Bath Ales has unveiled a new addition to its Sulis Collection — Gem Aqua Vitae. A limited edition, English single malt spirit, it is made using wort, the product of the mashing that starts every beer brew.
Gem Aqua Vitae is made using the finest floor malted barley using expert brewing techniques. At 42% ABV it is the strongest product that Bath Ales has ever sold. It is distilled in collaboration with the English Spirit Distillery.
After extracting the wort, Bath Ales sends it to The English Spirit Distillery where it is distilled in copper pots under the watchful eye of master whisky makers. Distilled five times, the end result is a delicious malty liquid with great depth of flavour.
Roger Jones, executive chairman at Bath Ales, said: “We launched the Sulis Collection — our range of premium whisky beers — at Christmas time last year and they were very well received. This year we wanted to take things one step further and create our first ever spirit.
“We’re very proud of the finished result as we feel this is something very special indeed. With the launch of Beerd brewery last year — our experimental craft beer brewery — and now this, we’re leading the field in innovation and aim to keep surprising and delighting our customers.”
A great aperitif or night cap, Gem Aqua Vitae is smooth and light with flavours of clove, liquorice and vanilla, an aroma of honeysuckle and silk-coated finish. It is a limited edition with just over 100 bottles for sale. It is sold in 50cl bottles retailing at £39, available in the Bath Ales brewery shop.
