Our featured gin this month comes from Glenrinnes Distillery and is a true 'grain to glass' London Dry gin - Eight Lands Organic Gin.

We love the authenticity and ethos behind Glenrinnes Distillery and their commitment to creating the best quality organic spirits.

The distillery is open to anyone who wants to learn more about Eight Lands (currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions) and the team will be able to point to the water source and trace all of the ingredients that go into every bottle of their spirits.

The Glenrinnes Distillery Story

Based on the Glenrinnes Estate, a family-owned estate in the heart of the Speyside whisky region, Glenrinnes Distillery was developed by a father and stepson team of Alasdair Locke and Alex Christou. The purpose built distillery which opened in 2019 was born out of a passion for the land, for nature and for family legacy.

The estate is spread over more than 6000 acres of Scottish countryside and the landscape includes rolling fields, dense woodland and the Ben Rinnes mountain, making the perfect envirnoment to rear organic pedigree cattle, deer and sheep.

The estate’s farming activities have been wholly organic since 2001, driven by a simple belief that less chemicals in the food chain is better. This ethos is also reflected in the production of the Eight Land spirits. If the ingredients cannot be grown or foraged sustainably on the estate then they bring them in responsibly from elsewhere.

Production

Hailing from an area synonymous with such a rich whisky heritage directly inspired the team to produce the best quality organic spirits. 

This pursuit began with the building of the distillery which would allow for consistent high quality and scaleability. The stills include a 1000 litre pot still and have been built and installed by local firms. These have been designed to allow for flexibility in what can be produced. A semi-automated bottling and labelling line also means that all elements of production can be controlled.

The production team is led by Meeghan Murdoch who brings years of experience from distilling, brewing and winemaking. The lead distiller has an MSc in Brewing and Distilling from Heriot Watt University and brings an imaginative approach to spirit making. 

Eight Lands Organic Gin Key Facts

Launched: June 2019
ABV: 46%
Location: Glenrinnes, Speyside

Eight Lands Organic Gin

A total of 15 recipes were created before the blend that you are tasting was decided upon.

Eight Lands is made with 11 different organic botanicals as well as the freshest spring water from the Clashmarloch spring at the foot of Ben Rinnes. The water from here is soft and ever-so-slightly alkaline which is perfect for crafting spirits. 

Bucket-loads of juniper are combined with cowberries and wood sorrel from the estate along with 8 other carefully chosen botanicals. These are: fresh lemon peel, fresh lime peel, coriander seeds, orris root, cardamom seed, cassia bark, sheep sorrel and chamomile flower.

On the nose, Eight Lands is juniper forward with fresh pine and citrus in the background. To taste, it's sweet juniper balanced with tart red berry and citrus before hints of black tea and a warming finish with subtle spices.

Since launching, Eight Lands has scooped a number of prestigious awards including gold at the 2019 Gin Masters and the World Gin Awards 2020.

Serving Suggestions

For a classic G&T we recommend serving over with a crisp tonic such as Walter Gregor's and garnishing with some fresh raspberries. We find that a 1:3 gin to tonic ratio works well.

The Walter Gregor's Raspberry Tonic provides a refreshing alternative. Serve over ice and top up with the tonic. Finish with fresh raspberries and a lemon wheel. Add a drop of raspberry liqueur for a decadent treat!

We're sure that cocktail lovers will also love the Eight Leaf Clover.  

You'll need the following:

• 50 ml Eight Lands Gin
• 20 ml Vermouth (any sweet vermouth can be used)
• 10ml Sugar Syrup
• 15 ml Fresh Lemon Juice
• 4-5 Raspberries
• 20 ml Egg White
• Angostura Bitters

Directions

Shake all the ingredients (except the Angostura Bitters) over ice. Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Add 3 drops of the bitters and a fresh raspberry to garnish.

Enjoy!