The second batch of the exceptionally strong
Strane “Uncut” London Dry Gin, bottled at 76% vol., from pioneering Swedish
distiller Smögen
Whisky AB is now available in the UK. At 76% vol., Batch 2 is stronger than the
75.3% vol. of Batch 1, and thus we believe this is strongest gin available
in the UK.
Strane is created in a 100 litre copper pot
still with worm tub condensers, at the Smögen Distillery. Established
in 2010, Smögen was
one of the first distilleries in Sweden to produce Single Malt Whisky. Unusually
Strane is created by distilling three differently balanced base gins; junipery,
citrusy and herbal, and then blending to create different expressions in
bottle; Merchant Strength 47.4% vol., Navy Strength 57.1% vol. and “Uncut”. With the blending taking place before
the addition of water, the distiller and proprietor Pär Caldenby, regularly tastes ‘uncut’ gin, and felt ‘it is too good to hold back’, which led to this unusually high strength bottling.
Whilst
exceptionally strong, Pär suggests savouring Strane “Uncut” neat, ice cold, in very small sips, with a glass of
water on the side. At first it will be discreet due to the ice, then
progressively increase in strength of character and power, until it simply goes
into juniper overdrive.
Smögen have not set out to start a 'strength race', more the exceptional strength of Strane “Uncut” reflects the unusual way
Strane Gin is produced, borrowing techniques from whisky production. Blending
is common practice in whisky, and in some ways Strane “Uncut” is a similar
concept to Cask Strength whisky. The result is exceptional, and an experience
for gin enthusiasts to savour with care and respect.
Strane
“Uncut” Batch 2 is available to try at bars including the Old Bridge Inn in Aviemore, the Greenroom in Perth, the Jolly Botanist in Edinburgh and the Lazy Lounge in Leeds. Or for a bottle amongst others visit J.L. Gill
of Crieff, Gauntleys of Nottingham, Master of Malt and Shop4Whisky.
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| Strane Uncut - The Strongest Gin |
