Beech gin noyau

[TallTom]

So Bob told me about beech gin on the meet up. The need for some tree surgery on a couple of beech in my garden prompted me to have a go at it. I have found a recipe (and a new word 'Noyau') which is gin with enough young beech leaves to be covered, and some brandy and sugar.

Has anyone else tried this before?

I also have some copper beech... any one know if this could this be used in the same way? Maybe to produce the same drink but with a different pigment?

 

[Monikieman]

Interested in giving it a go so will be watching the thread.

 

[TallTom]

Sorry, sideways pic, I don't just have a very sticky work surface.

 

[TallTom]

Interested in giving it a go so will be watching the thread.

Now is the time to do it, the leaves have to be young. Give it a go, it's easy.

 

[bobnewboy]

Hi Tom, interesting care to share your recipe and process? I know of about a squillion kilos of young beech leaves...

 

[bobnewboy]

Ah scratch that, google got there in one hit Time to have another go

 

[Silkhi]

Certainly an interesting idea - I am fairly crap at wood and metalwork but bushcraft alcohol sounds like a perfect craft for me!!!

 

[Monikieman]

Now is the time to do it, the leaves have to be young. Give it a go, it's easy.

My hedge hasn't sprouted yet. 15th may last year so it's near. Let's see/here the preferred method and recipe then

 

[Harvestman]

I make this most years. Going to try it with less sweetness this year. Got a bottle on the go as we speak. I love the stuff.

 

[Harvestman]

My hedge hasn't sprouted yet. 15th may last year so it's near. Let's see/here the preferred method and recipe then

Here's a previous thread on the topic

 

[TallTom]

Certainly an interesting idea - I am fairly crap at wood and metalwork but bushcraft alcohol sounds like a perfect craft for me!!!

The most enjoyable form of foraging if you ask me. Takes a while for good results but you can even put it in a nice bottle and give it as a gift.

 

[TallTom]

I make this most years. Going to try it with less sweetness this year. Got a bottle on the go as we speak. I love the stuff.

Any ideas on copper beech?

 

[Harvestman]

Any ideas on copper beech?

Might change the colour but shouldn't have any other effect. You want the leaves when they are just emerged, still soft and slightly crinkly. Best test is to try eating a leaf of so straight off the tree. If it is soft enough to chew without feeling like a sheet of plastic, it is ok.

 

[bigbear]

Thanks to the OP, its reminded me that I want to try this !
so far I am delighted with all the pimped alcohols I have done, some better than others but all lovely in their own way.

 

[TallTom]

Thanks to the OP, its reminded me that I want to try this !
so far I am delighted with all the pimped alcohols I have done, some better than others but all lovely in their own way.

Got a top 3 for me to try?

 

[TallTom]

Might change the colour but shouldn't have any other effect. You want the leaves when they are just emerged, still soft and slightly crinkly. Best test is to try eating a leaf of so straight off the tree. If it is soft enough to chew without feeling like a sheet of plastic, it is ok.

Good info. Thanks harvestman

 

[ateallthepies]

Wondered what this stuff tastes like since reading about it in a book I can't recall the name of now? Is it just a flavoured Gin like Sloe?

 

[bigbear]

Top three so far,
blackberry brandy
bilberry vodka
damson gin
but so many to try......

 

[Harvestman]

Wondered what this stuff tastes like since reading about it in a book I can't recall the name of now? Is it just a flavoured Gin like Sloe?

I make it according to Richard Maybe's recipe, which adds a lot of sugar, so you end up with the flavour of the beech leaves, but in a somewhat syrupy liqueur. Many find it too sweet. I've heard it described as tooth decay in a glass.

I'm going to try for a less sweet version this year.

 

[ateallthepies]

Ah yes.....Food for free, that was the book!