In high spirits

A fabulous new range of spirits and liqueurs awaits visitors to Rock Distillery this summer.

As we age, so do our spirits!  “We have now released an eight-year-old whiskey that is truly amazing,” says the team at Rock Distillery. “As with our three-year-old, it is triple distilled and aged in ex-French red wine barrels and stored at a constant 21°C so that it develops remarkable depth and character. The warmth of the maturation environment naturally accelerates ageing. So, for every 5° increase, maturation effectively doubles allowing our eight-year-old to embody the richness and complexity of a thirty-two-year-old spirit.” Aside from these top tipples, Rock Distillery still has its fabulous three whiskey liqueurs; the whiskey sour, whiskey warmer and the ever-popular Peanut whiskey.

On the theme of ageing, Rock Distillery has now released their best ever XO Brandy. This exceptional brandy is made from Chardonnay grapes from the Sussex Downs, so one single type of grape through the whole process, from distillation to maturation. It is double distilled before being matured in oak barrels for nine years at an elevated temperature. As well as the apple brandy, Rock Distillery continues to produce an array of tempting brandy liqueurs, Orange Breeze, Vanilla Delight and the very famous Brandy Snap.

Adding to the collection of 15 sensational rums, Rock Distillery announces a brand-new English Dark Spiced Rum. This is fermented and distilled from molasses, infused with red cherries, hibiscus, honey, cinnamon, star anise, nutmeg and zests, then cut with Cornish spring water. The team tell us that all the usual favourites, from Golden Vanilla, Coconut Paradise or Dark Spiced Pineapple, are still available to try in their shops: “We also have new additions to our ever growing 22% abv Liqueurs assortment. First up is Hot Honey Rum Liqueur which begins with white spirit from the Caribbean, infused with fresh ginger, honey and chilli. Great served over ice or topped with ginger ale.  We also have a new Coffee Rum Liqueur, made with a white rum base, infused and macerated with ground coffee, vanilla and caramel syrup for a rich smooth coffee flavour for that perfect instant espresso martini. Our last new rum liqueur is Rock the Spirit which we are saying is Christmas in a bottle! Rock the Spirit is made with English deep molasses rum, infused with nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, zests, chocolate and vanilla then blended with Cornish spring water to create a unique and exquisite flavour.”

Rock Distillery’s Classic Vodka is perfect for making an amazing Bloody Mary, while their Toffee Vodka Liqueur is rich in taste.  “We also have a Watermelon Vodka liqueur which is a welcome addition to any cocktail as it has a delicate fresh taste and our Pink Grapefruit Vodka liqueur is made with fresh grapefruit and delicious when added to champagne or prosecco to make a pink mimosa. Another new vodka liqueur addition is our Rock Chocolate Chilli Vodka which is derived from English potato vodka, then co-distilled with crushed roasted cacao shells and cacao beans, with a picante kick from freshly chopped chillies. Amazing!”

Heralding from the very beginnings of Rock Distillery are the completely sugar-free Rock gins which range from the excellent Classic, Blue Angel, Pink Rock, Cornish Gold and Mellow Yellow to Cherry Kiss, Lemon Verbena, Orange Sunset, Sublime Lime with a Hint of Mint and Almond Air.  Enhancing the gin stable is the Rock Lemongino, a gin-based liqueur made with two and a half fresh lemons and a lick of sugar.

All visitors are welcome to explore the range during a tasting session at one of the distillery’s locations, where they are certain to discover the perfect tipple. Cheers!

Rock Distillery & Shop
Unit 34-38 Clear Space, Dunveth Business Park, Wadebridge, PL27 7FE
07486 536220
www.rockgincornish.com