WSTA launches first Scotland Gin Trail

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association has launched the Scotland Gin Trail to help Scottish gin producers match the tourism success of the country’s whisky distilleries.

The Scotland Gin Trail aims to promote the country’s gin industry

Launched to coincide with Burns Night, the WSTA says the trail encourages tourists to swap Scotch whisky for gin.

It features 12 distilleries, bars and famous landmarks across Scotland, including the UK’s most northerly distillery – Shetland Reel Gin – ‘craft’ producers throughout the highlands and along the coast, as well as bars in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

The Scotland Gin Trail follows the opening of the London Gin Trail in November last year.

“From premium brands, such as Hendricks, to craft distillers such as Crossbill, this new trail captures the variety and diversity of UK gin making, providing visitors from all over the world the opportunity to celebrate Burns Night by experiencing the best of British gin from all across Scotland,” said environment secretary Elizabeth Truss.

“I want to harness the ambition of our Scottish gin-trepreneurs, helping them to grow the UK’s reputation for quality gin both here and abroad. I want to see it up there with Scotch whisky in terms of global sales.”

Truss revealed her ambition to establish a London gin trail in September last year. At the same time, she spoke of her desire to see UK gin exports match the success of Scotch whisky, which shipped £4bn worth of product last year.

Figures revealed by the UK government earlier this year that the UK exported a record-breaking £394m worth of gin in 2014, enough to make more than 1.6bn gin and tonics.

In 2014, a record-breaking 1.5m people visited Scotland’s Scotch whisky distilleries, an increase of 15% compared to 2010.

“We are thrilled to be announcing the launch of the WSTA Scotland Gin Trail which follows on the back of the success of the London Gin Trail,” said Miles Beale, chief executive of the WSTA.

“This is a hugely exciting time for everyone involved in the UK gin industry and our gin trail is the start of a fascinating venture to share the origins, art and innovations involved in producing this Great British spirit.

“British gin has a strong, vibrant history. By publishing the gin trail map we hope to mark its renaissance and ensure its future as a quintessentially British, internationally recognised spirit.”

On the Scotland Gin Trail:

Gordon Castle

Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery

Shetland Reel Gin

Balmenach Distillery

Crossbill Gin

Eden Mill

Edinburgh Gin Distillery and Heads & Tails bar

Glasgow Distillery

Dunnet Bay Distillery

Gin71

Firkin Gin and The Jolly Botanist

Strathearn Distillery