THE BLOODY PINOT NOIR GIN STORY
Our second bloody experiment (hopefully) gone right.
Ever since we first released Bloody Shiraz Gin in 2015, we were asked one question over and over again – would we ever make a gin with another grape?
The answer was always “probably,” but we spent so much time and effort simply trying to meet demand for Bloody Shiraz Gin, it took us eight years to get around to it. And it was always gonna be Pinot Noir, let’s not pretend it could have been anything else. Beautiful, ethereal, Yarra specialty…what more can we say?
HOW DO WE MAKE BLOODY PINOT NOIR GIN?
The process to make both of our Bloody gins is exactly the same. We start by pouring high-proof Rare Dry Gin over the grapes and leave them to steep for around seven weeks, extracting amazing colour and flavour. The grapes are then pressed off to make sure we’ve got every drop of flavour we can, then some more Rare Dry Gin is blended in, finishing off the ultimate gin and juice combo.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BLOODY SHIRAZ GIN AND BLOODY PINOT NOIR GIN?
Bloody Pinot Noir Gin is as you might expect – a lighter, paler and more delicate gin that that made with Shiraz, as in many ways the result mimics the two types of table wines.
Bloody Shiraz Gin has grown somewhat of a cult following in Australia and abroad, with its deep purple colour and perfect balance of sweet fruit and ginny goodness. Aromatically it shows fresh pine needles, citrus and spice, and distinct peppery, plummy notes. The palate is lovely and sweet with a long juniper and spice character on the finish.
Bloody Pinot Noir Gin has aromas of rose petals, strawberries and cherries which are coupled with a palate that dances a little lighter across the tongue than its Shiraz sibling. There is a hint more fresh acidity, the gin character is a little more pronounced and the taste is a little drier and softer.
HOW DO I DRINK THESE BLOODY GINS?
When it comes to drinking the gins, we’re a big fan of Bloody Shiraz Gin with tonic and a big squeeze of lemon. Your first taste of Bloody Pinot Noir Gin should be straight up or on the rocks and after that, well it’s up to you. Maybe a light tonic or soda. Maybe in a cocktail with a bit of citrus and some Campari. Check out our favourite Bloody Pinot Noir Gin cocktail recipes at the link below.
