Redcastle Gin
First Produced
2017Still Type
380L pot still
The Redcastle Gin Story
Fiona Walsh and John Anderson were working hard one cold February morning, developing sales for Redcastle brewery, when a chance conversation started them on a crazy Scottish Gin journey! With the seed of an idea, they agreed to join forces- John bringing the infrastructure knowledge as founder of the brewery and Fiona bringing years of industry experience. So, with the help of a modest start-up investment, Redcastle Gin was born!
There was further excitement ahead though… A few weeks after agreeing to the new partnership, Fiona discovered she was expecting her second baby, who was born less than 3 months after the team sold their first bottles of Redcastle Gin. Fiona recalls that being pregnant throughout the recipe creation was frustrating but, thanks to a heightened sense of smell, she was able to pick up and analyse every note in the gin. As a result of this, Redcastle is an exceptional gin which delivers on the nose as well as the taste buds. The gin was initially made in partnership with Lewis Scothern, the master distiller of Distillutions, Arbroath, but after getting the green light from HMRC, they start distilling at their brand home in Carmyllie, Angus.
And gin isn’t all they excel at. They also breed award winning Redcastle Clydesdales on the farm and currently have 14 mares and 2 foals grazing in the fields surrounding the distillery.
The team at Redcastle Gin use a single-fold distillation process and an abundance of hand-selected botanicals to deliver an exceptionally smooth, full-flavoured & clean tasting gin.
Key Botanicals
- Juniper
- Kaffir Lime Leaf
- Pink Peppercorn
- Star Anise
- Angelica
- Mace
- Coriander
- Cardamom
- Orange Peel
- Lemon Peel
- Ginger
- Gentian
- Orris Root
Tasting Notes
A punchy citrus spice gin with notes of juniper, pink peppercorn, lemon & kaffir lime. Warming notes of star anise & ginger are in the background, providing complexity & depth of flavour. A lasting finish with lemony notes of fresh cardamom.
Enjoy it any way you like, but you could try it with loads of ice & a good quality tonic and a simple twist of lime or orange peel.
Expressions
- Redcastle Raspberry & Pomegranate Scottish Gin Liqueur
- Redcastle Orange & Rhubarb Liqueur
- Redcastle Passion Fruit & Mango Liqueur
- Redcastle Scottish Pink Gin
Key Personnel
- Fiona Walsh & John Anderson – co-founders & directors
- Ulli Ickxes – Distiller
Website
The Scottish Gin Society verdict
Fiona’s heightened sense of smell definitely served her well when crafting the botanical mix for Redcastle Gin. For a start, it has an incredible nose – immediate juniper, giving way to a rich spicy aroma. And the taste doesn’t disappoint either. Initially a hit of juniper with a zesty zing, but balanced out by fantastic warming spicy notes, led by star anise, with a resulting lingering sweet taste. The addition of tonic really opens up the gin, making it an incredibly dry and refreshing gin.
