Taking inspiration from Norse mythology, Hrafn Gin is the brainchild of two brothers – Callum and Peter Sim. The award-winning Valhall Gin is their ultra-premium expression and the higher strength sibbling to Thought & Memory – both of which have beautiful sweet mandarin as their signature botanical. We've created three separate rounds, with newbies able to enjoy the 'Easy' and 'Medium' rounds, while gin superfans can push themselves with the 'Hard' round. Barra natives, Michael and Katie Morrison founded Isle of Barra Distillers in 2017. Originally contract distilled, the husband and wife team realised their dream of bringing distilling to their remote and beautiful island home in 2019. Verdant Dry Gin is distilled in a 500 litre iStill called Little Eddie using botanicals including lemon peel, bitter orange, grains of paradise and liquorice.

Our profound and heartfelt thanks to the judges for their time and consideration, congratulations to all of the exceptional Scottish producers who took part and of course, well done to the always-wonderful The Gin Cooperative for organising the awards in the first place. This feels very special indeed. 🍸Records the default button state of the corresponding category & the status of CCPA. It works only in coordination with the primary cookie. The second expression from Raven Spirits to make it onto our list, like its sister expression, Hrafn Thought & Memory features mandarin as its signature botanical. Outstanding Contribution to Scottish Gin Award is given to a brand, business or individual who has had a positive and tangible impact on the Scottish Gin category. The winner of this award is selected by The Gin Cooperative. If you think of a gin that has the smell of a malting floor and added juniper, this is Tobermory. Since I’m a whisky drinker, this is right up my street and Tobermory makes an absolutely excellent Martinez and Negroni that sort of become very Rob Roy and Boulevardier-like due to the whisky notes coming through.” According to EU guidelines what is minimum amount of alcohol a gin can have to be officially classified as gin?

First off, all seven of the botanicals are weighed out according to the recipe. the ingredients in Achroous are all added at the same time, so are weighed out together. Disclosure: Sipping & Styling has previously collaborated with Crafty Distillery, although bought the bottle of their gin herself. Free sample bottle previously provided to From the Gin Shelf for review. Outstanding Contribution to Scottish Gin Award 2023 Winner is: Martin Murray, Dunnet Bay Distillers

31. PICKERING’S NAVY STRENGTH GIN

The LIVE virtual tastings are carried out in the last week of the month. Please keep an eye on our socials for confirmed dates!

Achroous Gin is the popular and vibrant gin from Leith's Electric Spirit Co., but can you tell us what 'Achroous' actually means? Thank you to our 2023 award sponsors for their time and support this year. It’s a testament to our awards programme that we have a range of key supply chain sponsors involved with our awards; great businesses that play a crucial role in supporting and championing the Scottish Gin category and the broader Scottish drinks and spirits industry. The last two are the wildcards. They bring their own unique quirks to the aroma and flavour of the spirit, transforming it into something phenomenal. Juniper The famous etching 'Gin Lane' was produced by which English Artist in a bid to highlight the evils of drinking gin?These are then poured into the still, mixing with a blend of filtered water and organic grain neutral spirit, which is pumped in through the bottom of the pot. Based in Aberdeenshire, Little Brown Dog Spirits was founded by Andrew Smith and Chris Reid. Their flagship gin, LBD, is a newcomer to the Scottish gin scene, launching in May 2020. Nic’s Gin & Beer says:“For me, Valhall is quite exceptional. It was designed as a sipping gin, so simply serve over ice and enjoy. It’s glorious, smooth, full of juniper, a little spice and some sweetness from the mandarins… I adore it. I’d happily recommend anything from Hrafn but this is their standout for me. Try it in their Smoked Negroni and prepare to have your mind blown!” Launching in July 2018, King’s Hill Gin takes its name from a bet between King Robert the Bruce and Sir William ‘The Crusader’ Sinclair, which took place in the Pentland Hills, where the distillery is based. Made with 12 botanicals including the locally foraged gorse, heather, wild rosehip and elderflower.

Disclosure: free sample bottle previously provided to Nic’s Gin & Beer and From the Gin Shelf for review. Where Valhalla is a beautiful sipping gin, Thought & Memory is stunning as a longer drink – and it makes a mean G&T. Like Valhalla, Thought & Memory is multi-award-winning, with gold medals at the International Gin Masters (2018 and 2020) and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Which anti-malarial ingredient is present in tonic water? (Image: Getty) Read More Related Articles

Working with specialist spirits branding agency, Stranger & Stranger, the ‘Social Distillery’ has created something which is the envy of many. They wanted to produce something which depicts the truly stunning scenery found on the island – and what a job they’ve done! Aroma: Juniper, some dusty spice and coriander, and a touch of cubeb. Slightly peppery with the fennel coming out a touch more as it sits. If juniper plays lead guitar, coriander is on rhythm. full of citrussy Linalool and limonene, and carrying a distinctive coriander note all of its own, it helps to amplify the juniper character of the gin and adds a fresh, herbaceous quality. Liquorice Disclosure: Katie was previously sent a miniature of Biggar Strength Gin, but was so impressed she bought a full bottle after tasting! and gosh, that bottle, what a master class in design and distilling combined, a massive well-done James,