Whisky may still be King but Gin is now Scotland’s new Queen
Edinburgh, Scotland (February, 2017) – Any trip to Scotland invariably includes a whisky tasting or distillery visit – whether along the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail, at a hotel or restaurant or at a local whisky shop. With 115 distilleries and centuries of practice, it would be near impossible to shake the whisky industry from the top branch. But with more than 70% of gin made in the UK now coming from 22 Gin distilleries in Scotland, it is hard to not take notice. There is even a Gin Trail. Along those lines, Connoisseurs Scotland, an association of 29 of Scotland’s top resorts and travel entities, has partnered with Dunnet Bay Distillers, one of Scotland’s newest distilleries. Known for its handcrafted Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass Vodka, these limited productions will be available in all of Connoisseurs Scotland’s member’s hotels as well as purchasable at the House of Bruar, one of Scotland’s most prestigious independent stores.
The family-run Dunnet Bay Distilleries began operation in 2014 and has already won numerous accolades including Top 50 Food & Drink Products in Britain. Working with the oldest still makers in the world, the company built “Elizabeth,” a traditional copper still pot. Ingredients, such as Sea Buckthorn, Rowan Berries and Rhodiola Rosea, are all sourced in and around Caithness, set in Scotland’s most northern county with sweeping vistas and a stunning coastline. After 18 months of effort, using 80 different botanicals and undertaking 55 experiments, Rock Rose Gin was born. Since that successful launch, the company has added several other gin flavors and seasonal variations such as Navy Strength and Winter Edition. They have also produced the award-winning Holy Grass Vodka, named for its use of Holy Grass, found on the banks of the Thurso River.
Members of Connoisseurs Scotland, now celebrating its 25th year, include five of the world’s finest golf venues, three castles, one of which was voted to be the best hotel in Europe; city-center properties; country house hotels; exclusive-use properties; a range of world-class spas; an all-suite hotel; the ultimate luxury train, Belmond Royal Scotsman; and the only cruise ship in the world with a Royal Warrant from HM The Queen, Hebridean Princess. Five members boast Michelin-starred restaurants, including Gleneagles, which has the only two Michelin-starred restaurant in Scotland. Information about Connoisseurs Scotland, its members, partners and special offers can be found at www.luxuryscotland.co.uk.