My latest review of Gins from around the UK comes from a unique example of small batch Gins from Scotland.

One of the best things about small batch gins, is that each producer has a passion about which botanicals they choose, each lending their own story to the gin itself.

Tasting Gin for me is about the journey that particular gin takes you on. I was therefor delighted to be trying this Scottish Gin from Arbikie.

Arbikie Gin comes from the Highlands and is a true Field to Bottle experience. Arbikie Highland Estate is a family owned working farm, which is perched on the east coast of Angus. The three brothers involved (John, Iain and David) wanted to produce a Gin which represents their farm location and captures it in a bottle.

‘Kirsty’s Gin’ which I tried, is named after Kirsty Black, the distiller that produces this stunner, it uses a range of botanical’s including Blaeberry (Bilberry), Carline Thistle and Kelp.

For me the first thing that comes through, is of course the Juniper, this is a fruity gin helped along by the Blaeberry’s. The Carline Thistle gives it a bitter edge with a hint of pepper and then you get a hit of the Kelp – it’s this that really takes you to the coast with a slightly salty finish.

Whilst tasting Kirsty’s Gin I feel transported to standing on a cliff top, surrounded by worked soil, dried shrubs and a fresh salty clean air.

So far I have found its a great Gin to sip straight, or mixed with a light tonic, pink peppercorns and cinnamon work well, the sweet, spicy and woodiness of these garnish really lifts the Gin further – have you tried it? Whats your favourite Garnish?

Keep your eyes peeled on Twitter as I experiment further.

Arbikie also produce a range of Vodka which I’ve not tried but seem interesting – why not check them out here

Arbikie Gin was sent to me to review and feedback. All thoughts and opinions are my own and honest.