What made you decide to create a new gin?The distillery was created and continues to exist to create a great single malt whisky. But in 2013, I studied a number of gins more closely and decided to give it a try myself, as we had all the necessary permits and a small 100 L still could be acquired at a reasonable cost. It was the challenge of creation that led me to give it a go, to balance different flavours against each other and create something that is unique and – just like our whisky – has depth of flavour, character and quality. How did you get from the idea to the finished product?The idea from the start was to use my knowledge of whisky and blending, to make a balanced, complex and flavour-laden gin. Therefore I set out to create three different gins, where one is extremely centered upon juniper and coriander seeds, the second is definitely very citrussy and the third is dominated by herbal notes. It proved to be a very good idea and makes for a higher degree of complexity and depth of flavour. What's the story behind the name of the gin?The name ”Strane” is the local idiom for the nearby village of Hunnebostrand, which is by the sea (the ”Strand”, or ”Strane” in local speech).  What can people expect when they taste Strane Gin?Those that do try Strane are typically taken aback by the balance and depth of flavour, as well as the oiliness and therefore smoothness that comes from the use of the small copper pot still with its old fashioned worm tub to condense the vapours, meaning more of the flavour from the botanicals are retained in the gin than would be typical. How would you describe your gin in 3 words?Flavoursome, complex and more-ish. What makes Strane Gin different to other gins?It is likely quite unique in the fact that it is in fact a blend (as per blended whiskies) of three very different gins, which means that the degree of complexity is at a different level to the norm. Plus, we use what must be far more botanicals per litre of gin made than what can be the norm – do not forget that the botanicals are the expensive ingredient when making gin, rather than the alcohol or the energy required to make it. What are you favourite gins (other than your own)?The Botanist, Sipsmith and Tanqueray. What does the future hold for Strane Gin?Just grow from here. The quality is very much there, we just need to hit the larger volumes and become more known – but that will in our case only be through an appreciation of Strane’s quality, rather than by taking on any kind of massive marketing campaign. Quality can and should always win!
El Gold
4/11/2016 06:48:50 pm
These gins, and indeed, his whisky, are of exemplary and special quality, and one of the reasons for the Nordic renaissance in terms of spirits - from vodka and aqvavit, across to gin and whisky. Comments are closed.
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