Foxhole Spirits has launched a new gin that it claimed was the first to be distilled with English wine grapes picked from Sussex vineyards.
The handcrafted gin is created in small batches in a unique process which presses the unused juice of the grapes before infusing it with botanicals such as juniper, coriander, angelica root and angelica seed, orris root, liquorice root, as well as the fresh zest of lemons and grapefruit. It is also diluted with natural spring water.
The name Foxhole originates from one of the vineyards where the English wine grapes were handpicked. The first batch, made from the 2014 vintage, is launching as a limited edition of 960 hand-numbered bottles. It will be available through a selection of independents and bars from £40.
Founders of Foxhole Spirits Sam Linter and James Oag-Cooper created the unique spirit after pursuing their passion for sustainability and utilising by-products of winemaking.
Oag-Cooper said: “In a typical English wine harvest, because of the nature of winemaking, around 30-40% of the grape material is not used and normally gets thrown away; however, when it is put through a second pressing, we can use the juice to create a gin with a beautiful balance of floral and citrus characteristics.
“As a company, we want to promote sustainability across the drinks industry and reduce industry waste. This process provides Foxhole gin with a production method that is unique and not currently used for any other gin produced in the UK.”
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