WSTA launches Scotland Gin Trail

By Mathew Lyons

Published: 26 January, 2016

Following on from the hugely successful launch of its London Gin Trail last year The Wine and Spirit Trade Association has this week launched a Scotland Gin Trail.

The new trail features 12 locations stretching from the Saxa Vord Distillery on the Shetland island of Unst and the Dunnett Bay Distillery in Caithness - the most northerly distillery in mainland Britain - down to The Jolly Botanist bar in Edinburgh.

Around 70% of the UK's gin is now produced in Scotland, and Edinburgh consumes more gin per person than any other city in the UK.

Other key locations on the tour include the Arbikie Highland EState Distillery, producer of the award-winning Kirsty's Gin, the Caorunn Distillery at Balmenach in Moray, and Crossbill Gin at Aviemore, which has the unusual distinction of being produced in an award-winning shed.

Some 56 distilleries have opened across the UK in the last two years, and the number of UK gin brands has doubled in the last four.

Miles Beale, chief executive of the WSTA, said: "We are thrilled to be announcing the launch of the WSTA Scotland Gin Trail which follows on the back of the success of the London Gin Trail.

"This is a hugely exciting time for everyone involved in the UK gin industry and our gin trail is the start of a fascinating venture to share the origins, art and innovations involved in producing this great British spirit.

"British gin has a strong, vibrant history. By publishing the gin trail map we hope to mark its renaissance and ensure its future as a quintessentially British, internationally recognised spirit."

Environment secretary Elizabeth Truss said: "From premium brands, such as Hendricks, to craft distillers such as Crossbill, this new trail captures the variety and diversity of UK gin making, providing visitors from all over the world the opportunity to celebrate the best of British gin from all across Scotland.

"There has never been a more exciting time for the industry with the UK being the biggest exporter of gin in the world, selling enough to make 1.6 billion gin and tonics. I want to harness the ambition of our Scottish gin-trepreneurs, helping them to grow the UK's reputation for quality gin both here and abroad. I want to see it up there with Scotch whisky in terms of global sales."

Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell said: "The flourishing UK gin industry is being driven by the hard work and ingenuity of distillers and we're proud to be working with WSTA to promote Scottish gin throughout the UK and abroad. This trail showcases distilleries across Scotland from Glasgow to Caithness - not only celebrating some of our most famous gin but also uncovering hidden gems.

"Our distillers are creating some really unique gins through experimenting with techniques from the whisky industry and using new blends of local botanicals - it's exciting to see such innovation within the great British tradition of gin distilling."

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