Crossbill 200, Aviemore, gin review

The current desire for small batch, hand-made, locally sourced produce is driving the demand for everything from clothes to food. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the drinks market, where British manufacturing is once again becoming more and more highly sought.

Published 1st Feb 2016
Updated 18 th Sep 2023

First seen in the craft beer movement and now reflected in spirits, small batch gin is fast becoming a prized commodity. With this in mind we went to the Good Spirits Company on Glasgow’s Bath Street, to speak to spirit expert Matthew McFadyen and mixologist Khi Leonard – a former finalist in the Diageo World Class – about their thoughts and recommendations on some of Scotland’s up-and-coming gins.

Crossbill 200

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.

Named after the indigenous bird that can only be found in the ancient forests of Scotland, Crossbill gin claims to be the only gin distillery to use 100 per cent Scottish juniper and rosehip. Indeed the distillers claim to have revived Scotland’s fragrant juniper production. Most of the reviewers describe Crossbill as a real ‘gin lover’s gin’, definitely one to check out now it’s becoming more readily available.

As a tribute to one of their juniper bushes, which had just turned 200, Crossbill used only the berries from this one bush - and the wild rosehip that grows around her - to produce this 59.8 % Still Strength Crossbill 200 Special Edition.

Nose:

A very different beast from the original, less juniper and more rosehip, warm tones of earthiness and very balanced. Dry earth on a hot day, slightly sweeter.

Taste:

Neat: Higher strength with a very nice kick. Intense, rounded appley finish with a sweet peppery aftertaste. Rosehip rounds to a lovely orange character.

With tonic (one part gin to two parts Fever Tree): Perfect balance of sweet and savoury, very moreish with real intensity. Big hints of flavour, long sweet finish, coats the mouth with a fennely, herby character.

Recommended garnish: Mint

New bar with Scotland's largest collection of rum to open in Edinburgh 

Matthew says: “Just lovely with tonic, great balance, the intensity grabs you and makes you pay attention. The finish goes on and on. A rare treat.”

Khi’s choice: “A simple cocktail in the Duchess, to really let the gin shine."

The Duchess recipe:

• 50ml Crossbill 200

•  12.5ml Cocchi Americano

10 facts you (probably) didn't know about Guinness

• 1 dash celery bitters

• 1 dash Good Spirits Co Bitters

main

• Only 200 bottles are available but there are still some left at the Good Spirits Company

See also:

11 of the best Glasgow pubs to watch the Six Nations

• 15 Scottish gins we recommend you try

Try our Gin Quiz 

Location:none
Driven by a passion for all things drinks-related, Sean writes for The Scotsman extensively on the subject. He can also sometimes be found behind the bar at the world famous Potstill bar in Glasgow where he continues to enhance his whisky knowledge built up over 10 years advising customers from all over the world on the wonders of our national drink. Recently, his first book was published. Dubbed Gin Galore, it explores Scotland's best gins and the stories behind those that make them.
Copyright ©2024 National World Publishing Ltd
Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy
crosschevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram