Scotland the best
Gin distillery tours Savouring some of the big hitters in the spirits industry – and some hidden gems – is just the tonic
Kingsbarns Distillery
A purpose-built, modern distillery and visitor centre on the A917, three miles from Crail, and beside the Cambo Estate and Kingsbarns golf course. This is home to one of the most developed of the gin-as-a-way-of-life brands – Darnley’s. Tours through the day, much branded merchandise and a cafe. The product is available in various bottles around Fife and beyond.
Pickering’s Gin
Located at Summerhall, the unique arts studio, performance and gallery complex that was Edinburgh’s former vet school. Marcus Pickering was manager and protagonist here, making order out of the original chaos and, with partner Matt Gammell, turned a couple of unused rooms round the back into a bespoke gin distillery like no other. It’s intimate, quirky and tells a good story. You’ll find Pickering’s all over now, but it starts and continues here. Summerhall is immersive, never stops and has a great bar, where the tour begins.
Lussa Gin
Based at the north end of the starkly beautiful Isle of Jura in the Ardlussa estate, this bespoke “fresh and zesty” product is 15 miles and a world away from the internationally renowned Jura whisky. It’s a “labour of Lussa” for the three women who make Lussa Gin happen, with numbered bottles and single batches. In a short while, the new spirit of Jura has travelled a long way. Tours available by appointment (you wouldn’t want to go that far without having one), though you could just repair to the Jura Hotel and drink in the product and silence outside.
Strathearn Distillery
A tiny farm, barn-based distillery for whisky and gin near Perth – they show you round, “warts and all”. It’s amazing what you can do on a farm! Here you muck in and help to make the gin. It’s kind of true, anyone can do it.
Peter Irvine is the author of the essential travel guide Scotland the Best published by Collins, priced £15.99