The featured gin in our Scottish Gin Club this month is Gorse Gin from the Isle of Bute Gin Co. Find out more about their history as well as the Gorse expression and perfect serve ideas below.  

Isle of Bute Gin Co.

The Isle of Bute is a picturesque island located off of Scotland’s West Coast and is the inspiration behind the range of gins from the Isle of Bute Gin Co. 

Shortly after the first batch of gin was distilled in 2018, production had to relocate to a shared premises in Glasgow in order to meet production needs. While production was based in Glasgow, regular trips were made across to Bute to forage for the botanicals. However, in February of this year, the team got the keys to their new premises on Bute with the goal of having the distillery open to the public in Spring 2020. Sadly, the current COVID-19 outbreak has delayed some of the work but Isle of Bute Gin Co, are going home just as they always intended!

The range of gins are developed and distilled by Head Distiller Simon Tardivel. Simon worked all over the world as a multi-award-winning brewer and alcohol expert, before falling in love with the Isle of Bute while living there. He is inspired by the land and sea on and around the small island with the big character.

In addition to the Gorse Gin, Simon has released a Heather Gin and also the world's first Oyster Gin. 

Gorse Gin

Released in June 2018, the Gorse Gin is a London Dry style gin which is bottled at 43% ABV.

It's made using gorse flowers which are hand picked from Mount Stuart on the south of the island. The gorse gives the gin a delicate coconut and vanilla nose which is reminiscent of a walk along the Argyll coast. 

Gorse is combined with a mix of other botanicals from around the globe for a gin that is bold on the palate with a smooth mouthfeel leading to a herbal and peppery finish.

Perfect Serve Ideas

Serve as a classic G&T with a quality tonic. We have selected Cushiedoos Tonic Water as we think this really lets the flavour of the gin to shine through.

Finish with a wedge of lemon or some freshly picked brambles for a more authentic Scottish island feel.

To complement and emphasise the coconut notes in the gin, our chocolatier has made 75% Tanzania bon bons filled with a coconut filling.  

If you like a summery cocktail we recommend the Gorse Collins with rose wine, lemon juice, soda and a slice of pink grapefruit.

You can find out more and view the full range of gins from Isle of Bute Gin Co. by clicking the link below:

Isle of Bute Gin Co.