Santa hats off to Pickering's Gin who have scooped some amazing PR with news of their Brussels sprout-flavoured gin baubles.

For the last couple of years, the Edinburgh-based distillers have had great success selling gin-filled Christmas tree baubles.

This year, they have gone a step further in terms of theming and have produced a gin flavoured with the infamously divisive brassica.

Pickering's Gin baubles now contain six new Christmas inspired gins – Christmas Clementine, Festive Cranberry, Spiced Pear and Cinnamon, Figgy Pudding, Plum and Ginger and, love them or loathe them, Brussels sprout flavour.

We're not sure if this is a demented idea, divinely inspired or evil genius but Pickering's Gin have used 10,000 (100kg) of Brussels to distil this unique flavoured gin at their Summerhall Distillery.

Sprout destiny

At five Brussels sprouts per serving that's enough for 2,000 Christmas dinners. The sprouts were all sourced from Arbroath-based Crofts Farm. Only forgotten sprouts from Christmas 2018 were used. Apparently, the gin is helping the mini-cabbages to 'finally fulfill their Christmas destiny'.

We are told that the result is an 'unmistakably “sprouty” aroma with a surprisingly sweet, slightly nutty taste with a green, herbaceous and peppery twang'.

Marcus Pickering, Co-Founder and Head of Export: 'We launched the first ever Christmas Gin bauble back in 2016 and it became an instant hit with gin lovers around the country – making it a must-have gift. However, this year we really wanted to spice things up and to take the original and best gin bauble to the next level.  We are thrilled to finally be able to share our unique festive flavoured gin baubles.'

Matt Gammell, Head Distiller and Co-Founder: 'It was an interesting challenge trying to balance the unmistakable flavour of Brussels sprouts to get the taste just right – and the distillery had a very distinct aroma while the gin was being distilled! However, we love the end result and it is the ideal tipple for friends and family to share together this Christmas.'

Sprouts for charity

The limited edition six pack of Pickering’s Gin baubles will be available from Monday 2 September directly from the Pickering’s website.

Proceeds from the sale of every bauble of Pickering’s Brussels sprout gin will go to Contact the Elderly’s Community Christmas campaign.  Monies raised will fund Christmas lunches for those who would otherwise spend Christmas alone.

We like the idea of buying a six pack and then playing a form of gin-based Russian roulette. Will you get lucky and pick the Festive Cranberry bauble or will you blow your taste buds with the Brussels bauble?