Scotland’s rich distilling heritage extends beyond its famed whiskies, embracing a vibrant gin scene characterized by numerous small-batch distilleries. These artisanal producers combine traditional methods with local botanicals to create unique gins that reflect the diverse Scottish landscape.
Biggar Gin: A Family’s Passion in South Lanarkshire
Nestled at the foot of the Tinto Hills in South Lanarkshire, Biggar Gin is a family-owned distillery founded by two brothers. Their “Biggar mentality” emphasizes a small-scale, rare-batch philosophy, blending tradition with innovation. Utilizing local botanicals, they craft award-winning spirits that embody a strong sense of place and community.
Strathearn Distillery: Crafting Spirits in Perthshire
Situated near Scone Palace in Perthshire, Strathearn Distillery is one of Scotland’s smallest distilleries. Established in 2013, it produces a range of Scottish gins and spirits, offering gin-making lessons and distillery tours. Small-batch gin Scotland Their handcrafted gins are made in small batches of only 280 bottles, using local botanicals that reflect the rich agricultural land of the region.
Kinrara Distillery: Highland Inspiration in the Cairngorms
Located just outside Aviemore in the Cairngorms, Kinrara Distillery draws inspiration from its stunning surroundings. Set within the Kinrara Estate, an area of outstanding scenic and nature conservation value, the distillery blends traditional spirit-production methods with modern tastes. Their small-batch gins utilize locally foraged botanicals, creating contemporary spirits with a strong sense of place.
Lenzie Gin: Community-Driven Craftsmanship
Developed by the owners of Billington’s of Lenzie, Lenzie Gin is a community-inspired spirit. The idea originated from the shop’s gin club and a desire to represent the local area. Using botanicals like cranberry and bilberry sourced from the nearby Lenzie Moss nature reserve, the gin reflects the local landscape. The label, designed by co-owner Sue Billington, features the iconic Queen’s Building, highlighting the gin’s deep community roots.
These small-batch distilleries exemplify Scotland’s dedication to quality and innovation in gin production. By embracing local ingredients and traditional methods, they offer gin enthusiasts unique flavors that capture the essence of their regions.