Foxhole Spirits at The London Cheesemongers

Preview of Foxhole Gin and Cheese Pairings for World Gin Week:

I love trying new Gin – and, having never heard of Foxhole, I was intrigued to be invited along to a preview of a Gin and Cheese pairing event. The London Cheesemongers is a charming artisan cheese shop just off Sloane Square in Chelsea. Downstairs, there’s a boutique selection of cheeses – upstairs a tasting room. I went along there one afternoon last week to preview an event to be held on Thursday 7 June, where you can learn more about this unique Gin and how it pairs perfectly with cheese.

Unlike other gins, Foxhole Gin from West Sussex is distilled using the second pressing from English wine grapes – a collaboration that Foxhole Spirits Managing Director, James Oag-Cooper explained had come about through his own work with Bolney Wines. In an effort to reduce waste, he has developed a fermentation and distillation process that results in a stunning spirit. As he explained, the grape effectively becomes one of the botanicals along with juniper, grapefruit, lemon, coriander seed, angelica root and seed, orris root, liquorice root and bitter orange. In order to preserve the unique quality of the spirit, it is distilled at a lower level, to 82-85 % ABV, macerated with the botanicals, then cut to 40% with spring water.

The result is a unique product which is just as pleasant without a mixer, paired with cheese. And, just as wine vintages vary, the gin produced in this way varies so that each marc has its own characteristics. The perfect opportunity for a pairing!

If you’d like to try tasting the different marcs of Foxhole Gin for yourself (along with the wine produced from the second pressing which is used in the distillation) then you’ll need to book quickly. Foxhole are running another event at the London Cheesemongers on 7 June, 19.00-22.00, where you too can delve into the unique pairing of gin and cheese. The evening will reflect this diversity with tastings from a range of marcs, each paired with the cheese that best compliments the delicate yet distinctive character yielded by that year’s harvest. The London Cheesemongers have selected some of their finest cheeses, with an emphasis on herb and grass varieties to evoke the essence of spring and summer. Ensure that you come thirsty and hungry – a refreshing G&T will be served on arrival, followed by a selection of classic and contemporary cocktails throughout the evening, not to mention a range of delicious local cheeses.