Exciting times ahead for Stirling Gin as they prepare to open their own distillery, the first in town. Estimated launch date: autumn 2018.
June and Cameron McCann distilled the first batch of dry gin in their kitchen with the help of Jinty, a 2.5 lt. copper pot that provided them with enough liquor to enjoy a few drinks with their friends and family. Their production has significantly increased since that autumn day in 2015: Jinty was replaced by Annie (a 450 lt. copper still) and June, Cameron and their team decided that it was time to take the next step and move into their own space.
The Old Smiddy, with its long history and scenic location at the foot of Stirling Castle, is the perfect home for the town’s very own spirit. Originally built as a church in 1862, it was later used as a primary school, a repair shop, and finally a blacksmith. The plan now is to preserve the original stone work and open a door to what will be the back garden, a place for visitors to sit and enjoy their drinks surrounded by colourful plants and herbs, with the castle in the background. Inside, the premises will be divided into two main rooms: the still room and the shop.
Lara, Stuart and Lisa will be there seven days a week to welcome you, host tours, sell their products and craft delicious cocktails. And months before the official opening, the Stirling Gin team is already breaking records: Lisa will in fact be the youngest female distiller in the country!
But what does Stirling Gin taste like? Six botanicals are all it takes to bottle the essence of a town: basil, juniper, lemon, orange and angelica lay the base for a fresh taste, but the ingredient that really gives a unique spin to this liquor with its fresh, almost peppery flavour, is the wild Stirlingshire nettle handpicked in the local area.
With a great product, stunning location, passionate team and a re-branding in process, Stirling Gin has the recipe for success. So keep an eye out for updates and #GraspTheNettle .
