Hotel Scotland’s Guide to the tastiest and coolest gins around.
01 Edinburgh Gin’s Rhubarb & Ginger Liqueur
A classic pairing, our Rhubarb & Ginger is a sweet, fruity liqueur balanced by a delicate warmth and spicy finish.
Freshly picked spring-crop rhubarb is spiked with Oriental ginger and infused with our classic Edinburgh Gin. The rhubarb and spice are left to steep for four weeks, allowing for the complex flavours to marry together.
For more information please contact Ian Macleod Distillers: uk@ianmacleod.com.
02 Darnley
Darnley’s Gin has revealed an updated look, including a shortened name and refreshed packaging, ahead of the opening of its Darnley’s Distillery in Fife this summer. New to their line-up is a Navy Strength edition of their award-winning Spiced Gin. Inspired by the renowned Royal Navy career of ancestor Sir Rosslyn Wemyss, during his time at sea, ships’ officers still enjoyed a daily ration of gin which had to pass a gunpowder test to prove it was over 57% ABV and therefore Navy Strength. Using the same botanicals as Spiced Gin, the distiller added more juniper and increased the proof to bring you a bold Navy Strength gin with intense warming spice flavour. www.darnleysview.com
03 Cannonball Edinburgh Gin
A punchy but balanced Navy Strength gin, defined by strong juniper and lemon flavours, with lingering spice. Inspired by Edinburgh’s rich naval heritage of cannons and the famous One O’clock Gun. Cannonball Gin lives up to its evocative name. and resurrects a historic style of gin commissioned by the British Navy, making this gin a homage to Edinburgh’s seafaring past.
Cannonball packs a punch, with twice the juniper content of the Original Edinburgh Gin. Szechuan peppercorns add a spicy note while zesty lemon and orange balance out the citrus profile.
For more information please contact Ian Macleod Distillers: uk@ianmacleod.com.
04 Makar Glasgow Gin
Multi-award-winning Makar Gin is carefully handcrafted in Glasgow’s first ever gin distillery.
Deriving its name from the ancient Scots word for ‘Poet’, Makar aptly reflects the craft of the team of dedicated distillers that oversee production of the small batches distilled in copper pot still, Annie.
Makar is a vibrant juniper-based gin harmonised by a unique blend of seven botanicals. The bright and robust flavour of Makar makes it perfect for gin-led cocktails, invigorating with tonic and a slice of mild green chilli – if you dare!
Makar gin 70cl is available to purchase from all leading wholesalers, Glasgow Distillery Company website, Tesco, Majestic Wine and other specialist retailers (RRP £35).
05 Makar Oak Aged Gin
Released as a limited edition in December last year from The Glasgow Distillery Company, Makar Oak Aged gin recently achieved the highest award for any cask aged gin at highly respected International Spirits Challenge. Storing gin in barrels dates back to before the 18th century, when oak was used to ship and store gin. Makar Oak Aged gin, is deliciously different from, Makar Glasgow gin, retaining the smooth taste but with the addition of flavours from the new European oak casks in which it has been aged for approximately 10 weeks. The result is a gin that is soft on the nose, complex and lively on the tongue, with a peppery finish. Makar Oak Aged gin 70cl is available from the Glasgow Distillery Company (RRP £35). www.glasgowdistillery.com
06 Makar Mulberry Wood Aged Gin
Another limited edition offering from The Glasgow Distillery Company, Makar Mulberry Wood Aged Gin, is made by filling Mulberry Wood casks with Glasgow Distillery’s Makar Glasgow gin and then storing it for approximately 10 weeks before bottling.
During ageing the gin gains complexity and flavour as well as a little colour and the result is an intriguing hint of lemon, thyme and sweet vanilla and a peppery finish. Try it as a dry martini with a classic olive garnish.
Makar Mulberry Wood Aged gin 70cl is available to purchase from all leading wholesalers, Glasgow Distillery Company website and other specialist retailers (RRP £35).
07 Makar Old Tom Gin
The newest Makar variant, Old Tom, re-creates a traditional, sweeter style of gin. Before today’s dry gins, the popular style was both richer and sweeter. Makar Old Tom revives this tradition, complementing the bold juniper of Makar with orange peel, almonds and a little honey.
Botanicals include Juniper, Angelica, Black Pepper, Liquorice, Coriander, Orange, Lemon, Sweet Almond, and Honey. The result is an exceptionally well-balanced, complex and rewarding Old Tom Gin perfect for traditional cocktails such as the Tom Collins and Martinez.
Makar Old Tom gin 70cl is available to purchase from all leading wholesalers, Glasgow Distillery Company website and other specialist retailers (RRP £35).
08 Wild Island
Wild Island Botanic Gin is a super premium small batch gin with its heart from the remote island of Colonsay. It has been created by Colonsay Beverages and is infused with 16 botanicals, 6 of which are hand foraged on the island. It has also been distilled 5 times using the traditional single copper pot still method. This has created a pure, rich spirit. It is citrus led in character (lemon peel, lemon balm) with a natural sweet finish from cinnamon, nutmeg, liquorice, cassia bark and orris root. It’s a brand with its soul in the gentler ways of island life and it has been inspired by the beauty of Colonsay and bottled at 43.7% ABV – the perfect strength to feel the robust spirit but still enjoy the delicate botanicals.