When people think of Scotland and its spirits, most people around the world immediately think of their favorite blended or single malt whisky. So, you might be surprised to know that Scotland also has an impressive portfolio of gins as well! As a matter of fact, more than 70% of gins produced in the U.K. are actually made in Scotland including some of the biggest names such as Tanqueray!
We have compiled a list below of five gins made in Scotland that will knock your socks off, and they should be fairly easy to find in your local spirits shop. We also think they are a beautiful testament to the region where they are produced.
Slàinte Mhath!
CAORUNN GIN
Hailing from Balmenach Distillery in the Speyside region, Caorunn {pronounced ‘ka-roon’} is from the Gaelic word for ‘Rowan Berry’. The humble rowan berry is one of five unique Celtic botanicals that are at the heart of their gin. They use Scotland’s natural pantry to hand-forage the rowan berry along with four other Celtic botanicals; all of which can be found within a ten-minute walk of the distillery. Then they pair these with six traditional gin botanicals, to create a genius recipe.
THE BOTANIST
The Botanist is a progressive exploration of the botanical heritage of the Isle of Islay. 22 hand-foraged local botanicals delicately augment nine berries, barks, seeds and peels during an achingly slow distillation. This first and only Islay dry gin is a rare expression of the heart and soul of this remote Scottish island.
HENDRICK’S GIN
Hendrick’s Gin is distilled in South Ayrshire, Scotland and has an elegantly smooth palate of subtle botanicals which provides a satisfying complexity with sublimely balanced tones of juniper, with delicate notes of rose and cucumber. 10 other botanicals: caraway, coriander, elderflower, chamomile, orange- and lemon peel, yarrow, angelica, cubeb pepper and orris bestow Hendrick’s with a seductively beguiling and utterly distinctive taste.
ROCK ROSE GIN
Originally distilled as an exclusive edition for their Craft Gin Club in August 2020, it was so well received they decided to make it part of their core range. Their most experimental edition to date was inspired by the Caithness coastline and is distilled using locally foraged kelp from Shore Seaweed and liquorice salt from Hebridean Mustard Company.
ISLE OF HARRIS GIN
Isle of Harris’ smooth and refreshing gin captures the maritime nature of its home. Made in the village of Tarbert, every drop is distilled in a small copper gin still known as ‘The Dottach’, before being bottled and sealed by hand. It is infused with local Sugar Kelp seaweed alongside other botanicals such as juniper, cassia, coriander, angelica, bitter orange peel, cubeb, liquorice root, and orris root.
