tea plants
Teasmith Spirit to launch a new gin made with leaves of tea plants. Credit: Teasmith Spirits Co.

The Teasmith Spirit Company has announced plans to launch a gin that is prepared using the leaves of tea plants grown in Scotland.

Called The ‘Teasmith Grower’s Edition, Broich Single Estate Gin’, the limited-edition product is set to be launched this month.

Created by husband and wife team Nick and Emma Smalley from Udny Green in Aberdeenshire, it is said to be the world’s first gin of its kind.

Nick Smalley said: “Ever since we created The Teasmith Gin in 2016, we’ve wanted to develop a gin product which features Scottish tea, but we’ve struggled to find a supplier due to low production levels in Scotland caused by difficult growing conditions.

“The Broich tea we have created is the result of a very gradual and considered process which has taken place over a number of years.”

“The work of Tea Gardens of Scotland is really innovative and exciting for us. We’re pleased to get access to the first batch of tea made in The Scottish Tea Factory, allowing us to create this truly unique and special gin.”

The gin has been distilled with tea plant leaves and has scents of honey and apple.

The Broich tea was produced by The Scottish Tea Factory in Perthshire, which was established by tea consultant Beverly Wainwright.

Wainwright said: “I created The Scottish Tea Factory to provide a space for Scottish tea growers to process tea from leaves picked in Scotland and to develop an education centre for those looking to learn about tea making.

“The Broich tea we have created is the result of a very gradual and considered process which has taken place over a number of years. The end result is a beautiful and rare black loose-leaf tea which captures the flavour profiles of the Scottish hills, soil and climate.”

The company said that it is taking pre-orders now for the exclusive batch of just 1,000 bottles.