Argyll and isles gins are among the best
Three Argyll and the isles gins have made the top 10 nationally in a consumer survey of Scotland’s favourite gins.
An online survey of Scotland’s gin lovers has revealed that Isle of Harris Gin from Tarbert, Isle of Harris, was the nation’s favourite, with Kintyre Botanical Gin from Campbeltown ranking second. Lussa Gin, from Ardlussa on Jura, finished ninth.
The online consumer survey was launched by The Scottish Gin Society, a not-for-profit organisation that promotes and celebrates the Scottish gin industry.
In total, 6,435 unique votes were cast, almost double that of the responses received in 2018.
Smaller gins enjoyed success throughout the survey, reflecting the loyal following of many smaller brands and the diverse landscape of the Scottish gin industry in general.
While brands such as Edinburgh Gin, Caorunn Gin and Hendrick’s appeared in the top 10 in 2018, the most recent survey shows a departure from the big names in favour of the rise of smaller distilleries.
The full top 10 list of gins as voted for by the public are: Isle of Harris, Kintyre Botanical Gin, Redcastle Gin (Angus), Kirkjuvagr Gin (Orkney), The Teasmith Gin (Udny, Abderdeenshire), Crag & Tail Gin (Angus), Kinrara Highland Gin (Aviemore), The Old Curiosity Gin (Edinburgh), Lussa Gin and McLean’s Gin (Strathaven, South Lanarkshire).
Stephen White, founder of The Scottish Gin Society, said: ‘We believe the Scottish Gin Society survey to be the largest of its kind and are delighted to have received twice as many responses in 2019.
‘The results show that the popularity of Scottish gin is still growing, especially with all the new entrants appearing in this year’s survey. We would like to congratulate the brands involved as they are all producing exceptional products and look forward to the bright future of the gin industry in Scotland.’
The Scottish Gin Society produces an interactive online distillery map and an A-Z of Scottish gins to educate consumers about where their favourite gins are produced. The society engages with followers from across the globe with a combined social media following in excess of 120,000.
The Scottish Gin Society’s A-Z of Scottish gins now lists 139 separate gins from nearly 70 separate distilleries. It is estimated that up to 80 per cent of UK produced gin comes from Scotland.