Celebrate Scottish Gin Day with Our Top Picks of Sensational Spirits
This week’s top 10 just happens to fall on Scottish Gin Day, and what better way to celebrate the occasion than rounding up a list of spirits to mix up your choice of martini, negroni, or a simple G&T?
Lind & Lime
Lind & Lime is born of the “talent, heritage, and industry” of Edinburgh and its historic distilling district of Leith. An organic spirit that seeks to redefine our perceptions of a London Dry Gin should be, utilizing botanicals of juniper, coriander, angelica, liquorice, orris, fresh lime peel, and aromatic pink peppercorns. The elegant, long-necked bottle design sets this apart from any others on the shelf, available in all shapes and sizes from a sample 5cl to a whopping 1.5-litre magnum.
Igneous West Highland Dry Gin
Named after a type of rock formed when magma cools and crystallizes, Igneous was launched by husband and wife team Miles and Katie Pote in 2023, as the pair paid homage to their home on the Ardnamurchan peninsula. The distillery itself is a small-scale operation nestled deep in the heart of an extinct volcano and makes use of water that has naturally been filtered through mineral-rich rock. Every batch of spirit is unique thanks to the Igneous Ceramics Studio, where Mrs. Pote crafts, fires, and finishes each ceramic bottle before it is filled with their West Highland Dry Gin.
The Gin Bothy Original Bothy Gin
Angus-based producers, The Gin Bothy, made headlines this year after being asked to provide an exclusive small-batch distillation for Oscar nominee goodie bags. What makes this brand special is its dedication to making the most of what the local land has to offer including botanicals of Scottish heather honey or pine needles. Founder Kim Cameron said: “The principle of respect – for mountain, river, and farm – is ingrained in our work and shines through in the products we’re proud to make.”
The Sassenach Wild Scottish Gin
Here’s a tipple from a Scottish actor best known for his breakthrough role as Jamie Fraser in Outlander. With their Wild Scottish Gin, Sam Heughan and his team have created a winner using foraged botanicals such as bramble leaf and juniper found across his childhood home of Dumfries and Galloway. The fresh, fruity spirit is sure to impress superfans and gin lovers in equal measure.
Height of Arrows
Arthur’s Seat stands proudly behind the Holyrood Distillery, giving their award-winning gin its name. The spirit itself is crafted with sea salt to enhance depth of flavor and beeswax married with juniper oils for a unique, ‘silky texture’.
Rock Rose
Founders Martin and Claire Murray experimented with local and traditional botanicals for their Rock Rose Gin. The team operates a pioneering scheme where gin-filled pouches are sent out to customers and then returned by post free of charge to be recycled.
The Teasmith Original
The Teasmith Original is Scotland’s first gin distilled with hand-picked tea. Ceylon tea leaves are distilled separately from other botanicals like liquorice root, orange peel, and coriander for a “delicate and sweetly warming” finish.
Thompson Bros Organic Mediterranean Gin
From Phil and Simon Thompson, the brothers behind one of the world’s leading whisky bars, comes the Thompson Bros Organic Mediterranean Gin. Bursting with bergamot, citrus, rosemary, and bay leaf, this multi-award-winning gin is produced and bottled at the onsite distillery at the Dornoch Castle Hotel.
Kirkjuvagr Orkney Gin
Angelica, Burnet Rose, Borage, and Ramanas Rose are the defining ingredients of this Orkney Gin. Kirkjuvagr is crafted with the “modern, discerning gin enthusiast in mind” while paying homage to the ancient history of the isles.
Wolfcraig Classic Dry Gin
Two giants of Scotland’s drinks industry, Richard “The Nose” Paterson and Ian Macmillan, have released the inaugural spirit from Wolfcraig. The team advises their gin is best served as a short cocktail, garnished with a thin slice of chili or a wedge of pink grapefruit.
Scottish Gin Day is the perfect opportunity to discover and enjoy some of the finest spirits Scotland has to offer. Whether you prefer a classic London Dry Gin or a more unique blend infused with local botanicals, there is something for every gin enthusiast to enjoy. So raise a glass and toast to the rich history and craftsmanship behind these sensational Scottish gins. Cheers!