Masterchef: The Professionals finalist launches new Scottish gin

The chef and restaurant owner has launched a new Scottish gin inspired by his travels.

Published 20th Nov 2019
Updated 21 st Sep 2023

Restaurant owner and MasterChef: The Professionals finalist, Dean Banks, has launched a new premium Scottish gin - Lunun.

Made using the single-fold distillation process, which creates a smooth taste, Lunun has been created with a chef's palette in mind.

Influenced by Dean’s travels to over 40 different countries and his expertise in fusion cooking, it’s six unique botanicals - kaffir lime leaf, sea buckthorn, Sichuan pepper, kombu kelp, ginger and lemongrass - add a citrus essence, allowing the straight-up gin to be served with tonic and a simple slice of lime.

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Dean said: “I’ve always wanted to create my own gin and it seems like the next natural step for me after establishing my restaurant in St Andrews. I wanted to create something that people judge solely on the taste and not the ‘hype’ that often comes with contemporary artisan gins – in fact, Lunun is the opposite to an artisan gin.

"There’s no smoke and mirrors with Lunun. People who appreciate a quality-tasting gin without any of the other nonsense will enjoy this one.

“Although our chosen botanicals give Lunun an Asian twist, all can be sourced in Scotland, keeping the distillation process straightforward, just like the gin. Customers will only require a slice of lime to garnish – it’s about keeping gin-drinking simple and accessible and focusing the entire experience on the taste.

"Chefs will appreciate this too, and it will hopefully become the chef’s choice of gin in restaurants across Scotland.”

Distilled in Dean’s hometown of Arbroath in Angus, the gin’s name is an adaptation of Lunan Bay - a peaceful, secluded beach in Angus. With the environment in mind, Lunun will use eco-friendly packaging to distribute its bottles to customers.

Dean continued: “Lunan Bay is one of my favourite places in Scotland and a place close to my home. This gin reflects that and my travels, but it is also a drink that will be appreciated by those who are just looking for a high-quality gin to enjoy, whether at home or in a restaurant or bar.”

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Lunun is available to purchase now priced at £38.

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Known for cake making, experimental jam recipes, Champagne, whisky and gin drinking (and the inability to cook Gnocchi), Rosalind is the Food and Drink Editor and whisky writer for The Scotsman, as well as hosting Scran, The Scotsman's food and drink podcast.
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