Duchally Country Estate, a country house hotel and lodge resort set within 27 acres of private parkland and gardens, announced its own gin brand – Gatehouse Gin - at the start of June with a garden party attended by celebrated journalist and broadcaster Jennie Bond.
Gatehouse Gin is inspired by local ingredients, particularly the juniper bushes growing on the Estate, which Strathearn Distillery founder Tony Reeman-Clark said he had been yearning to get his hands on.
With his fellow distillers, Russell Wallace and Zak Shenfield, Tony stated he was thrilled when the partnership with Duchally got the go-ahead, and that apples, rosehips, gooseberries and even thistle were explored in the search for a distinctive flavour.
The resulting Gatehouse Gin is described as having a "sweet and refreshing hit to the palate" thanks to its signature ingredients of Red Sweet Apples and gooseberries.
Jennie Bond, who has been working with Duchally Estate owners CLC World for over 15 years, said that she was delighted to attend this first look at what she describes as a "charming and very interesting collaboration".
Cutting the ribbon at the event she said: "I’ve been very lucky to visit CLC Duchally Country Estate a few times and I love the tranquil setting, friendly staff and facilities. I’m certain Gatehouse Gin will prove to be a great success; it certainly deserves to be with its wonderfully clean and unique flavour."
Describing herself as primarily a wine drinker, the broadcaster stated she was absolutely delighted to rediscover the joys of a gin and tonic through her time working with the new Gatehouse brand.
She added: "I don't usually deviate from white wine, but the new gin was absolutely incredible to try."
To keep sourcing local, a small botanical garden has been planted at Duchally with further juniper and gooseberry bushes, and apple trees; more botanicals plus a plum and apple orchard will follow.
Graeme MacDonald, general manager at CLC Duchally Country Estate said: "We were delighted to partner with Strathearn Distillery, whose expertise has produced Gatehouse Gin."
The still is located in the Estate’s Gatehouse, which has been recently refurbished, creating a unique experience with guests able to visit the still, enjoy summer tastings in the botanicals garden, as well as design a recipe and distil their own personal bottle of gin.
Miniature and 50cl bottles of Gatehouse Gin will be available for purchase on resort and online.
Each distillation of Gatehouse Gin produces just 50 wonderful litres at a time, which the team say allows
greater control over the process.
At the launch event, guests enjoyed a Gatehouse Gin Signature cocktail and tour of the distillery where Strathearn Distillery founder, Tony Reeman-Clark, provided them with an overview of the Gatehouse Gin production process.
