A taste of the Great British summertime is being bottled and served over ice for the very first time.
Strawberries and cream, generally offered as a dessert at garden parties and tennis tournaments, has been transformed into a new, limited edition gin by North East distillery, Poetic License.
The independent, small batch business, based at the Best Western Roker Hotel, Sunderland, has spent six months perfecting the seasonal recipe, which is believed to be the first of its kind on general sale.
It combines traditional botanicals, including juniper and coriander, with a mix of real strawberries and cream that are both distilled and infused to ensure a stronger, fruitier taste.
Poetic License Strawberries and Cream Picnic Gin, best served with a premium elderflower tonic water or lemonade and mixed fruit, is being produced in a limited-run only and sold, subject to availability, from late May.
“Many flavoured gins are either distilled or infused but ours uses both processes to pack as big a punch as possible,” said distiller, Luke Smith.
“After months of experimenting we have now found the perfect combination and hope Poetic License Strawberries and Cream Picnic Gin will soon find its way into picnic baskets across the UK.”
Poetic License, which launched in late 2015, currently produces two award-winning gins and a vodka, all using its own still which is on public display at the Best Western Roker Hotel’s Poetic License bar.
The Strawberries and Cream Picnic Gin (37.5%) is the first in a series of limited-run offerings being temporarily added to the brand’s core range, which currently includes Old Tom Gin, Northern Dry Gin and Graceful Vodka.
It will be available to buy online at poeticlicensedistillery.co.ukand from the reception at the Best Western Roker Hotel, priced at £32.50 per bottle, while limited stocks last.
It will also be served, subject to availability, in the usual measures at Poetic License stockists around the UK, including all sites owned by Tavistock Hospitality Ltd across the North East.
For more information about Poetic License visitwww.poeticlicensedistillery.co.uk. All trade sales enquiries should be directed to Luke Smith on 0191 5103564 orluke@poeticlicensedistillery.co.uk