UP Craft Spirits launches cork-infused gin

Portuguese producer UP Craft Spirits has debuted a new gin matured in ex-Port casks and infused with toasted cork.

UP Craft Spirits is a venture between Barney Wilczak, a distiller at Capreolus Distillery, and cake designer Catia Mesquita. The duo have launched their first product as part of the venture, called Ginout. The new gin is distilled with botanicals including fig leaf, olive oil and peony flowers. After distillation, the gin is matured in ex-Port casks to add autumnal notes and rich flavours filled with wild berries. The expression is described as the 'first gin to be aged insight out'. Mesquita said: “The influence of tawny and ruby Ports bring autumnal notes, rich and filled with wild berries. And at the forest floor we find the sweet, cocoa and humus rich fig leaves. And our flor de sal, with its own unique appellation in the Algarve, brings a minerality that makes the whole sparkle.” Following its maturation in ex-Port casks, Ginout is macerated with toasted cork, which the brand says marks the first time that cork has been used as a botanical for ageing spirits. Wilczak added: “Here high notes of conifer buds evoke sun-touched forest canopy. Ageing with cork, toasted to different temperatures to highlight different elements of this vitally important tree, brings out hints of smoke, vanilla, sun warmed wood and gorse like coconut. “Peony flowers growing wild in Portugal sing, their floral notes high and delicate. Olive oil sourced from Catia’s home in the Algarve bring elements of herbaceous understory and beyond this a textural layering.” Ginout is bottled at 46% ABV and available across European markets including the UK, Portugal and Spain. The new gin carries an RRP of £45 (US$60).