Review: Fords Sloe Gin

Fords Gin (not Ford’s Gin, btw) is beloved by bartenders, which makes it all the more surprising that there’s never been a line extension in more than a decade since its launch.

That changed a few years ago, not with the navy strength expression you might be expecting but with a relative rarity: Fords Sloe Gin. (The product was launched in 2022 on a limited basis, but now it’s back with broader distribution.)

A key component of the sloe gin fizz (and not a lot else, though some use it in a bramble), sloe gin is essentially gin that is mixed with sugar and sloe berries (steeped for 12 weeks here), giving the product a bright red color and a tart flavor akin to cranberry or raspberry — or a mix of the two. Sloe gin is a British staple — Fords calls it the country’s answer to Italy’s limoncello — and it makes a particularly heavy appearance during the holidays.

Fords Sloe Gin Review

This expression of sloe gin is spot on — a ruddier shade of red that connotes authenticity. The nose is fruity and raspberry-forward, ringed with orange peel and a hint of licorice.

On the palate, the spirit is sweet and tart in equal proportions, beginning with pomegranate and cranberry notes, then turning sweeter — raspberry, then fig, then raisin, then prune. Lightly chocolatey on the finish, the sloe gin eventually musters a touch of Christmas spice, namely ginger and cloves.

Delightful stuff that should earn a place in your next sloe gin fizz. Fords’ recipe follows.

58 proof.

A- / $40 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]

Sloe Gin Fizz
Created by Fords Gin

1 part Fords Sloe Gin
1 part Fords Gin
3/4 parts Lemon Juice
1/4 parts Simple Syrup
1 Egg White
Top with Club Soda

Dry shake all ingredients (except club soda). Shake a second time with cubed ice. Double strain into a highball glass over fresh ice. Top with club soda and lemon wheel.

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