Heather and Gin: A Scottish Tradition

Heather, a resilient and beautiful plant, has long been intertwined with Scottish culture and history. Its use in gin production is a testament to its versatility and the rich heritage of Scotland. This blog explores the history of heather in gin, its unique contributions to the spirit, and the tasting notes that make heather-infused gins a delightful experience.

The History of Heather in Gin

Heather, known scientifically asCalluna vulgaris, is a perennial shrub that thrives in the Scottish Highlands. Historically, heather has been used for various purposes, from making firelighters and brooms to dyeing textiles and even as a remedy for rheumatic pain and other ailments. Its significance extends to the culinary world, where heather honey is a prized ingredient, and heather tops are used to flavour meats and teas. In the context of gin, heather has been a botanical of choice for its delicate floral notes. The Picts, an ancient people of Scotland, were known to brew heather ale, a tradition revived in modern times. This historical use of heather in beverages laid the groundwork for its inclusion in gin, which imparts a uniquely Scottish flavour.

Heather in Modern Gin Production

Several distilleries have embraced heather as a key botanical in their gin recipes. For instance, Knockeen Hills Heather Gin uses natural heather and organic botanicals, resulting in a super-premium London Cut Dry Gin with a soft delivery and intricate floral notes. The Isle of Bute Heather Gin, distilled using wild heather flowers hand-picked on the Isle of Bute, offers a vibrant floral nose and a sweet citrus finish, making it a favourite among gin enthusiasts. The North Uist Distillery's Downpour Scottish Dry Gin also highlights the importance of heather, with each batch labelled with the location of the heather harvest, ensuring a burst of island flavour in every bottle. Similarly, Whitby Gin incorporates heather foraged from the North York Moors, celebrating the natural landscape of North Yorkshire.

Tasting Notes of Heather-Infused Gins

Heather-infused gins are known for their complex and aromatic profiles. Here are some tasting notes from various heather gins:

• Knockeen Hills Heather Gin: This gin has a clean, pure spirit with high-toned notes of dried flowers, juniper, coriander seed, and citrus zest. It offers a smooth delivery on the palate with earthy botanicals and a long, clean finish.
• Isle of Bute Heather Gin: Featuring a vibrant floral nose and a bright sweetness of pink grapefruit, this gin balances floral and citrus notes, making it perfect for sipping neat or with a light tonic.
• Downpour Scottish Dry Gin: Known for its delicious taste, this gin owes much of its flavour to the wild Hebridean heather, providing a burst of island flavour in every sip.
• Whitby Gin: With heather foraged from the North York Moors, this gin offers a floral perfume on the nose and a smooth, creamy texture on the palate, with a long, clean finish.

Heather's role in gin production is a beautiful reflection of Scotland's natural bounty and cultural heritage. From the ancient Picts to modern distilleries, heather remains a cherished botanical, adding a touch of Scottish magic to every bottle of gin. Whether enjoyed neat, with a tonic, or in a cocktail, heather-infused gins offer a unique and delightful experience that celebrates the spirit of Scotland. So, the next time you sip on a heather-infused gin, take a moment to appreciate the history, craftsmanship, and natural beauty that goes into every drop. Cheers to Heather and the timeless tradition of Scottish gin!