Our five favourite Scottish gins for International Scottish Gin Day

Any excuse for a G&T is good enough for us, but when it involves an official celebration? Even better!

To mark the first International Scottish Gin Day on August 3rd, we’ve been sampling lots of lovely local gins to bring you our five favourites. It’s a hard life…

Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb & Ginger Gin

Where it’s from: Edinburgh

Tasting notes: Spicy and smooth, this juniper-led gin is enhanced with fruity rhubarb and tangy ginger

Why we love it: Having been long-term fans of the liqueur version of this tipple, we were delighted when Edinburgh Gin brought out a full-strength edition. It’s the perfect summer gin, with just enough fruitiness to add a little sweetness but plenty of warming spice to bring it all together.

Serve it with: Soda, lime juice and sugar syrup for a long summer cocktail.

Buy it now: edinburghgin.com/our-gins/rhubarb-ginger-gin

Oro Gin

Where it’s from: Dumfries & Galloway

Tasting notes: Robust notes of juniper smoothly move towards a zingy citrus mid body, finishing nicely dry, with a note of spiced vanilla.

Why we love it: It’s rare we find a gin smooth enough to enjoy neat, but Oro have managed it. Luxurious and very sippable, this gin has won a whole host of awards so clearly we’re not the only ones who think it’s delicious.

Serve it with: If you’re not brave enough to try it neat, we love it with Mediterranean tonic and a slice of orange.

Buy it now: orogin.co.uk/shop/orogin-70cl

Kinrara Hibiscus Gin

Where it’s from: Aviemore

Tasting notes: Juniper led, but fruity and floral, with a hint of rosehip and some slight sweetness.

Why we love it: Hibiscus gin? What’s not to love? Perfect for a floral-inspired summery cocktail, we think this is a crowd-pleasing gin that offers something a little different, whilst being absolutely delicious.

Serve it with: Lots of ice and a premium lemonade to make a refreshing cooler, topped with a raspberry or two and a sprig of fresh mint.

Buy it now: https://www.kinraradistillery.com/product/kinrara-hibiscus-gin/

Isle of Harris Gin

Where it’s from: Tarbert

Tasting notes: Refreshing yet sweet, with juniper and pine against mango, grapefruit and orange, with a herby flavour. Finishes with sweet vanilla and black pepper, and a gentle reminder of the sea thanks to the inclusion of locally-harvested sugar kelp.

Why we love it: It’s a modern classic, and we haven’t met anyone yet who doesn’t agree. A unique flavour and a beautiful bottle - perfect as a gift or just to enjoy yourself, we won’t judge you.

Serve it with: The brand’s Sugar Kelp Aromatic Water, to heighten that coastal flavour as you sip.

Buy it now: https://www.harrisdistillery.com/shop/isle-of-harris-gin

Porter’s Tropical Old Tom Gin

Where it’s from: Aberdeen

Tasting notes: A classic base, lifted with surprising tropical notes of passion fruit, guava and white tea. Juicy and fresh.

Why we love it: It’s rare to find a gin with such bold fruity flavours; this one from Porter’s feels so summery and instantly transports you to sunnier climes.

Serve it with: Premium tonic water and fresh passion fruit, for a tropical twist on a classic G&T.

Buy it now: https://portersgin.co.uk/shop/tropical-old-tom