Damson Gin turned to Jelly

[fourteenacre]

I'm a regular maker of Sloe gin and last year had the opportunity to make some damson vodka.

My usual method with Sloes is to leave the fruit in the spirit for a year then rack it off and store. When I came to look at the damson gin this year a 'jelly' had formed in the jar which I've never had happen before. There is also a slight smell of cloves.

I had added no extra sugar to the fruit.

Anyone else ever had anything like this ?

The Fruit


The empty jar