured its Dry Gin in casks from Laphroaig, Ardbeg, High Coast Distillery and Brännland Iscider with origin from Sauternes.
“When the opportunity to buy a cask from Caves Santa Marta in Portugal came up, we felt directly that we would like to mature our Hernö Old Tom Gin this time,” said Johan Wester, Head Distiller at Hernö Gin. “To get a slightly sweeter touch. After sixty days the balance between port and gin was just perfect.”
On the nose, oak leads to a floral push followed by almond and caramel, butter and vanilla, as well as an underlying note of crunchy juniper. The palate is floral and juniper forward with a rich texture featuring nutty notes, dates, pepper, and a touch of sweetness. The finish features citrus with clear notes of meadowsweet, juniper, and long lingering spicy oak.
The brand recommends enjoying the Sipping Gin 2022 neat, in a Negroni, or in a Gin Sour.
“I will enjoy Hernö Sipping Gin 2022 together with my mother-in-law Marit,” commented Jon Hillgren, Master Distiller and Founder of Hernö Gin. “We have a common tradition that has grown during the years: To share a glass of Port together when she’s visiting us in Dala. To dedicate Marit a gin created in a still bearing her name and with a character who pays tribute to the tradition of Port, that will take our moment of honor to a new level next time we meet.”
Bottled at 43% ABV, just 1003 bottles have been created. For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.