Pickerings Scottish Botanical Gin 35cl

Pickerings Scottish Botanical Gin: A Deep Dive into a Distinctively Scottish Spirit (35cl)

Unveiling a taste of Scotland, Pickerings Scottish Botanical Gin offers a unique twist on the classic gin experience. This hand-crafted spirit, bottled in a petite 35cl size, is perfect for those seeking to explore the intriguing world of Scottish botanicals. Distilled in the heart of Edinburgh using a base of their original Bombay-style recipe, Pickerings infuses four cherished Scottish botanicals – heather, milk thistle, bog myrtle, and Scots pine – to create a gin brimming with character.

Aromatic Adventure: Uncorking the Scottish Essence

The first encounter with Pickerings Scottish Botanical Gin is an aromatic adventure. Juniper, the quintessential gin botanical, forms the backbone of the aroma, but it's playfully nudged aside by a wave of pine. This isn't your typical Christmas tree pine, though. The Scots pine needles used in Pickerings exude a more resinous, almost earthy character, hinting at the rugged Scottish landscape. Following closely behind is the gentle fragrance of heather, weaving in a touch of floral sweetness. The earthiness deepens with a subtle hint of milk thistle, adding a touch of complexity to the bouquet.

Tasting Journey: Where Scottish Botanicals Take Centre Stage

As the gin coats the palate, the juniper asserts itself once more, providing a robust foundation for the symphony of Scottish botanicals to play upon. The pine comes to the fore, offering a burst of resiny flavour that is surprisingly refreshing. This is balanced beautifully by the floral notes of heather, which add a touch of elegance and perfume the spirit. The milk thistle emerges subtly on the mid-palate, grounding the gin with a hint of earthy bitterness. The influence of the heather and milk thistle prevent the pine from becoming overpowering, ensuring a smooth and well-rounded flavour profile.

The Finish: A Lingering Touch of Scotland

The finish of Pickerings Scottish Botanical Gin is delightfully long-lasting. The pine notes gradually fade, leaving behind a lingering sweetness from the heather. A touch of earthy dryness from the milk thistle lingers on the tongue, reminding you of the Scottish origins of this unique spirit. Overall, the finish is clean and refreshing, inviting another sip to fully appreciate the interplay of botanicals.

Serving Suggestions: Unlocking the Potential of Pickerings Scottish Botanical Gin

The versatility of Pickerings Scottish Botanical Gin makes it a perfect choice for a variety of serves. Here are a few suggestions to unlock its full potential:

• The Classic Gin & Tonic: For a simple yet satisfying serve, pair 50ml of Pickerings Scottish Botanical Gin with 150ml of high-quality tonic water. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary or a twist of grapefruit to complement the pine and floral notes.
• The Scottish Bramble: Embrace the Scottish theme with this delightful twist on the Bramble cocktail. Muddle a handful of fresh blackberries with a bar spoon of sugar in a shaker. Add 50ml of Pickerings Scottish Botanical Gin, 25ml of fresh lemon juice, and a dash of crème de mure (blackberry liqueur). Shake with ice and strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a fresh blackberry and a sprig of mint.
• The Heather Fizz: Showcase the floral notes of the heather with this refreshing highball. In a tall glass filled with ice, combine 50ml of Pickerings Scottish Botanical Gin, 25ml of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, and 20ml of elderflower liqueur. Top with soda water and garnish with a slice of grapefruit and a sprig of heather (if available).

A Collector's Edition and a Gateway to Scottish Gin Exploration

The 35cl size of Pickerings Scottish Botanical Gin makes it an ideal choice for those who want to experiment with new flavours or add a touch of Scottish flair to their home bar.  This unique gin is also a fantastic collector's item, presented in a stylish bottle adorned with the tartan of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Whether you're a seasoned gin enthusiast or just starting your exploration, Pickerings Scottish Botanical Gin offers a captivating journey into the world of Scottish botanicals. With its intriguing aroma, well-balanced flavour profile, and long-lasting finish, this spirit is sure to leave a lasting impression. So, uncork a bottle, raise a glass, and embark on a delightful Scottish adventure.