Edinburgh Gin partners with Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for new gin

Scottish distiller Edinburgh Gin has collaborated with Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) to create a limited-edition gin.

The product is called Edinburgh Gin 1670; named after the year that the botanical garden was opened. It is made using 14 rare and exotic botanicals handpicked from the garden, including Piper leaf, Tasmannia lanceolata leaf and Tasmanian mountain pepper, and every 70cl bottle will contain fresh botanicals.

The gin was crafted over more than 12 months by both head distiller of Edinburgh Gin David Wilkinson and botanist of the RBGE Dr Greg Kenicer.

Wilkinson said: “At Edinburgh Gin we are constantly striving to create new, classic gins with a modern twist. Working so closely with Botanist, Dr Greg Kenicer, and to be given access to such a wealth of unique plants and botanicals provided a great opportunity to create something truly special.

“Innovation and excellence is in our DNA. Having a world centre of excellence for botany on our doorstep made for a great natural partnership that enabled us to experiment with a range of handpicked botanicals to create an enticingly aromatic gin with lively herbaceous – almost floral – notes with added peppery spice.”

Kenicer said: “This partnership allowed me to see first-hand the integrity and passion that goes into making Edinburgh Gin. It makes perfect sense for the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to align itself with one of the UK’s leading gin brands. This is a unique partnership and a first for the Botanic Garden.

“It gives the team at the Botanic Garden a real sense of pride to think that the Edinburgh Gin 1670 has been inspired by the very first physic garden created by Robert Sibbald and Andrew Balfour in 1670.”

Edinburgh Gin 1670 will be sold in John Lewis stores, selected retailers, directly from the Edinburgh Gin shop and online.

The distiller recommends consuming this gin with tonic and a basil leaf as its peppery notes suit classic drinks.