Now I’ve consumed many jars of whisky flavoured marmalade over the years, but with Aber Falls I was actually reminded of a slightly less sweet Benedictine – or a Benylin cough remedy rendered more subtle by fruity additions. I have no doubt though that this marmalade gin could stand side by side with many continental liqueurs. The 6,000-square-meter building has stood since the 19th century, opening initially as a slate works, before it became a margarine factory during the world wars. More recently it was a drinks wholesaler depot for Halewood International, and it was the Liverpool-based drinks conglomerate who reimagined the space and subsequently set in motion plans for refurbishment and restoration in 2017. Further developments are currently underway, and a visitor centre will open in 2018 offering tours and classes.

Gin - Tesco Groceries Gin - Tesco Groceries

Welsh and proud, the Aber Falls distilling team scour North Wales’ beautiful landscape for locally-sourced botanicals! Their spirits are made using water from the Rhaeadr Fawr (the famous Aber Falls waterfall). And then that first sip of the neat spirit delivers the unmistakeable bittersweet taste of Britain’s best-loved breakfast spread. Allegedly the name derives from Mary Queen of Scots, when poorly, of being tempted to eat with a preserve made of Seville oranges, which the cooks and courtiers referred to as ‘Marie est Malade’. Mary is ill. A burst of fresh citrus flavour, finely balanced with notes of juniper, liquorice, angelica and coriander seeds. The distinctive orange colour and gutsy nature of this marmalade flavoured Welsh gin immediately made me wonder if our old ginger tom cat had returned as a spirit to haunt us? Aber Falls Distillery have created an astonishing Orange Gin, in their distillery in Abergwyngregyn, Wales.James Wright, managing director at Aber Falls Distillery, said: “The introduction of this classic liquid marks an important milestone for us as we extend our range of gins, styles and flavours, and continue to achieve high quality and consistent spirits to satisfy growing demand. They found that the use of Piney Juniper with Citrus works perfectly in their Gins, especially when it is mixed with Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic, so that’s exactly what they used to create Aber Falls Orange Marmalade. Aber Falls whisky is now available and you can sample premium range of small batch, handcrafted gins and liqueurs the distillery has released so far - such as Aber Falls Salted Toffee Liqueur and Aber Falls Orange Marmalade Gin.

Aber Falls Orange Marmalade Gin | Virgin Wines

A very well-balanced gin that has layers of sweet and bitter orange character perfectly placed on top of a spicy juniper core. For the first time ever I think I have discovered a gin which I actually prefer neat than with a mixer; so that I can enjoy all that orange, Hobbs-like attitude and exuberance. Copper pot distilled, Aber Falls explains that this ensures a maximum refined quality in their spirits. This latest addition complements the brand’s current two flavoured gins, Rhubarb & Ginger and Orange Marmalade Gin…yum! With subtle spices and tart rhubarb, perfectly balanced by distinctive piney juniper notes, leaving a warming sensation and complemented by a taste of ginger to finish.

Serve in a glass with lots of ice and a premium tonic water. Garnish with a l ime wedge and lemon rind. The LIVE virtual tastings are carried out in the last week of the month. Please keep an eye on our socials for confirmed dates!