City of Aberdeen Distillery & Gin School
© City of Aberdeen Distillery
The shore in Leith, Edinburgh
It all began way back in the 1700s when the first bottles of fiery Dutch Jenever were traded in the Port of Leith in Edinburgh.
Leith's dockside location allowed for easy access to raw materials and exotic spices, as the Scots traded with the Dutch in exchange for wool and other supplies.
Maybe it was the Scottish juniper used in the drink’s creation, but the tipple became so popular that Scottish distilleries soon appeared and began making their own versions.
Home to Pickering's Gin in Edinburgh, Summerhall is a great summer location with tastings and events to enjoy.
A small distillery producing exquisite gin, finishing whisky and distilling vodka in Wester Ross.
Award winning craft gin distillery based in Kirkcudbright - offering distillery tours, tastings and onsite shop.
Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Borders, Peebles Hydro have launched their own gin, distillery and school – using their very own spring water.
Located near St Andrews, Kingsbarns Distillery sits in a charming 18th century farm steading, featuring an exhibition, tours & tastings.
Visit this multi award-winning distillery overlooking the historic and picturesque Forss Water and Crosskirk Bay.
The Gin Cocktail and Cheese Tasting Experience
© @pickeringsgin
World Gin Day takes place in June and International Scottish Gin Day in October.
Scotland is second to none when it comes to whisky, but the amber nectar isn't the only drink made here - delicious new artisan gins are cropping up all over Scotland.
Here are a few facts you can use to impress your friends next time you're sipping on a delectable Scottish G&T.
The Shore in Leith, Edinburgh
It all began way back in the 1700s when the first bottles of fiery Dutch Jenever were traded into the Port of Leith.
Leith's dockside location allowed for easy access to raw materials and exotic spices, as the Scots traded with the Dutch in exchange for wool and other supplies.
Isle of Harris Distillery
It's true, we really like making gin in Scotland.
In fact, alongside small-batch craft gins, three of the world's best-selling gins: Hendrick's, Gordon's and Tanqueray, are all made here.
Cocktails at Pickering's Gin
© @pickeringsgin
It's actually a seed.
Nearly all of the juniper used in gin-making is picked straight from the wild. During the plague years in the 14th century, doctors wore masks stuffed with juniper and people even began eating and drinking juniper, with the hopes it would fend off infection and disease.
Blue seas at the isle of Islay
The name gives it away.
The Botanist - Islay's first and only dry gin - uses a selection of wild plants and herbs from the island to flavour the spirit, from apple mint and gorse flowers to Islay juniper and sweet chamomile.
Dunnet Bay Distillery Tasting Room
The Eden Mill Distillery has been located on the same site for over 200 years.
The distillery, which also produces whisky and beer, has been recently inspired by its golf-loving home of St Andrews and makes a gin flavoured by hickory wood.
Cocktail making
© @pickeringsgin
Formerly the Small Animal Hospital of the Dick Vet School, the Summerhall Distillery in Edinburgh is now a unique gin-making spot in the capital.
Pop next door to the Royal Dick bar for a refreshing Pickering's and tonic straight from the gin tap.
Oban, Argyll
In other words, gin paradise.
The Wild Thyme Spirits Co on the Isle of Colonsay offers a fabulous Gin Lovers' Retreat.
The trip departs from Oban for an ultimate weekend escape with an itinerary comprising cocktails, luxury accommodation, special gin tastings and much more.
View of Loch Ness from Urquhart Castle
Makers of a beautifully crafted gin, the House of Elrick was built at the height of the Scottish Enlightenment in 1720.
It was once visited by Bonnie Prince Charlie, who gifted the Jacobite rose to the estate which now flourishes in the stunning walled garden.
Orkney Distillery gin tasting
Scotland currently boasts over 90 distilleries reaching all corners of the country.
You’ll get to know the distillers and the team behind some of our award-winning gins, learn how they make it and the stories behind the botanicals used. The best part though, tasting the gins!
Scottish gin distillery tours typically last between 1-2 hours.
You can find over 180 different gins in Scotland. Here are just a selection of some brands you might come across while visiting a bar or gin distillery in Scotland.
Check out the A-Z list of the best Scottish gin brands
Caorunn (pronounced ‘ka-roon’) is considered is one of the most popular gins in Scotland. Distilled slowly in the world’s only working Copper Berry Chamber, it is best served with a slice of red apple, chilled tonic water and ice.
Saxa Vord Distillery is located on Unst, Shetland’s most northerly island, and produces the delectable Shetland Reel Gin.
On the mainland, you can find 8 Doors Distillery located in the village of John O’Groats.
Most commonly enjoyed in a G&T (gin and tonic) you can mix your favourite, or soon-to-be favourite, gin with a refreshing tonic water, along with a few crisp ice cubes to make the perfect beverage. If you’re a big gin fan and want to get a hint of all the different notes and flavours, you can enjoy your gin neat as well.
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Learn about the rich history of distilling with Isle of Harris Distillery production manager Kenny Maclean.
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