Cask-aged gin from Shortcross

Rademon Estate Craft Distillery in Northern Ireland, the producers of the award winning Shortcross Gin, has released a new batch of its international limited edition cask aged gin.

Three casks of gin were laid to rest this year with a limited number of bottles now available to purchase across the UK and Ireland.

Rademon Estate's head distiller David Boyd-Armstrong, commenting on the new release, says: "Our first batch of Shortcross Cask Aged Gin took place earlier this year and was an incredible success. Due to the unprecedented demand for this new Shortcross expression, we decided to release another batch in the run up to Christmas, providing us with the perfect opportunity to offer a unique product and gift during the festive period."

To create this limited edition, Shortcross Gin was carefully rested in French oak casks from the Chateau de La Ligne in Bordeaux that had previously contained the Chateau Cuvee Prestige wine. The casks were hand-picked by Head Distiller David Boyd-Armstrong with the help of the chateau owner, Northern Ireland businessman Terry Cross of Wine Geese fame.

The 44 per cent proof Shortcross Cask Aged Gin exhibits the key Shortcross characteristics of being juniper-led with citrus and floral notes, but now adds an abundance of bright summer berries with notes of rose petals and vanilla, combined with lightly toasted oak and velvety tannins.

Earlier this year, the distillery launched its first batch of Shortcross Cask Aged Gin exclusively through London retail partner Fortnum & Mason, where it featured as Spirit of the Month, the expression was widely sought and sold out in less than ten days, becoming one of the best-selling spirits of the month for the luxury retailer.

Competing at an international level with leading spirits brands across the globe, the Shortcross Cask Aged Gin has won numerous accolades this year at both the prestigious International Wine & Spirits Competition 2016 and The Spirits Business Gin Masters, a mark of its exceptional taste and flavour.

Fiona Boyd-Armstrong, managing director, Rademon Estate Distillery, adds: "The response to the launch of our limited edition Shortcross Cask Aged Gin, earlier this year, has been fantastic and we are delighted to release another batch in the run up to Christmas. We are continuously exploring ways to provide new and innovative offerings to gin lovers, our limited edition Shortcross Cask Aged Gin is truly special with each individual bottle perfected by hand here at Rademon Estate Distillery."

Rademon Estate Distillery was founded in 2012 by husband and wife team Fiona and David Boyd-Armstrong. The boutique distillery is located at the couple's historic family estate at Crossgar, just outside Downpatrick, county Down.

In 2015, the Distillery laid down the first casks of a new Irish Malt Whiskey, the first bottles of which are expected to be released in summer 2018. There are also plans to open a unique visitor centre at Rademon Estate in 2017.

Shortcross Cask Aged Gin will be available in selected retailers throughout December and is priced at £40 for a 70cl bottle.