Edinburgh Gin launches 'garden' variant
The new 1670 gin, which has an RRP of £40, takes its name from the year the Botanic Garden was founded and draws on the skills and knowledge of the organisation’s botanists.
Just 12,000 bottles have been produced and will be available in the on-trade as well as selected off-trade outlets. However, The Morning Advertiser understands the limited-edition gin could be a permanent feature in the portfolio if it is popular enough.
Head distiller David Wilkinson, who started his career in gin working for Durham Gin, worked with botanist Dr Greg Kenicer for more than a year perfecting the recipe.
More exotic varieties
Some 14 plants native to Scotland, along with more exotic varieties, were used in the gin to represent the ages of the garden, which began life as a physic garden (a garden used to grow medicines).
Botanicals include fennel, sweet cicely, piper leaves, and the leaves and peppers from the Tasmannia lanceolata plant.
The botanicals from the garden were infused in the gin fresh, rather than dried as is the common method of distilling to maintain consistency.
Wilkinson said: “At Edinburgh Gin we are constantly striving to create new, classic gins with a modern twist.
“Working so closely with botanist Dr Greg Kenicer and to be given access to such a wealth of unique plants and botanicals provided a great opportunity to create something truly special.
‘Botany on our doorstep’
“Innovation and excellence is in our DNA. Having a world centre of excellence for botany on our doorstep made for a great natural partnership that enabled us to experiment with a range of handpicked botanicals to create an enticingly aromatic gin with lively herbaceous – almost floral – notes with added peppery spice.”
Dr Kenicer said: “This partnership allowed me to see first-hand the integrity and passion that goes into making Edinburgh Gin. It makes perfect sense for the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to align itself with one of the UK’s leading gin brands. This is a unique partnership and a first for the Botanics.
“It gives the team at the Botanics a real sense of pride to think that the Edinburgh Gin 1670 has been inspired by the very first physic garden created by Robert Sibbald and Andrew Balfour in 1670.”
Suggested serves include a classic G&T with a basil leaf garnish or in a Martini made with lemon bitters and fresh fennel.
