Gordon Castle, Moray, 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 27th Mar 2015
Updated 27 th Mar 2015

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 and mixologist Graeme about their thoughts and recommendations on some of Scotland’s up-and-coming gins.

Gordon Castle is a small-batch gin made using highland herbs from their Moray Garden, which are carefully blended and patiently distilled to tease out the botanicals to creat a light, refreshing gin.

Smell:

Clean with citrus and juniper noticeable, but nicely balanced.

Taste:

When neat: Crisp, very light and delicate. Mint and lavender coming through, touch of sweetness on the finish

With tonic (one part gin to two parts Fever Tree): Refreshing and very easy going. Fairly balanced, loses the mint with the fruitiness shining through.

Matthew says:  "A nice universal gin that will please most but perhaps doesn't stand out in a crowd."

Graeme's choice: "A twist on an aviation, I chose this so as not to overpower Gordon Castle's subtle flavours. A sweet cocktail for a sweet gin."

Aviation (with a twist) Recipe:

16 alcohol-free drinks to try this dry January - including beers, gin and fizz

• 37.5ml of gin
• 5ml liqueur de violette
• 10ml maraschino
• 10ml Creme de peches de vigne
• 25ml lemon juice
• 10ml sugar syrup
• Garnish with a lemon peel

The Aviation (with a twist). picture: Sean Murphy

The Aviation (with a twist). picture: Sean Murphy

 

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.
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