Arbikie launches Scotland's first single-estate gin

By Mathew Lyons

Published: 30 July, 2015

Arbroath-based farm-to-bottle distillery Arbikie has launched a new super premium Scottish gin. Kirsty's Gin takes its name from Arbikie master distiller Kirsty Black, who has spent the last two years developing it.

The distillery previously produced Scotland's first potato-based vodka, which won Best Vodka at the Spirit Innovation Awards 2015 in Paris.

Kirsty's Gin uses the potato vodka as its base and uses three Scottish botanics - Kelp, Carline Thistle and Blaeberrys - alongside the traditional Juniper. Arbikie uses only ingredients it can source from the estate.

The Arbikie estate is a 2,000-acre farm on Scotland's east coast. Its distillery is the only one in the country to produce both white and brown spirits.

Kirsty's Gin is available through Gordon and MacPhail and carries an RRP of £35.

Kirsty's Gin from the Arbikie Distillery

Black has a Masters degree in brewing and distilling, and earned a "best in class" commendation from the Worshipful Company of Brewers. Previous experience includes a spell at the Caledonian Brewery producing Deuchars and working on the creation of the award-winning Pickerings Gin.

Black said: "I wanted to create something truly unique with a particular focus on Scottish botanicals, inspired by the environment of the distillery and the Angus region.

"Not many distillers get the chance to have a drink named after them; so I hope all the gin enthusiasts out there enjoy drinking it as much as I enjoyed making it."

Eileen Lynch, general manager at Glasgow gin bar, Gin 71, commented: "Kirsty's Gin is fantastic and we absolutely love it. Its unique taste and smooth texture makes it a great gin, not only in cocktails but also straight over ice."

Printer friendly version