Last month we launched our brand new limited edition ruby gin with great excitement. One Port Barrel Rested Gin is our third release and it is here just in time to celebrate #OneExtraordinaryChristmas at home this year. This distinctive and elegant new gin is something totally unique for the Christmas season. 

Created by resting our signature premium sage gin in reclaimed port barrels, the result is a smooth, distinctive ruby gin bursting with spice, warm vanilla and toasted oak. 

How did this idea come about you may ask? Co-founder Ian Spooner explains:

“We’ve always thought that port and sage would be natural partners for a sipping gin and it’s something we talked about in the early days of One Gin, but lockdown prompted some home experimentation! We bought a couple of  1 litre oak barrels and filled them with ruby port. After 4 weeks, we emptied them and refilled them with our original sage gin. As the weeks passed, it just tasted better and better, so we decided to try it on a larger scale. We imported a freshly emptied ruby port barrel from Portugal and set about creating a limited edition just in time for Christmas.”

And now you may be thinking, “why does the port barrel have to come from Portugal?” 

In the 17th century, when the import of French wine to Britain was restricted, the town of Porto, Portugal, became an important hub for wine merchants. Although there are many theories about the emergence of Port wine, it is believed that the discovery of this exquisite drink was accidental. In order to protect wine from the hot weather during the long voyage, winemakers discovered that the custom of fortifying wine by adding brandy resulted in a stronger, sweet flavour that was a hit with British customers, and Port wine as we know it today, was born. 

How to celebrate One ExtraOrdinary Christmas this year with One Port Barrel Rested Gin

Our Winter Rose is the perfect fireside tipple for those toasty winter evenings at home. Make sure all ingredients, and your glass and tools are chilled, stir 20ml One Port Barrel Rested Gin, 20ml Pommeau and 20ml Cocci Rosa Vermouth in a mixing glass with lots of fresh ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and finish with a spritz of lemon oils.

Calling all Negroni lovers! You can make our portwood negroni by combining 25ml One Port Barrel Rested Gin, 25ml Campari, and 25ml Sweet Vermouth in a rocks glass with plenty of ice cubes and stir. Garnish with a wedge of clementine.

If you’re looking to elevate your gin and tonic even further, this Port Spiced Gin & Tonic created by The Cocktail Bible is for you. Pour 50ml One Port Barrel Rested Gin and 125ml Fentimans Premium Tonic Water over lots of ice in a highball glass. Add two dashes of Dashfire Spiced apple Bitters and stir. Garnish with an apple swirl. 

Why not also check out our festive gin based recipes for the perfect food pairings with these extra Christmassy drinks? 

Whether you’re celebrating with friends and family in person, at a distance or over zoom this year, One Port Barrel Rested Gin is a must this year to help you celebrate #OneExtraordinaryChristmas. 

A very merry and safe Christmas from all of us here at One Gin.