Visitors to Edinburgh Castle will soon be able to buy gin inspired by the iconic Capital landmark as part of a collaboration with an award winning distillery.
The first samples of the Gorse-inspired Edinburgh Castle gin have gone on sale through Historic Environment Scotland following a tie up with Edinburgh Gin.
The spirit, which contains the bright yellow flowering plant that climbs up the side of the city’s Arthur’s Seat and Castle Rock, is the first alcohol to be created for consumption at the Castle since the 14th century, according to historians.
But Capital gin fans can also enjoy a glass at home, with the creators describing it as perfect on the “rocks” in a traditional G&T with ice, a splash of tonic water and a grapefruit twist.
Natasha Troitino, Head of Retail & Product Licensing at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “We worked with the award-winning experts on our doorstep, Edinburgh Gin, to create this fresh and fragrant distillation.
“The medieval poetry, Y Gododdin, talks of warriors drinking mead on Castle Rock before riding into battle. Barrels of ale were even used to helps Scots reclaim the castle during a surprise attack in 1341. But, in Edinburgh Castle’s long, illustrious history, this is its first-ever gin!”
Dave Wilkinson, Head Distiller at Edinburgh Gin, said: “The Castle is central to Edinburgh’s landscape, and we wanted to create a gin that captured its beauty. Yellow gorse brightens up the city in spring, so it seemed like the perfect botanical to distil for this project."
Available in three different sizes, 70cl (£36), 20CL (£14), and 5CL (£4.50) it is available to buy now from the Historic Environment Scotland website.
