Portobello Road debuts three ‘unexpected’ spirits

London-based producer Portobello Road Distillery has released three limited edition spirits for the festive season, including a mushroom vodka and a mince pie-flavoured gin.

The liquids feature unexpected flavours – which the brand is well-known for, having previously released the 'world’s first' asparagus vodka and a savoury gin – and will be available in runs of 1,000 units. The first is the Director’s Cut No 5, which has been flavoured with five types of juniper berries, sourced from around the world. It has an ABV of 47.3%. The second is the Mince Pie Sloe Gin, sitting at 30% ABV and flavoured with Portobello’s Mince Pie distillate, which the brand says is a secret recipe. The distillate is added before the expression is rested in ex-whiskey barrels, ‘for a quintessentially festive flavour’. The third spirit is a mushroom vodka made in partnership with chef Brett Graham of Notting Hill restaurant The Ledbury. Named Local Heroes No 1 Mushroom Cabinet Vodka, it uses ingredients from the chef’s homegrown mushroom collection and is said to be ‘intense’ and ‘elegant' in its flavour. Co-founder and director of Portobello Road Distillery Jake F Burger said: “Our limited editions have always allowed us to be as creative as possible as distillers and our partnerships over the years have stoked the fires of innovation within the team. “This year is exceptional in that we had three ideas for completely differing products that were simply too fantastic to whittle down. “As such, we have three new liquids that are all incredibly exciting. We can promise that there is something for all spirit fans.” The spirits can be purchased on the Portobello Road and the Distillery websites, with the mince pie gin and mushroom vodka retailing for £33 (US$42), and the Director's Cut No 5 for £39 (US$49). “We are well-aware of the increasing popularity of limited edition spirits – especially from distillers who are renowned for creativity and distilling excellence,” said Nick Gillett, managing director of Mangrove Global. “Portobello Road is one such producer.” “These new products showcase just how good the team are at creating, collaborating, and innovating their range – all for the benefit of spirit drinkers everywhere.” Portobello Road is distributed by Mangrove. Recently, Gillett spoke out against the UK government's punitive taxes.