Consistency In Color Intensity?

[tgf]

I'm looking into infusing some dried berries into my gin (post-distillation) for color.

Any tips / ideas on how producers currently ensure consistent coloring in every bottle? It seems quite difficult to make sure the color is of the same intensity for every batch and I hope there's actually a very simple answer to my question. I imagine people who age their whiskies and rums have a technique I can use as well. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Cheers.

[NZChris]

I have a method, but it is complicated, is pre-distillation and is only consistent in the batch. I'm told that natural colors may not be color-fast and that, commercially, artificial is best. None of mine faded or discoloured before it got drunk.

[tgf]

Some producers (e.g. pinkster gin) claim they simply macerate fresh raspberries to get the pink hue... any idea what kind of tricks they have up their sleeves to ensure the color stability and consistency? Or even sloe gin / rhubarb gin producers... scratching my head!

[NZChris]

How long do you want it to last for?

I kept my Raspberry in the dark and the color held ok.

[Max_Vino]

Hi tgf,

I ran into a similar problem so I built this meter. It measures the amount of light that is being transmitted vertically through the test tube. That sample then is compared to a sample of the new make which I use as my blanking solution. I built this for about $60. I use this to determine when to take my distillate off of the oak. By testing known products that I like I can dial in the amount of oak I want. If anyone is interested in building one of these I will post some pictures and more details.

Cheers,
Max