Chin chin: Pick of the gins from around the North East

News that Poetic License distillery in Roker is releasing a limited edition Picnic gin infused with strawberries and cream in homage to the classic British flavour caused quite a stir.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th May 2016, 11:53 BST
Updated 19th May 2016, 13:11 BST
Northern Dry Gin made at Poetic LicenseNorthern Dry Gin made at Poetic License
Northern Dry Gin made at Poetic License

So we've rounded up a pick of some of the top Mother's Ruins from around the area - just don't drink them all at once!

*Northern Dry Gin from Poetic License. The big brother of the new Picnic Gin is a more floral number made with juniper, cardamom, pepper and citrus. Weighing in at 43.2per cent proof, it's got a warm and spicy flavour distilled using a secret botanicals recipe in Poetic License's distillery to the rear of its bar. It's proved to be one of the most popular at the small batch distillery and won a highly commended award in the Gin of the Year category at the Craft Distilling Expo 2015.

Summer Fruit Cup from Durham GinSummer Fruit Cup from Durham Gin
Summer Fruit Cup from Durham Gin
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*Durham Gin. Stocked in that there London as well as around the North East, Durham Gin sources its ingredients from the County Durham countryside with Durham University’s Botanical Gardens also offering advice. Its newest creation is Summer Fruit Cup, a light and summery gin in which the brand's signature Durham Gin is soaked in local fruits including raspberries, blackberries, and cherries with no added sugar, just natural sweetness. Top tip: it's great topped with prosecco or Champagne.

*Brockmans. It may not be distilled up here, but Brockmans is set to be one of the highlights of the forthcoming Sunderland Gin Festival. House of Gin is hosting the event at National Glass Centre which proved so popular with its first night on August 19 that it sold out in a couple of days. A second night will take place on August 20 where gin lovers can wet their whistle with 18 specially-selected gins including Elephant, Brockmans, Sir Robin of Locksley and more. There's only 40 tickets left though, gets yours at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-house-of-gin-tickets-24396828571?aff=es2%0D

*Gin and Bear It. Last year Sunderland's first dedicated gin bar opened its doors in Sunniside. Among its tipples is the rather frightening-sounding Death’s Door (47%).This American brand is inspired by a treacherous stretch of water near Washington Island. It’s a savoury and spicy number using three botanicals. Best served with grapefruit zest and coriander seeds.

*Steam Punk Gin. Distilled in Low Fell, this retro gin uses a recipe that dates back to 1892. It's a smooth blend which uses juniper, cardamom and citrus, which was once served in gin palaces throughout the country. You can get your hands on Steam Punk Gin at stockists including Beamish Museum and Fenwick, Newcastle.

*Picnic Gin. Read all about it here http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/bottoms-up-as-city-distillery-produces-strawberries-and-cream-gin-1-7917974