The news and views from Norfolk's Legendary Spirit

What happens when the legendary Black Shuck meets the 'hare' raising Moongazer Ales?

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 10:48:48 GMT

In the spring of 2020, when pubs were forced to close their doors, breweries had barrels of beer going to waste. Read all about how Moongazer Ales and Black Shuck turned adversity into opportunity.

When lockdown was announced Sarah and Patrick spoke to their friends David and Rachel at Norfolk Brewhouse, home of Moongazer Ales. Faced with pouring barrels of beer down the drain David was understandably worried about their future and devastated to see good beer go to waste.

But all was not lost. The two teams got their heads together (virtually of course) and hatched a plan.

Over the coming weeks Patrick filled the Black Shuck still with hundreds of litres of Moongazer ales including their Bouchard Dark Mild. When Faith (the still) was asked to do her magic she did not disappoint. A clear spirit with tasting notes of hops and malts was extracted.

The two teams then used the power of Zoom to have a virtual tasting session to decide what to do with the new spirit. After much tasting and discussion it was agreed to amalgamate the two brands Moongazer and Black Shuck to make the new brand name Moonshuck. Yes, it does sound a bit like Moonshine - more on that later.

As for the name of the spirit - well it needed something to give a clue to its character. Various names were discussed including Gaze and Howl, Hopnip, and even Bunny Growler (I will leave that one there). When the votes were in the name Distale, as in distilled ale, was the unanimous winner. By the time the group were ready to work on label design another idea had arisen and so the name was updated to White Distale.

So how is Moonshuck connected to Moonshine? Moonshine is a white spirit made from a distilled grain mash but the similarities end just about there. Moonshine has a reputation for being coarse, cheap and illegal. Legend has it that during the 18th century moonshiners made 'White Whisky' at night time, using the light of the moon, to avoid detection by tax collectors.

Now what about that term White Whisky?

It is not an official term with a legal classification so what is it and where does it come from?

White Whisky is basically raw, unaged and unfinished whisky. The process for making a whisky involves mixing water with malted grain to make a beer type mash. The fermented mash is then distilled to produce a white spirit which is then barrel aged for a number of years. It is during the ageing stage that the whiskey takes much of its flavour and colour from the barrels.

Setting up a Whisky distillery requires a lot of patience. You will have to wait several years before you have anything to sell as all whiskies must, by definition, age in a barrel for at least 3 years. Hence it is not surprising that many whisky distilleries choose to release a 'white whisky' while they wait for their prized spirits to age.

It seemed logical to put some of our White Distale into barrels as a little experiment. The barrels were left alone for around 6 months then samples were tasted every few weeks. The aim was to retain the malty, hoppy notes whilst taking on some character from the barrels. The regular tasting became critical as it was intended not to over-oak the spirit. In October 2022 after applying some Back Shuck magic the team, delighted with the flavour, decided it was time to prepare the Golden Distale for bottling. Due to the experimental nature of the Golden Distale just 120 bottles of this first edition Golden Distale were launched in November 2022. This coincided with the release of a new edition, small batch, of White Distale with just 120 bottles in the batch.

If you want to know more about the Moonshuck Distale story then you can always arrange a visit to the Black Shuck distillery where you can also try before you buy.

What is the best method for making Gin?

183:831527384 (Patrick Saunders) — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 09:19:51 GMT

Pot, Column, Electronic or Bathtub ?
Which method is best and why?

When we, the Black Shuck team, embarked on our Gin story 11 years ago, most people had very little interest in Gin or how it was made. How times have changed, for the better of course. There is no longer such thing as a 'typical Gin drinker'. Long gone is the 'mothers ruin' reputation. In it's place Gin has gained a reputation for being not just a quintessentially English drink for older ladies but an on-trend experience ideally shared with friends.

The arrival of 100s of new Gins on the UK shelves has meant that there is plenty to explore and share. Each distillery has it's own story and each Gin has it's own profile making the opportunities for new experiences almost endless.

We have found that Gin lovers (old and new) now want to know all about the provenance, the sources of inspiration and the method by which the Gin was made. It is quite useful that most distilleries, including our own, take great pleasure in sharing their stories and every story will be unique. So how can over 800 UK distilleries all be so different. For a start let's have a look at the methods used for making Gin.

The art of distilling alcohol was being explored in all corners of the world by the 10th Century. Evidence dating back to the 1st century shows Alchemists working in Ancient Egypt constructing the first alembic stills. Alchemists hoped that the potions created would have healing or magical properties. Herbs and roots were introduced to make medicinal remedies. Some even claimed to prolong life! It is not surprising that you will still find many of the same botanicals in our Gins.

Today we have different stills and different methods available to us when creating Gin and other spirits. Whilst some methods are regarded more traditional than others our view is that they can all be considered authentic.

Just to be clear. A still does not make alcohol, it separates 2 liquids which have different boiling points. In our case the alcohol from the fermented wash. This is possible because water turns to vapour at 100 degrees whilst alcohol turns to vapour at around 78 degrees. This is why you should never allow your mulled wine to boil at Christmas!

Let's start by looking at the Bath Tub method for making Gin. It doesn't require the use of a still to impart the botanical flavours. Instead the botanicals, which must include Juniper, are steeped in a neutral grain spirit for a period of time before being filtered and bottled. Some consider this to be an amateur way to make Gin. However, there are some excellent examples of Gin made using the bathtub method which should not be overlooked. The term bathtub refers back to 1920 when Gin producers sought ways to continue Gin production on a commercial scale whilst going undetected by police. They disguised their production methods by using metal or ceramic bath tubs for macerating the botanicals in a neutral grain spirit bought from a registered distiller. The Bath Tub method requires little technical expertise and is inexpensive to set up.

Next up, the Pot Still or Alembic Still is the oldest type of still. To create a spirit using an Alembic the pot is filled with a fermented alcoholic wort or a neutral spirit wash . Heat is applied and when the contents reach critical temperatures the vapours collect in the head at the top of the pot. From here they are then channelled through a narrow pipe known as the swans neck. Next the vapours pass through a condenser where pipes filled with cold water cool the vapours quickly so that they revert back to liquids. In the 18th century the heat source would have been an open fire. They didn't have to write Risk Assessments then! Today most pot stills are heated by steam coils or jackets powered by electricity. The advances in technology enables the distiller to make adjustments during the distillation process in order to maximise quality and yield. The Alembic is generally considered to be the ultimate in terms of traditional methods for making spirits.

The Column Still, aka The Continuous Still was invented in 1831 by Aeneas Coffey. It revolutionised distilling. The column still consists of several bubble caps, each of which behave like individual stills. Hence the column still can do the work of several pot stills in one single run. The end product is typically smoother and higher in strength. This makes the Column Still very efficient and cost effective hence it is very popular with commercial producers.

For those who like high tech there is a electronic I-Still which can be programmed and operated via an app on your phone. These automated stills claim to be the most efficient, time saving stills which require minimal skills. The I-Still can be found at the opposite end of the alchemy spectrum to the Alembic Still. It is not for those who prefer a hands on approach.

Here at Black Shuck we have a combination Pot and Column still. It is quite traditional to give stills a name and we have called our still Faith. She was designed specifically to meet both our distilling needs and our space availability. In addition to the traditional copper pot it has two columns which each house 3 bubble caps. The Combination Still provides maximum flexibility which allows us to produce all types of spirit.

We love the surprises that Faith throws at us every time we explore a new recipe idea and we relish the hands on attention she needs. The combination still is perfect for us because we enjoy the challenge of creating the best spirits possible using a mix of skill and alchemy, science and tradition all topped off with a little bit of Black Shuck luck.

If you would like to see Faith in action you can book a visit to the distillery by emailing Sarah info@blackshuckltd.co.uk

Each of our Gins offers something quite different and they each have their own suggested serve.

BLACK SHUCK GIN (43% vol)

Share the Legend

Black Shuck Gin is strong and yet smooth, traditional and yet contemporary, complex and yet balanced. It has lightly floral notes from the Norfolk lavender followed by warm sweet fruity tones from the Sea Buckthorn and Bitter Orange Peel

Serving suggestion : Pair with Fever Tree Indian Tonic

Garnish with Orange Zest

BLACK SHUCK BLUSH GIN (41% vol)

Share The Secret

Black Shuck Blush is subtle and sophisticated. It’s beautiful colour and enchanting flavours have been created naturally through the infusion of real fruits including Rhubarb and Strawberry.

Serving suggestion : Pair with Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic

Garnish with a fresh Strawberry

BLACK SHUCK PASSION GIN (43% vol)

Share The Passion

Passion Gin has both strength and complexity. Distilled with fifteen botanicals, including Passion Fruit, Grapefruit, Lime Flower and Elderflower, Passion Gin delivers a taste sensation to intrigue and excite the palate.

Serving suggestion : Pair with Fever Tree Elderflower Tonic

Garnish with Grapefruit and Blueberries

BLACK SHUCK PINK GRAPEFRUIT GIN (43% vol)

Share The Magic

Pink Grapefruit Gin has been distilled with bucket loads of fresh pink grapefruit alongside traditional botanicals, including Juniper, Angelica, Cassia Bark and Coriander. The result is a magical, beautiful delicately fruity Gin.

Serving suggestion : Pair with Fever Tree Aromatic Tonic

Garnish with a Grapefruit Wheel.

Who or what is Black Shuck?

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 14:05:54 GMT

A legend popularised by smugglers

Why Black Shuck?

We chose the legend of Black Shuck for our brand in 2011 when, as a family, we first discussed the possibility of setting up a family business making Sloe Gin. It was a legend that had been part of family story telling for generations. The images of Black Shuck found on all of our bottles and merchandise were created by Leanne. Her original drawing can be seen at the distillery.

A short poem written at the same time can now be found on the reverse side of the Sloe Gin label. However, you will need to drink the Sloe Gin to reveal it!

According to folklore, a huge black dog with flaming red eyes has been roaming our coastal paths and country lanes for centuries. All who know of Black Shuck consider him an omen of luck. Whilst some fear him as a sign of bad luck, many consider him to be a guardian of travellers and the bringer of good fortune.

The name Black Shuck may be a derivative of the old English word scucca which means devil or fiend. There are numerous stories relating to the legend. Many of these stories will have been popularised by smugglers in the 18th century.

Black Shuck is one of England's oldest legends. It dates back hundreds of years. In the 1700's hefty taxes were introduced and the long stretches of Norfolk coastline would have been attractive to the criminal gangs who operated smuggling operations. They would use sailing ships to bring luxury goods such as Gin, Tea, Silk, Brandy and Lace from Holland to the English coastal villages such as Wells, Blakeney, Beeston, Sheringham and Morston. Thereafter the contraband would be distributed inland

Terrifying tales of Black Shuck would have been spread eagerly by smugglers in the hope that frightened locals, including the local customs office, would stay home at particular times allowing them to smuggle their cargo ashore without being disturbed.

Other variations on the legend of Black Shuck can be found across the British Isles but with different names. In East Anglia he is most likely to be known as Black Shuck, Old Shuck, Black Dog, Old Shock or Shuck Dog. It is generally agreed that the name came from the old English word scucca (sc would have been pronounced sh) which means devil, demon or fiend.

If you want to learn more about the legend of Black Shuck you can book a distillery tour where you can hear about the legend whilst tasting products from the legendary range.

Call Sarah on 07867817618 to book a date and time

BLACK SHUCK SLOE GIN (27% vol)

Life in the Sloe Lane

Black Shuck’s award winning Sloe Gin has been steeped in sloes.

Sloe Gin is perfect for sipping.

Serving suggestion : Serve over Ice with Fever Tree Ginger Ale

Will Rum be the next big thing?

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 12:57:46 GMT

Thoughts from the Black Shuck Distillery

We are frequently asked if we think Rum will be the 'next big thing'.

The answer quite simply is that we just don't know but the current data relating to spirits does make for interesting reading.

One industry wide report shows that sales of Gin may be declining. However, whilst some of the supermarket brands of Gins may be seeing a decline it is not all bad news in the Gin world. An overwhelming percentage of the customers we have spoken to recently have been very keen to know that they were buying a 'Gin Gin' or a 'Proper Gin' and not a 'sweet flavoured spirit'. It seems to us that whilst the Gin market may be shrinking it is the extremes of the trend that may suffered the most. As with most fashions, they come and go whilst what went before stays strong.

When it comes to customer habits, our customers are certainly asking more questions. They are doing their own due diligence checks which is music to our ears. Distillery provenance and scale are clearly important to the buyer when they are paying a premium price.

A recent research article highlights the current trends in alcohol sales and a few headline figures are as follows.

Smirnoff (owned by Diageo) who are 2nd only to Stella Artois among Britain's Biggest Alcohol Brands have seen sales increase by 4% whilst Gordons who are placed 3rd have seen sales drop by around 15%. In 2019 Gordon's Pink Gin smashed all sales records outselling all other gins. The brand has recently launched a 0% Pink Gin which is expects to boost sales this year.

Cocktail sales and cocktail ingredients are seeing a 'rising trend'
Most Whisky including Jack Daniels, Famous Grouse and Bells have all seen a drop in sales
Whitley Neill sales have dropped by 25% and Greenalls sales have dropped by over 40% whilst sales of Bombay Sapphire dropped by 34%
Overall Off-Trade sales have decreased whilst the on-trade is bouncing back with sales increasing. The Football World Cup could play a significant part in all areas this summer. Success on the field for the England team will be good news all round.
There is far less data relating to Rums as they still account for a very small share of the market. However, Captain Morgan and Kraken have shown small volume increases of around 5%.

What is apparent is that there is definitely an increase in interest in rums at the moment. When our current custom built still was installed it was designed with all spirits in mind. Our combination still has a traditional copper pot and 2 columns which each have 3 bubble caps. This enables us to vary our distilling processes to match the needs of each spirit and recipe being distilled. Our own sales at the recent Royal Norfolk Show were up on 2019 by over 20% and much of this was down to the addition of our range of Rums.

In August 2020 we launched our Black Shuck Spiced Rum, Black Shuck White Rum and Black Shuck Honey Rum Liqueur and sales of each of these have seen month on month increases. Last year we were finally ready to launch Black Shuck Dark Rum. Each of our recipes undergoes multiple taste testing processes with various panels to ensure that the product is exactly as we want it to be. It seems that our processes are working as the feedback so far has been superb. Several customers have already commented that it is great to have an authentic, local, dark rum as there isn't anything like that on the shelves at the moment.

Our Rums can be found on shelves in more bars and restaurants every week. Much of this is being driven by customer demand.
Is this a clue that Rum is going to be the next big thing? We still think it is to soon to call. With Gin it is very easy to use different botanicals to create new, interesting and still authentic recipes. It could be a bit trickier with Rums. What is for sure is that we are all in for an interesting and challenging few months ahead.

Black Shuck Rum 40% abv

Share the Darkness

Black Shuck Rum has a depth of colour and flavour to delight rum lovers old and new.

It's characterful taste has been achieved through authentic methods used at the Black Shuck Distillery in North Norfolk.

The molasses based rum has been redistilled and then matured in heavy toasted oak barrels to allow the secret collection of other botanicals to marry.

Appearance : Clear, deep caramel amber

Taste : Rich and full flavoured with expresso, molasses and cacao notes lengthened with vanilla and caramel

Aroma : Intense molasses, toasty oak, muscovado, mocha and caramel

Black Shuck Spiced Rum 40% abv

Share the Spice

The finest Caribbean Rum has been redistilled and blended at the North Norfolk Distillery, with a unique collection of botanical spices. The result is a smooth rum which comes to life with warm spicy notes of cinnamon and ginger softened by rich tones of caramel and vanilla with a subtle citrus finish.

Serving Suggestions.

On The Rocks

Serve neat over Ice in a Black Shuck Old Fashioned Tumbler.

Spiced Rum and Ginger Ale

Pair with Fever Tree Ginger Ale and garnish with an orange wedge.

Black Shuck White Rum 40% abv

Share the Legend

Black Shuck White Rum is where the palm stretched sands of the Caribbean meet the Big Sky marram beaches of Norfolk. Originally distilled in the Caribbean and then redistilled with botanicals at the Norfolk distillery in the Black Shuck copper still named Faith, Black Shuck White Rum has a creamy finish. The nutty tones of this super smooth white rum make it simply beautiful over ice, combined with a mixer or in your favourite cocktail cocktail.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Fever Tree Madagascan Cola with a lime wedge garnish.

Serve in a Black Shuck Tumbler over plenty of ice.

Black Shuck Honey Rum Liqueur 24% abv

Share the Nectar

Black Shuck Honey Rum uses a blend of Norfolk Honeys infused with Black Shuck White Rum to create an exquisite liqueur that can be enjoyed neat over ice or with a mixer. At 24% abv it is sure to prove a welcome addition to any cocktail cabinet too.