No smoke without fire

This year’s Up Helly Aa gin design.
This year’s Up Helly Aa gin design.

THE Shetland Distillery Company released its 2018 Up Helly Aa gin ahead of this year’s Lerwick fire festival late last month.

This year’s release is said to be the result of “a unique ageing process” and also features a refreshed packaging design.

The navy strength gin (57% ABV) has been aged in an ex-sherry cask which had one filling of a single malt Scotch whisky before being shipped to Unst (where the gin is distilled and bottled).

Tasting notes for the spirit include a “juniper-led nose with a slight sweetness from the cask”, with citrus peel and sweetness balanced by tannins from the wood.

The company said the gin is suited to both sipping neat and serving with tonic or ginger ale.

The limited edition gin, which was presented to members of the festival committee, is available to buy online in both 70cl and 20cl bottles, priced at £45 and £20 respectively.