Scotland and gin – it’s the love affair that continues to burn brightly.

Strathearn Distillery officially launched its gin range at 56 North in Edinburgh last night. Production started two years ago but the team have been too busy filling orders to properly shout about their new gins – not the worst problem to have.

Scotland’s smallest distillery

Strathearn’s Heather Rose, Classic and Oaked Highland gins are all produced in what is thought to be Scotland’s smallest distillery in Bachilton Farm Steading by the small village of Methven in Perthshire.

Heather Rose Gin is infused with a combination of rose petals and heather flowers, and the final product has a Prosecco-like character. It changes to a delicate pink when tonic is added. The distillery recommends that you serve it in a chilled Champagne flute with, controversially, no slice

Classic Gin is a new style gin with added elements of zest, herbs and spices making it ideal for the trendiest cocktail recipes. You could also drink it on the rocks with a slice of pink grapefruit.

The Oaked Highland is where gin meets whisky – smooth and oaky with juniper notes and hints of citrus accented by vanilla and subtle smokiness. One for sipping after dinner. At room temperature, obviously.

Scottish Craft Spirit 2015

Stuart McMillan, Distillery Manager, said:

‘We were delighted to show off our gin range last night… Our Oaked Highland Gin beat off stiff competition recently in order to be crowned Scottish Craft Spirit 2015 but we are equally proud of all three of our gins.

‘I believe that the range offers true uniqueness within the artisan gin market both in terms of their characteristics, flavours and their colours. In addition, our distiller, Zak (aged 22), is probably Scotland’s youngest – and winner of Young Distiller of the Year 2015 – and I truly believe that this adds a fresh perspective to our product development.’

The gins are paving the way for the first Strathearn Whisky, due to launch for Christmas 2016.

If you are a gin lover, then you should take a peek at the Journey with Gin master class we are currently running as a Big Deal with 56 North.

Meanwhile, here’s a recipe for a Bramble Rose made with Strathearn’s Heather Rose Gin.

The Bramble Rose

60ml Heather Rose Gin

30ml Lemon juice

15ml Cane sugar syrup

10ml Rose water

15ml Creme de mur

Method

Shake first four ingredients over ice.

Pour into a glass of crushed ice.

Top with creme de mur.

Garnish with bramble and mint or lemon.