Nothing gets the 5pm Dining blog going quite like gin. Judging by the blog stats, our readers are also partial to the occasional juniper-laced snifter.

Happily, we never have to wait long for gin-based news to come our way.

Recently we were delighted when a package from the Gleann Mor Spirits Company dropped through the door.

Independent Scotch whisky bottler

As you will recall from this blog in May, Gleann Mor is an independent Scotch whisky bottler who had the bright idea of branching out into gin.

More specifically, they have started selling Firkin Gin which is matured in American oak whisky casks. The oak gives it a warm, amber colour and delicate hints of whisky.

It’s an interesting spirit. We would have called it whin or ginsky but that probably explains why we write blogs rather distil spirits.

Anyhooo, in a natural progression, the company have just released a new Firkin Gin which has been cask-aged in a Lagavulin cask.

Unique character

Derek Mair, founder of the Gleann Mor Spirits Company, said ‘As a true whisky and gin lover, I know this new Lagavulin cask-aged Firkin gin will appeal to a wide range of spirits drinkers. It has been thrilling to watch how the gin has taken on such a unique character as it’s aged.’

These are the official tasting notes:

‘On the nose you’re immediately hit with that spicy, warming smell of juniper. Some honey and resin follows, before a nice note of something slightly medicinal. On the palate, this limited edition Firkin Gin exudes a wonderful, spicy and fruity kick from those gin botanicals, combined with a silky smooth, smoky exterior from the Lagavulin cask.

Black pepper, ash and sea salt

There’s black pepper and lime peel, ash and vanilla, sea salt and coriander seed. Imagine eating a warming curry by a fire in a pine forest near the sea on Islay and you’ll be somewhere close to the comfort of this spirit.’

Of course, taste tends to be subjective. We did a wee tasting and thought that the Lagavulin Firkin had floral notes on the nose while it was smoky on the palate with hints of seaweed and warm tar.

We can happily imagine sipping it neat when the nights get a little colder. There are only a hundred bottles of the Lagavulin Firkin and you can order it here at £49 a bottle.