Speyside Distillery launches limited-edition Byron’s Gin

Speyside Distillery has launched two limited-edition gins made with botanicals that were found growing in brand’s garden grounds.

Called Byron’s Gin, the beverages reflect a historic link to Lord Byron, a poet of the Romantic movement.

The duo – red cherry and melancholy thistle – has been created in tribute to Byron’s love of the Scottish Highlands, which are said to have inspired him to write some of his most moving poetry. 

Red cherry is complemented by lemon-scented fern, lady’s bedstraw, rowan, wild thyme, juniper and blaeberry. It has said to have a light and soft nose, with a sweet fruit and spice palate.

Melancholy thistle is joined by sweet vernal grass, pine, juniper, rowan, downy birch and aspen to give it a vibrant nose, citrus-fresh palate and smooth, woody finish.

Only 150 numbered bottles of each expression from the first batch have been produced. As the botanicals used in producing the gin are seasonal, no further bottles will be available from this batch. 

Byron’s Gin from Speyside Distillery has been crafted by distillery manager Sandy Jamieson in partnership with Andy Amphlett, the country recorder for the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland.

Using his knowledge of botanicals, Amphlett hand-selected plants and berries from the distillery gardens and the nearby landscape as the basis for the gin.

Speyside Distillery CEO John Harvey McDonough said: “The result is two very unique and different gin expressions that will be loved by sophisticated palates. The gins capture both the taste of the Cairngorm National Park and the decades of shared knowledge and passion by two experts in their respective fields.

“We have wanted to add to our portfolio of premium spirits for some time and with all these wonderful botanicals on our doorstep, we saw an opportunity to create something a world away from our single malt whisky.”

The spirit has been produced in the distillery’s own copper pot stills with an integrated botanicals basket. Sandy Jamieson added: “This has been a very exciting project to be involved in, and we are extremely lucky to have had Andy on board. His knowledge of botanicals is second to none and it was truly inspiring to work with him.”

Lord Byron’s association with the Spey Whisky brand, which is also produced at the distillery, spans back to the 19th century when it is said that he gifted a cask of the malt to King George III to celebrate his marriage.

Byron’s Gin is 43% ABV and is sold in a 70cl bottle with a recommended retail price of £43.