random 659 Posted August 9, 2015 Report Share Posted August 9, 2015 Hi all I'm looking at making my first sloe gin,I've heard a few different ways and methods but am looking to those who actually know,from experience,would it matter if I picked them now and froze them for a day or two,in the end product I mean would it be noticeable? Or do I really need to wait another month or so? Thanks... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
J Darcy 5,871 Posted August 9, 2015 Report Share Posted August 9, 2015 Whenever I've made it I like to wait until November at the earliest before I pick them....everyone has their own ways though... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
shepp 2,285 Posted August 9, 2015 Report Share Posted August 9, 2015 Way too early for sloes, wait till November as Darcy says. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
antg 1,729 Posted August 9, 2015 Report Share Posted August 9, 2015 your probably better off freezing them if you can. freezing busts the fruit slightly allowing the juice to come out into your gin. it's easier than pricking them all. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
random 659 Posted August 9, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 9, 2015 Everyone defo has their own ways I've just found out someone I know has had some steeping for about a month using this years berries? I've got to find out though,think if I make some I'll label the bottle clearly so I can try it again or avoid it depending on how it turns out,just to sort of clarify,no one is saying don't,just not how you'd advise?? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jok 3,035 Posted August 9, 2015 Report Share Posted August 9, 2015 Right on the money, My specialist subject. From the onset, I've currently got all next winters black cherry vodka on go Next comes the damsons when I do both vodka and gin. Right in the middle comes the horeradish sauce which is to die for. AND THEN> The Sloe gin. Now you need not believe everything you read or hear. Sloes without doubt need the first frost. Don't ask me why but they sweeten up and make a far better gin. Iv'e made this for many years and there is only one little secret Yes clearly I'd have to find and kill you. Don't listen to old wives tales. One pound Sloes which you just sqeeze gently to allow the juice to get out. One pound granulated sugar. One bottle of the cheapest gin you can find. (1 litre).Secret ingredient and away you go. Takes about 3 years for the b est results but seemingly the shoot guys can't wait that long. We nail the cherry vodka then the cherry gin and use the sloe gin for after dinner speeches. Hey ho happy hunting. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jok 3,035 Posted August 9, 2015 Report Share Posted August 9, 2015 Sorry. I missed the main point. How in hell can you pick sloes in the first week of August? There ain't none. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
random 659 Posted August 9, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 9, 2015 Hey jok,I have found a good spot with a decent amount on it but they aren't ripe yet and was hoping to have some ready asap! Looks like I'll just have to wait,I suppose a few weeks won't matter... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
David K 172 Posted August 9, 2015 Report Share Posted August 9, 2015 I find it is best to just go with the seasons and don't be like the supermarkets who have all fruit and veg all year round. There is always something ripe and ready for brewing or infusing, its a nice way to plan your year. I've just finished the elderberry brews both flowers and berries, raspberry vodka, the apples are nearly there for more wine or cider, blackberries will soon be everywhere for wine or a whiskey infusion, crab apples, rosehips haws and then finally the sloes should be nice and juicy. So do what you want but I find its always best to use what's ripe rather than rush things along. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
random 659 Posted August 9, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 9, 2015 I'm new to making these things so don't know too much yet but have wanted sloe gin for a while but never attempted it,I've got my eye on simple wines as well but as said why rush? I'll just give it a bit longer and get some on the go then,thanks for the advice all Quote Link to post Share on other sites
greenshank1 406 Posted August 9, 2015 Report Share Posted August 9, 2015 Too early for sloes mate. They have to be ripe and have the first frost before picking. Better looking for good patches of blaeberries , brambles and wild raspberries which are nearly ready for picking. They can all be used the same ways as sloes and put into cheap vodka , gin or whiskey. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TOMO 24,843 Posted August 9, 2015 Report Share Posted August 9, 2015 Ive made good batches in the second week of September,,, but also made the same using some o picked between Xmas and new year,,,, Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mark williams 7,549 Posted August 15, 2015 Report Share Posted August 15, 2015 (edited) As said wait for the first frosts on the sloes, just listening to the dying fermentation of 10 gallons of elderflower wine. Bramble/ elderberries next. Edited August 15, 2015 by mark williams Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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