When the West Indian community in Preston decided to hold an event to remind them of carnivals back home in the Caribbean, they surely never imagined it would still be going strong half a century later.
This year the north-western town is paying tribute to those far-sighted pioneers of 1974 in a unique way – it’s just launched a golden anniversary gin. It’s a pretty special distillation too, as it incorporates Caribbean lime and sorrel – a flavour combination unique to Preston, according to the makers, Wild Fox Distillery. The flavour profile is said to be tangy and slightly floral, somewhat akin to cranberry or pomegranate gin.
The gin is being produced in a strictly limited edition, with each bottle individually numbered (you can request a number if it hasn’t already been taken). We’re told that the beautifully decorated bottles are flying off the shelves, so if you want to sample this unique Anglo-Caribbean tipple, you’d better place your order without delay.
The gin will be launched this Thursday at Glovers Bar, 43 Glover’s Ct, Preston, PR1 3LS, carnival celebrations are set for Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 May.
For more information and a glimpse of 50 years’ worth of wonderful costumes, go to the Preston Carnival website. And if you’re eager to secure some of that gin —available in 20cl bottles for £25 and 70cl for £45, email [email protected].
