A new Gin Trail for Scotland has been launched by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) and features 12 locations which represent some of the best gin distilleries, bars and experiences Scotland has to offer. From craft distillers to bars such as The Jolly Botanist and Gin71, visitors can take a tour of the country’s most fascinating gin-related landmarks. Miles Beale, chief executive of the WSTA, said, “We are thrilled to be announcing the launch of the WSTA Scotland Gin Trail which follows on the back of the success of the London Gin Trail.
“This is a hugely exciting time for everyone involved in the UK gin industry and our gin trail is the start of a fascinating venture to share the origins, art and innovations involved in producing this Great British spirit.”
Taking in Shetland Reel Gin on the UK’s most northerly inhabited island of Unst in Shetland the tour winds its way through craft distilleries in the stunning Scottish Highlands, to coastal distilleries and trendy cocktail bars of Glasgow and Edinburgh. Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said,
“I want to harness the ambition of our Scottish gin-trepreneurs, helping them to grow the UK’s reputation for quality gin both here and abroad. I want to see it up there with Scotch whisky in terms of global sales.”
Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell said, “The flourishing UK gin industry is being driven by the hard work and ingenuity of distillers and we’re proud to be working with WSTA to promote Scottish gin throughout the UK and abroad. This trail showcases distilleries across Scotland from Glasgow to Caithness – not only celebrating some of our most famous gin but also uncovering hidden gems.”
Gin Facts:
Between 2010 and 2014 a total of 73 new spirit distilleries opened in the UK – with 56 established in the past two years alone
Proceeds from gin sold in the UK have gone from £719 million to £869 million in the last two years – up 21%
The number of UK gin brands has more than doubled since 2010 from 31 to 73 due to the demand for new brands using locally sourced ingredients and natural botanicals
Exports of our top-class UK gins have risen by 37% in the past five years, bringing £1.76 billion to the UK economy
Almost 140 million bottles of gin made in the UK are now exported every year
A total of 1.6 billion gin and tonics were sold globally in 2014.
