Forty Spotted Gin launches barrel-aged winter release

Australian Whisky Holdings’ (AWH) Forty Spotted Gin has launched its barrel-aged 2019 Winter Release Gin.

With the 2018 Winter Release winning Australia’s Best Matured Gin at the World Gin Awards in February, the 2019 batch has replicated the unique botanical composition of dried figs, ruby grapefruit, fresh ginger, black loomi and a touch of Overeem Distillery’s single malt new make spirit to create a rich and wintery contemporary gin.

After distillation, the spirit was matured for four weeks in ex-bourbon casks to give oaky characteristics and a toffee-coloured hue.

Forty Spotted Head Distiller Rick Hoedjes came to work in gin after a number of years in the whisky industry, with his background a key inspiration in the creation of the release.

“Our Winter Releases are inspired by the flavours we traditionally associate with whisky, and came about as I converted to the light side of spirit production — from whisky to gin," he said. "It seemed like a natural but unique step to make, and I’m pretty proud of the results; a rich, viscous ‘ginsky’!”

Demetrius Giouzelis, Head of Brand and Commercial for AWH added: “After our success at the World Gin Awards in February this year, we’ve followed the same principles to create a barrel-aged contempory gin that is truly distinct, and a true testament to the hard work and unique journey of our Head Distiller Rick Hoedjes.”

The limited-edition run of 2019 Forty Spotted Winter Release is bottled at 40% ABV and will be available in bars, independent bottle shops and online for $90.

Enjoy it neat or with a splash of dry tonic to highlight the creamy citrus characteristics, or embrace the season with a wintery cocktail: mix with equal parts sweet vermouth and Campari to bring a hint of oak to a classic Negroni, or use in a Gin Old Fashioned.