Crossbill Small Batch Highland Dry Gin, 70cl

Crossbill Small Batch Highland Dry Gin is a Scottish dry gin built on just two botanicals, 100% Scottish juniper and rosehip. Bottled at 43.8% ABV, it is a juniper-forward gin with fresh pine notes, softened by the slightly fruity sweetness of the rosehip. It takes its name from the Scottish crossbill, a small finch whose beak is shaped to prise seeds from conifer cones.

About the distillery

Crossbill began making gin in Aviemore, in the Scottish Highlands, in 2012, and now works from The Barras in Glasgow’s East End. The distillery makes only its own gins and describes its approach as hand-picked wild botanicals, slow maceration and small-batch distillation. It has also worked with the Forestry Commission and Plantlife to help re-establish Scottish juniper.

How it’s made

The recipe is deliberately short. Highland juniper berries and rosehips are the only botanicals, with the label also referring to Speyside water. Using Scottish juniper and rosehip alone gives this small batch Highland dry gin a clean, resinous profile rather than a long list of competing flavours.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Fresh juniper with spruce and evergreen freshness, lifted by a touch of citrus and soft fruit.
• Palate: Juniper-led and slightly oily, with a clean, minty edge, pine resin and a hint of lemon and grapefruit.
• Finish: Dry and crisp, with the rosehip adding a gentle citrus edge.

How to enjoy it

Crossbill Small Batch Highland Dry Gin works well neat or over ice, and reviewers have found it very drinkable that way. In a gin and tonic, use a light tonic and an orange peel garnish so the juniper stays in front. It also suits a Negroni or a brisk Tom Collins.

Details

• Type: Small batch Scottish dry gin
• Region / origin: Scottish Highlands, Scotland
• Distillery: Crossbill Distilling
• Botanicals: 100% Scottish juniper and rosehip
• ABV: 43.8%
• Volume: 70cl

Please drink responsibly. This product is intended for customers aged 18 and over.