Barrel-Aged Peated Two Pencils Gin

At Granddad Jack’s we love our whiskey and when a barrel of whiskey is emptied (especially a 20L) we often sit and savour the aromas left behind, aromas far too good not to take advantage of and we find ourselves concocting ways to repurpose the barrel and make use of those amazing flavours.

This was definitely the case when we emptied a 20L light char barrel that had aged our Peated Bailiff Whiskey. We decided the lightly sweet and smoky flavours left behind in the Ex-Peated Whiskey barrel would be a perfect match to the dryness of our Two Pencils Gin so we re-filled the barrel with it.

With regular tasting checks, it was six months later that our Peated Two Pencils Gin was ready! It left the barrel at a respectable 64% ABV and champagne gold in colour before being reduced to a lower ABV (done to bring forward the underlying flavours). This process allowed the smokiness imparted by the barrel along with the classic dryness of the gin to shine through in a unique and balanced way.

During World War II, Granddad Jack obtained his trotting licence. He bought a horse called ‘Sack Cloth’, but it never did much good on the track. 

Earlier legend has it that when Granddad Jack was a lad, he would buy big pencils, then cut them in half and sharpen them to make two pencils, selling both at the races for a penny each…doubling his money. Perhaps this is how he was able to buy his racehorse!

Tasting Notes: Two Pencils, an all juniper gin was left to age in a light char 20L American Oak Barrel that had previously aged our Peated Bailiff Whiskey.

Nose: Slight smoke, hints of white pepper, maple and pine.
Pallet: Pepper and cinnamon hit the taste buds first before fading quickly to reveal a surprisingly light match of juniper, cardamom and crispy maple bacon before a long smoky finish.

Try it at home, neat or with the East Imperial's Kima Kola provided. Dare we say, a deliciously poncey take on a scotch and coke! 

ABV:  43%