Public poll award is tonic for gin pair
An artisan gin created by a Stirling couple in their kitchen has won an award.
June and Cameron McCann’s popular tipple Stirling Gin was given the people’s choice award by Country Living Fairs following their Christmas fair in Glasgow.
The gin was among a shortlist of 18 products, including ceramics, textiles, cheeses, oils and festive wreaths, which were selected by the organisers.
It was then up to the thousands of people who visited the four-day event at the SECC to vote for their favourite.
June said: “It’s the first time we’ve won an award and it’s fantastic.
“This is something which was voted for by people who came along to the fair and looked at and tried the products on offer.”
Stirling Gin has gone from strength to strength since the McCanns decided to create their own gin and began experimenting with different flavours almost two years ago.
They installed a tiny copper pot still, nicknamed Jinty, in their Bridge of Allan kitchen and set about distilling and blending different combinations, eventually settling on their recipe after almost 50 tweaks.
After finalising the recipe the couple scaled up the quantities and formed a partnership with Glasgow Distillery to help with production.
The first batch was distilled last October and the drink was launched at the Stirling Gin Festival the following month.
Stirling Gin now sells at a variety of outlets across the UK and is the main sponsor of Scottish curlers Team Murdoch.