New drinks brand will bring job security

THE Angus entrepreneur behind the Gin Bothy has won a supermarket deal with her new drinks brand.

Kim Cameron’s new venture, Hip Flask Spirits, will be stocked in every Aldi store in Scotland by spring. A slow bramble liquor and a full strength spiced rum are the first products made under the new brand. A whisky will follow next year.

The businesswoman said the Hip Flask range will help protect and not compromise the Gin Bothy brand. “Gin Bothy is artisan, small batch and will continue to not be supplied to supermarkets.

“Hip Flask allows us to produce in bigger volumes in a 20cl bottle.

“It still has a real punch of flavour but we don’t have to soak the fruit for as long, so it’s a quicker, more cost-effective process.

“The bottle can be easily carried in an inside pocket or bag. This is a drink that can be taken on any activity, whether that’s hillwalking, wild swimming or stargazing.”

Gin Bothy has been hit hard by the restrictions on the hospitality industry.

Covid-19 also meant the cancellation of events, which are a key way the firm finds new customers.

Despite this, sales exceeded 60,000 70cl and 5cl bottles last year.

“We did 115 events in 2019 – last year it was 12,” Ms Cameron said.

“I know people think I’m mad launching a new brand in such strange times – but I don’t think there’s ever been a better time to look to the future and be positive.”

Gin Bothy, founded in 2015, has a workforce of 14. Its production site is in Kirriemuir and its visitor experience, housed within the former Angus Folk Museum in Glamis, opened in 2018. It is currently closed in line with Covid-19 restrictions.

Ms Cameron said: “Over five years Gin Bothy has created 14 rural jobs and I am proud that despite all 2020 threw at us, those 14 jobs are secure.

“The creation of Hip flask is a chance to spread our creative wings. This is a brand we can try more with, play around with and have fun with, but is also one that provides more security for our team.”