Exciting Glasgow-based gin company releases Christmas gin just in time for the festive season

A Glasgow-based distiller has launched an exciting Christmas gin that's the perfect gift for any gin fan this festive season.

Published 12th Dec 2018
Updated 18 th Sep 2023

Illicit Spirits, which can be found under a railway arch close to Glasgow Central, have created a yuletide twist on their classic London Dry gin to make an expression that founder Darran Edmond describes as "the quintessential taste of Christmas".

The distiller explained that to make the new spiced gin they've added a warming blend of festive spices: clove, cinnamon, cardamom and ginger.

Darran, who founded the distillery earlier this year after graduating from Heriot-Watt and the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling, worked for industry stalwarts such as Edinburgh Gin and The Glasgow Distillery before setting up his own company.

Illicit Spirits

The Christmas Gin, which features the sweet notes of vanilla and dark brown sugar as well as fresh citrus peels, joins the company's core range alongside the popular Illicit Gin and Illicit New Tom.

Darran explained that the Christmas Spirit can be "enjoyed neat" or used as the "base for the perfect hot gin punch", he said: "As a small distillery, we feel one of the advantages we have is that we can bring new releases to market more easily than some of the big boys, and this lends itself to experimentation and playing around seasonal products.

"Indeed, having the freedom to experiment with new recipes was one of the things which inspired me to start my own distillery. Our classic Illicit Gin already contains many earthy, winter spices, so it made sense to try infusing some quintessential Christmas flavours into the spirit to bring these out even more."

Location:
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