Kintyre Botanical Gin, 70 cl

Product Information

Described as “smooth and vibrant” it has a fruity and spicy nose and a deeply pleasing finish. DUNDEE: VERDANT GIN Head south to Carradale in Kintyre you’ll find the Beinn an Tuirc Distillers on the beautiful Torrisdale Castle Estate. Twelve botanicals go in to making Kintyre Gin to achieve the characteristics of this very flavoursome and well-balanced spirit. Ten of these are commonly used in craft gin production and two are unique to us. The two unique ones are sheep sorrel and Icelandic moss, chosen because they grow in abundance on Torrisdale Castle Estate– where our distillery is based. Icelandic moss is actually a lichen and is an indicator of good air quality which we are blessed with here in Kintyre.

The team at Kirkjuvagr worked closely with the Agronomy Institute of the UHI (University of the Highlands and Islands) to create a blend of local botanicals. Like an enlightened version of the gin craze era, craft gin distilleries are popping up all across the UK as well as globally. For many, the ultimate whisky experience is a trip to Islay. This tiny wee island boasts nine working distilleries producing whiskies that truly reflect their environment with a characteristic peaty flavour and a hint of salty air and seaweed. All the distilleries offer tours and each offer something unique. And for the truly devoted, with a little planning, yes, it is possible to do them all in a day! However, it’s those gin distilleries in our little corner of the world that are making some big waves.One of Scotland's smallest commercial distilleries, Strathearn produce four main gins currently; the Classic, the Citrus, the Heather Rose gin and the Oaked Highland gin. Jura's Deer Island specialise in the distillation of rum, while the Isle of Bute Distillery and Beinn an Tuirc in Kintyre produce seasonal barrels. We were thrilled to collaborate with the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust to create an extra special spirit with which to commemorate 20 years of the island’s community ownership. Distilled with hibiscus flower and pink peppercorns, it is sweet and light on the palate with a floral midsection and a dry, lingering spice finish.

This traditionally-made spirit is a London gin made with six carefully selected botanicals to a recipe held by the family. However, it is the unusual spiced gin made with nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves that really stands out. The secret to craft gin is in the traditional copper stills which remove any impurities from the distilling process. Many of our distillers give their stills names. Bute Gin’s is called Andrea and Beinn an Tuirc’s is called Big Don. This tells you everything about our makers' passion for the process! Made using nine botanicals including locally-sourced sugar kelp, which gives the gin its wonderful coastal flavour, and produced using their small copper still – affectionately known as ‘The Dottach’ – this a distinctly interesting gin unlike many you will have tried before. If you’re partial to a craft gin, or just curious about how it’s made, the micro-distilleries of Argyll offer a truly immersive experience. What can be said about Jim McEwan that hasn't already been said? The man was already a legend in whisky circles before turning his hand to gin.

We were approached by the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust and asked to create a unique gin bottling to commemorate the 20 year anniversary of the island’s community buy-out in 2002. Torrisdale Castle Estate is the home of Beinn an Tuirc Distillers Ltd, where we make award winning spirits such as Kintyre Gin and Tarbert Legbiter. Take a tour or spend an afternoon at gin school!

Producing their first small batch of just 200 bottles in 2013, Crossbill are now running at full production, and a good thing too, as demand for their highly acclaimed gin is now taking off. READ MORE: Scottish business set-up to promote Scottish Gin establishes International Scottish Gin Day 2019 Eden Mill try to source most of their botanicals locally from places such as St Andrews gardens and they are keen to create seasonal small batch gins, using different botanicals. So watch this space. STIRLINGSHIRE: STIRLING GINBeginning life in October 2015, Stirling Gin is making steady progress in the sea of Scottish gin competitors and gaining recognition as one of the best new examples of the spirit around at the minute. NB claim that no matter the demand for their product they will only ever produce in small batches to ensure their gin is as perfect as they can make it and remains hand-crafted. Having been part of the Brit awards after party for several years, it’s clear that it’s that not only gin lovers taking notice but also music royalty are too. EDINBURGH: EDINBURGH GIN Picture: Edinburgh Gin