The Cairngorm Gin Company

Launched in 2019 by Jack Smith, Cairngorm Gin was inspired by the land he lives in with his family. Jack was born and raised in the valley of the River Spey, in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. His family has lived in the Cairngorms National Park for decades, sharing a love and respect for the outdoors and the flora and fauna that surrounds their home.

From an early age Jack showed a passion for cooking and he followed his father, grandfather and wider family by entering into the hospitality and catering industry. When growing up, Jack showed an interest in sourcing the finest local ingredients to creat culinary masterpieces in the kitchen. He went on to work with number of Michelin-star chefs but he had an overwhelming desire to return to his roots in the Scottish Highlands. 

It was then that Jack decided to combine his desire for home with his deepening passion for Scottish Gin and to create a premium small batch gin that captured the essence of his Highland home.

Cairngorm Gin

When Jack returned to the Highlands to set up is own micro-distillery he worked alongside Master Distiller Lewis Scothern to create a truly unique recipe inspired by the local area.

The recipe uses a combination of nine botanicals including juniper, cloudberries, elderflower and Caledonian pine, partnered with coriander seed, orris root, sweet orange peel, angelica and kaffir lime.

Wild, native Caledonian pine, elderflower, carpets of prickly juniper bushes and rare amber-coloured cloudberry thrive in the unique alpine climate of the Cairngorm Plateau and the lush valley below.

Cloudberry, one of the key botanicals used in Cairngorm Gin, and once abundant in the Cairngorms National Park are now quite rare. The finest cloudberries are sourced from Scandinavia to give drinkers the opportunity to experience their long-forgotten flavour. A rare amber-coloured fruit rich in vitamin C, and only found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, Cloudberries share a flavour profile with raspberry and blackberry.

The botanicals are distilled along with crystal clear water from the River Spey which is collected by Jack. 

Cairngorm Gin is a wonderfully refreshing aromatic gin. This bold infusion of botanicals and Highland Mountain water results in a floral, fruity gin with subtle earthy tones.

Jack promotes an ‘each to their own’ approach when it comes to enjoying Cairngorm Gin, but he recommends serving neat over ice or with premium tonic, a slice of green apple, a raspberry and a blackberry.

The Distillery

Based in the grounds of Jack's family home, the distillery houses a traditional 50 litre copper pot still named 'Ginger'. The still was named after Jack's late grandfather - a man who was partial to a gin and tonic. In fact, he always maintained it was easier to make a G&T than a cup of tea!

Tasting takes place continuously at every stage to ensure only the very best of the spirit is captured. 

The still is able to produce around 70 bottles in each batch. Some batches will produce less but never more than 70. Each bottle is then hand written with the bottle number, batch code and year of production on it. 

To find out more or to purchase a bottle of this premium Scottish Highland Gin, click the link below.

Cairngorm Scottish Highland Gin