Ableforth’s Bathtub Gin – Cask-Aged
Rested, Refined, Deepened in Oak
Tasting Notes of the Curator
The first encounter reveals a departure from the bright pine and citrus of classic Bathtub Gin—here, there’s a roundness, a deeper hum. The juniper is still present but softened, its edges warmed by vanilla, toasted oak, and a gentle caramel richness. Cinnamon, orange peel, and clove glide in with a slow and smoky sweetness, blending into a profile that feels almost nostalgic—like opening a spice drawer in an old wooden cupboard. The cold-compounded infusion retains its texture, but the time in cask brings a toasted elegance that transforms the gin into something closer to a bridge between gin and whisky. It’s contemplative and smooth, a sipping gin for slow moments or for reimagining the bones of a cocktail. The golden hue in the bottle hints at its soul: wood-polished, warm-hearted, and never rushed.
Pairings and Suggestions
Here’s how to enjoy this mellow, oak-touched gin at its best—from contemplative sips to creative cocktail turns:
- Barrel-Aged Negroni with Sweet Vermouth and Chocolate Bitters – Rich and luxurious, with the gin’s mellow spice echoing the warmth of the vermouth.
- Ginger Beer Highball with Burnt Orange Peel – A long pour that lets the oak and citrus shine together.
- Aged Gouda or Mimolette – Hard cheeses with a caramel sharpness that mirror the spirit’s depth.
- Charcuterie with Smoked Duck or Jamón Ibérico – Savoury, silky meats bring out the gin’s spiced undertones.
- Toasted Walnut and Honey Tart – The gin’s vanilla and wood notes pair gently with roasted, earthy sweets.
Where Wood Meets Spirit
Cask-aging isn’t common in gin—but when done right, it reveals surprising dimensions. This expression spends time resting in small oak barrels, where the resinous botanicals begin to round out, deepen, and draw in the subtle vanillins and tannins of the wood. The result is a hybrid of history and experimentation—still recognisably gin, but walking along whisky’s edge. While this aged version has not formally entered global spirit competitions, it builds on the same base that earned Ableforth’s Bathtub Gin over 40 international awards, including golds from the World Gin Awards and International Wine & Spirits Competition. It’s for those who love tradition, but also know how to ask, what if?
Storage Instructions
Keep sealed and stored in a cool, dark place. No need to refrigerate. Serve neat, over ice, or in spirit-forward cocktails.