Shucks, this is one to shell out for
In our latest taste test we sample the world’s first Oyster Gin, from the Isle of Bute Distillery
What is it? The world’s first Oyster Gin (£42, www. isleofbutedistillery.com), made at the Isle of Bute Distillery in Rothesay.
They created it by shucking Loch Fyne Oysters and placing their shells in a botanical basket to go into their copper pot still, named Audrey. It’s just one of the gin varieties available from this four-year-old distillery, owned by Rhona Madiganwheatley, which also includes Gorse, Heather and Oak.
Why did they make it?
The coastal theme is huge in the gin world. For example, there’s also Edinburgh Gin Seaside Gin and North Uist Distillery make Downpour, which features botanicals including pepper dulse seaweed. The Oyster Gin is another take on that theme. They say that this spirit is particularly excellent when paired with seafood and works well in a classic serve.
Iona Buick, distillery manager, says: “Simple and elegant, the Bute martini, which contains 50ml of this gin, 12.5ml of fino
sherry and a pinch of salt, is a twist on a classic”.
We imagine it’d also be a good base for a Gibson (a martini with a pickled onion) or dirty (with an olive and brine). Alternatively, they say to team it with light tonic and a garnish
of fresh ginger, chilli and coriander.
What does it actually taste like?
Lovely – it’s very dry, flinty and ozoney, like waves crashing off rock, but also a bit creamy, citrussy and sweet. Nothing fishy about it. In fact, if nobody told you about the oyster addition, you wouldn’t know. You’ll have had quite enough when it becomes difficult to recite; “she sells seashells on the sea shore”. Drink responsibly.