Edinburgh Gin
Edinburgh Gin Classic is a crisp, masterfully balanced London Dry that marries a robust juniper heart with “mountain-fresh” pine, zesty citrus, and a remarkably smooth, floral finish.
Type
Country
Producer
Featured Flavours
Alcohol %
40%
Serving Size
- 25ml
Suggested with
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In Cocktails
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Edinburgh Gin
The Edinburgh Gin Classic is a definitive London Dry that manages to bridge the gap between old-world tradition and contemporary Scottish character. Distilled with a unique blend of 14 botanicals, its profile is anchored by a robust, resinous core of juniper that feels crisp and evergreen, immediately signaling its classic roots.
The Aroma
On the nose, the experience is clean and exceptionally fresh, dominated by the scent of pine buds and a bright, zesty perfume. The initial punch of juniper is softened by delicate floral undertones of lavender and the grassy, aromatic scent of lemongrass. There is an underlying hint of spice—specifically coriander and cardamom—that gives the aroma a grounded, earthy quality without overshadowing the high, bright citrus notes of orange and lime.
The Palate
Upon the first sip, the gin delivers a sophisticated “mountain-fresh” flavor. The juniper remains the star, but it is quickly layered with a complex citrus heart. The inclusion of mulberries provides a subtle, jammy sweetness that rounds out the sharper edges of the lime and orange peel, preventing the gin from feeling overly acidic. This is complemented by the cobnut (hazelnut), which doesn’t taste “nutty” in a traditional sense but instead provides a distinct, creamy texture that coats the palate, making the spirit feel remarkably smooth
The Finish
The finish is long, crisp, and slightly warming. As the initial citrus burst fades, it leaves behind a lingering trail of soft spice and pine resin. It concludes with a pleasant, dry minerality that makes it incredibly refreshing. Because of its balanced profile, it doesn’t “disappear” when mixed; rather, its spicy and floral elements are heightened when paired with a high-quality tonic and a twist of orange peel, which pulls the hidden sweetness of the mulberries to the forefront.
The history of Edinburgh Gin is a blend of modern entrepreneurial spirit and a deep respect for the city’s long-forgotten distilling heritage. Though the brand itself is relatively young, it is credited with spearheading the “gin renaissance” in Scotland’s capital.
1. Humble Beginnings (2010)
Edinburgh Gin was founded in 2010 by husband and wife Alex and Jane Nicol. At the time, they ran the Spencerfield Spirit Company. Unlike the global giant it is today, the brand started as a true “craft” project—the founders famously sold their first bottles from the back of a converted horsebox at local Scottish gardening shows and farmers’ markets.
2. Bringing Gin Back to the City (2014)
For over 150 years, there had been no dedicated gin distilleries in the heart of Edinburgh, despite the city having been a global hub for the spirit in the 1700s and 1800s. In 2014, the brand changed this by opening its first distillery in a basement at Rutland Place, tucked underneath the Rutland Hotel in the West End.
The Stills: They installed two custom-made copper stills named Flora and Caledonia, which are still used for experimental and small-batch runs today.
3. Expansion and Innovation
The brand grew rapidly, largely because they were pioneers in the flavored gin liqueur market (their Rhubarb & Ginger liqueur became a cultural phenomenon).
Leith Connection: In 2016, they opened a second, larger production site at The Biscuit Factory in Leith. This was a nod to history, as Leith was the original port where exotic botanicals and Dutch Genever first entered Scotland centuries ago.
Acquisition: That same year, the brand was acquired by Ian Macleod Distillers, a family-owned Scottish spirits company, which provided the resources to take Edinburgh Gin to the global stage.
4. The New Era: The Arches (2024–Present)
In a major milestone, the brand recently opened its flagship multi-million-pound distillery and visitor experience at The Arches on East Market Street, right in the historic Old Town.
Historical Significance: The site sits near the original Physic Garden (founded in 1670), which later became the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. This connection is vital, as the distillery often collaborates with the Botanics to source rare, local ingredients for their special releases.
5. Deep Roots in “Gin History”
While the company is modern, they draw inspiration from Edinburgh’s 18th-century “Gin Craze.” In 1777, Edinburgh had eight licensed distilleries and 400 illegal ones. It was also the home of Robert Stein, who in 1826 invented the “continuous still” (later refined by Aeneas Coffey), which allowed for the creation of the clean, crisp London Dry style that Edinburgh Gin Classic embodies today.
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