This is such an exciting time to be a Scottish Gin fan. 2017 is going to be a very busy year, filled with new Gin launches every couple of weeks.
Today we look at three brand new Scottish Distilleries and their first ever products.
If you are thinking of getting yourself a wee treat over the festive period, I would recommend being a Crowdfunder for these campaigns.
It’s great to watch how they develop their Gin; from the testing and recipe development phase, to building their premises and the excitement of having their first customers.
(Lilliard Ginnery, Born in the Borders, Lanton Mill, Jedburgh)
The first distillery in the Scottish Borders since 1837 is set to launch in a matter of weeks.
Lilliard Gin will shortly go into production just outside Jedburgh and has quaint beginnings: it will start as a distillery in a former cowshed.
The new gin was inspired by a Borders Local Legend.
Lilliard was the heroine of the Battle of Ancrum Moor, fought between the Scots and English in 1545.
She fought to the death to avenge the murder of her lover at the hands of the English, just north of where Lilliard Gin was conceived.
Lead distiller, Kate Macinnes, is pleased to be part of the new generation of Borders distillers, albeit on a much smaller scale than the whisky distilleries in development locally: “The potential development of the Borders as a region of distilling excellence is really exciting, and we are so happy to be a small part of that.
"Our gin production is on a completely different scale to the other distilleries in development.
"Our still is one of the smallest production stills in the UK, and our entire operation fits into a cowshed, but if people like our gin, that’s all that matters.”
Lilliard Gin has a rich abundance of wild food on our doorstep in the Teviot valley, and aims to convey a true sense of the local flavour palette and Borders ‘terroir’.
Looking at the Lilliard Gin Crowdfunding page, it’s great to see there are a host of different options available.
You can support them with a £5 donation which will get you a pinbadge and a letter of thanks, up to a £200 donation which will get you a case of their first batch Gin.
They have done superbly well, raising just under £3000 and achieving their first target. There are some great ideas to encourage visitors to their distillery, including the development of foraGINg courses; clients will be able to forage their personal botanicals, then distil their own gin.
• You can help crowdfund them here and follow them on Facebook
( North Ballachulish, Fort William, Highland)
Founded by a husband and wife team, Craig & Noru Innes, Pixel Gin distillery has been self-built from scratch, with the help of various friends and family members. This is
This is in the core of their values - hand crafted, bespoke and personal! Pixel Gin lives in two former farm byres which have been converted into a contemporary and forward-thinking Craft Distillery where we will produce their own small-batch Gin and other spirits.
In an interesting twist to what most Gin Distillers offer, Pixel Gin wish to create bespoke Gins for restaurants, bars and other companies who wish to impress their clientele with something completely unique and personal.
Located in Lochaber, a beautiful part of the Scottish Highlands, this will be the area's first Craft Distillery, and the first Gin distillery.
Pixel Gin have also planned their first two releases, with excellent names.
Both “Devil's Staircase” (A Highland Spiced Gin) and “Neptune's Staircase” (A Highland Dry Gin), are named after famous locations in the West Highlands.
Pixel Gin has just launched their Crowdfunding campaign, and have raised £500, 2% of their £20,000 goal. Their Crowdfunding options include £40 for a pre-order of “Devil’s Staircase” or “Neptune’s Staircase” Gin, £100 for a bottle of your own bespoke Gin or £500 for 4 people to attend their Gin School, opening at the end of 2017, with a bottle of your own creations to take home.
The Gin School experience is eagerly anticipated and has had a huge amount of interest. Suitable to anyone interested in gin distilling, whether you’re a connoisseur or just wish to know more or experience and learn something new.
The Gin School course will help you learn the art of distilling using your own copper pot mini still and develop your unique and personal recipe for small-batch gin.
• You can help crowdfund them here and follow them on Facebook
(Lephincorrach Farm, Torrisdale, Carradale, Campbeltown, Argyll, PA28 6QT)
Kintyre Gin has been created by Beinn an Tuirc Distillers.
Beinn an Tuirc are unique as the first launched Scottish Gin Distiller due to their commitment to sustainability. Forth Road Bridge Gin has a similar commitment to sustainability and self- sufficiency, but they have not launched their first Gin yet.
Kintyre Gin will be produced using the distillery’s own renewable energy, powered from the small hydro-electric scheme at Torrisdale Castle Estate. The water is sourced from the hill from which
The water is sourced from the hill from which they take their name. ‘Beinn an Tuirc’ translates from gaelic as ‘The Hill of the Wild Boar’ and is the highest point in Kintyre, located above the distillery building.
The recipe for Kintyre Gin includes commonly used botanicals, with the addition of 2 which are unique, namely Icelandic moss and sheep sorrel - both grow on the estate in abundance. These
These ingredients produce a Gin which our expert tasting panel described as having earthy and spicy characteristics, being deep in flavour, with a very pleasant floral aroma. A true taste of Kintyre.
Being part of the Torrisdale Castle Estate, Kintyre Gin has the advantage of their own private water supply via a Victorian spring located just above the distillery. Kintyre Gin has also pledged
Kintyre Gin has also pledged to plant a tree in a dedicated woodland area for every case of Kintyre Gin sold. When the Distillery
When the Distillery Visitor Centre opens, customers will be offered the opportunity to plant a tree and leave a long lasting legacy on the estate.
Beinn an Tuirc Distillery has also pledged to be a socially responsible business. A percentage of their profits will be donated towards community funds for local projects and Business Start-ups.
A percentage of their profits will be donated towards community funds for local projects and Business Start-ups.
Kintyre Gin have ambitious plans to expand their distilleries offering with the help of Crowdfunders.
Visitors to their website can choose from a £25 Gift Voucher will be redeemable in their future
Visitors Centre, right up to the £1000 ‘Wild Boar’, which includes a visit to the Castle, a sheepskin rug, two trees planted in your honour, plus much more.
• You can help crowdfund them here and follow them on Facebook
