Here’s a first – the world’s first commercially available steel cylinder aged cocktail has been created by the Last Word Saloon in Edinburgh. Named the Six Cylinder, the new serve mixes uses equal measures of Bombay Sapphire, Martini Rosso, Martini Extra Dry, Amaro, Cherry Brandy, and an added secret formula.

When mixed, the cocktail is stored for up to three months in 1L steel cylinders before being transferred to 100ml cylinders to serve. Ageing in steel cylinders is something that has only previously been done using wine, where the process rounds off harsher flavours that may be present. In the Six Cylinder the steel cylinders are used to marry the flavours over time rather than simply mixing them before serving.

The inspiration for the Six Cylinder came from the recipe for the serve in The Savoy Cocktail Book of 1920, to which The Last Word Saloon added a little imagination by employing the steel cylinder ageing process. The cocktail is aged in the kitchen of the bar, which is  now used as a laboratory for creative bartenders, Jason Scott and Mike Aikman who also own the multi award winning Bramble Bar.

Jason Scott of the Last Word Saloon comments: “Bombay Sapphire was the perfect choice for the steel aged Six Cylinder cocktail. Due to its soft palate and floral aroma, it harmonises perfectly with the vermouths, yet its distinct character allows it to stand strong amongst some heady components”.

Jon Sampson of Bombay Sapphire comments: “BOMBAY SAPPHIRE is infused with Imagination, from the distinctive blue bottle down to its unique and time-honoured vapour-infusion process which combines the gin’s ten botanicals and the spirit itself. The Last Word Saloon’s use of BOMBAY SAPPHIRE in this imaginative cocktail is testament to this and its distinctive taste.”

The Six Cylinder is exclusively available in the Last Word Saloon so another reason to get down there fast.