The History of Scottish Gin

The history of Scottish gin is fascinating and rich in tradition, interwoven with the whisky culture for which Scotland is renowned. Although gin hasn’t had the same historical weight as whisky, in recent years it has earned a reputation for excellence. Today, Scotland is home to over 150 gin distilleries, many of which have emerged since 2009 thanks to a landmark legal case against HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs). This case allowed companies to distil on a small scale, breaking away from exclusively industrial production. The current gin boom has led Scotland to produce over 80% of the UK’s gin. Among the emerging distilleries that have become iconic are Hendrick's, Isle of Harris, and The Botanist (Bruichladdich), while established institutions like Gordon’s (the world’s best-selling gin) and Tanqueray now also distil their gin in Scotland.

With more and more bottles of Scottish gin on store shelves, consumers are asking: is there a specific style, theme, or botanical that identifies a gin as distinctly Scottish? What are the defining elements that unite and characterize Scottish gins?

As in other parts of the world, some Scottish producers use locally foraged botanicals, while others source ingredients that don’t grow in Scotland. Scottish gins feature a variety of styles, including London Dry, Distilled Gin, Compound Gin, Old Tom, and Cask Aged, among others. There are no fixed rules beyond the EU definitions of style and distillation process that producers must follow. To explain the excellence of Scottish gins, we can refer to the concept of "terroir" used in winemaking, which encompasses the combination of key factors in quality production: land, climate, history, and people.

 

The Land

The Scottish landscape plays a fundamental role in gin production, giving it distinctive characteristics that reflect Scotland’s unique environment and contribute to the quality and identity of Scottish gin.

1. Local Botanicals:

Scotland, with its diverse landscape and unique climate, offers a wide range of distinctive botanicals. From wild berries to seaweed growing along the coasts, these botanicals can be locally foraged and used to enrich the gin’s aromatic profile. Some notable examples include:

• Scottish Juniper: Known for its distinctive pine aroma and resinous freshness.

• Heather: Adds floral and sweet notes, contributing to a complex aromatic profile.

• Sea Buckthorn: Brings a touch of acidity and a subtle salinity.

2. Water:

Most Scottish gins use local water, benefiting from Scotland’s extensive network of rivers and lochs, spanning over 125,000 km and comprising more than 25,500 lochs—many of which are found in the peatlands of the northern and western Highlands. This abundance of fresh, high-quality water, sourced from small mountain springs and large rivers, plays a crucial role in Scotch whisky production and is equally significant for gin. Although there are no definitive studies on water's direct impact on gin’s flavor profile, the excellent water quality—often further filtered by distilleries—undoubtedly contributes to the high standard of Scottish gin. The wealth of natural springs and pure water flowing through Scottish soil provides a precious resource for gin producers.

 

The Climate

Scotland’s climate, with its distinctive and variable elements, plays a significant role in gin production. The country’s cool temperatures and high humidity influence the growth of local botanicals used in gin. Moderate temperatures and frequent rainfall create an ideal environment for a variety of aromatic plants and botanicals that thrive in Scotland, giving Scottish gin a unique aromatic profile.

The Highlands and Lowlands offer a range of microclimates that contribute to the region’s botanical biodiversity. The constant humidity and protection from extreme temperatures support the growth of unique botanicals not found elsewhere. This varied and influential climate enriches Scottish gin with a freshness and complexity that reflects the character and richness of the Scottish landscape.

 

The History

Gin has deep and fascinating roots in Scottish history, tracing back centuries of trade and cultural exchange. Thanks to a long tradition of commerce with North Sea nations, the Dutch juniper spirit known as Jenever found its way to Scotland through historic ports like Leith, Dundee, and Aberdeen. Demand was so high that in 1782, British records show an impressive 2.5 million gallons of jenever were imported. But the relationship between Scotland and the Netherlands was not one-way. The Highlands, rich in juniper, supplied large quantities of berries to Dutch distillers—highlighting the importance of Scottish juniper in international trade. It’s also likely that a Scottish version of jenever existed, enhanced with local botanicals that reflected Scotland’s unique biodiversity and distilling traditions.

By 1777, Edinburgh already had eight licensed gin distilleries, with an estimated 400 illegal stills also in operation. This historic legacy shows how gin has long been—and continues to be—a central part of Scottish culture.

 

The People

The relationship between the Scottish people and gin is deeply rooted in the long history of distillation that permeates Scottish culture. Distillation, which dates back centuries, has shaped not only whisky but also gin, reflecting a heritage of skill and knowledge passed down through generations. Especially in more rural areas of Scotland, such as the northern Highlands and the Islands, gin holds special significance. Like whisky, gin becomes a symbol of identity and pride for local communities.

In these regions, gin is not just a product—it’s a resource that supports and enhances the local economy. Gin distilleries, often family-run, play a crucial role in rural economic development, creating jobs and contributing to the vitality of these communities. The Scottish people, with their innate passion for distilling, celebrate gin as part of their cultural and natural heritage. Each bottle tells a story of connection to the land, respect for the environment, and pride in a tradition that continues to evolve. This deep bond is reflected in Scottish gins, which not only honor the past but embrace the future with creativity and sustainability.