10 of the best new Scottish gins to raise a smile during lockdown

Gin fans can sample something different with these exciting new Scottish drinks.

The lockdown hasn't stopped the ever growing Scottish Gin Industry from doing what it does best - create exciting new gins.

So to keep things interesting for fans of the flavourful tipple - we've created a quick run down of new hotshots on the market.

From using innovative botanicals such as cacti and parsnips to the creation of the world's first climate positive gin, these are some of the best new Scottish gins released just in time for summer.

1. Nàdar Gin (Arbikie Distillery, Arbroath)

Thought to be the world's first climate positive gin, Nàdar, which means nature in Gaelic, is made with a base created from peas and is the culmination of five years of research.

Created by head distiller Kirsty Black’s as part of her PhD between Abertay University and The James Hutton Institute, Nàdar uses lemongrass and citrus leaf as its botanicals giving it a fresh and fruity aroma.

And best of all, you can feel good about drinking it as it's helping to fight climate change.

2. Biggar Strength Gin (Biggar Gin, Biggar)

This new navy strength gin, which packs a real hit of flavour, is the latest release from popular gin brand Biggar.

Founder Stuart McVicar explained that hawthorn berry has been added to the three local botanicals (rowan berry, rosehip and nettles) used to make their Biggar Original Recipe London Dry Gin.

The result is a higher strength gin (57 ABV) with an extra burst of fruit flavours that are perfect for those looking for a little more from their gin.

3. Mackintosh Old Tom Gin (Mackintosh Gin, Angus)

The family run Mackintosh Gin recently released two exciting new expressions to follow up their highly popular original gin.

The navy strength Maritime is an interesting new take on their original recipe - but with the hot weather in mind, the sweet summer flavours of their new Old tom Gin might just be the more appropriate pick.

Made using pineapple and grapefruit, it's filled with zesty citrus flavours that are perfect for enjoying with lemonade or in a cocktail.

4. Stirling Tropical Triumph Gin Liqueur (Stirling Gin, Stirling)

Another big hit of summer flavours, the gin liqueur from Stirling Gin was created by Elle McCann, daughter of founders June and Cameron.

Produced by head distiller Laura, it's another big fruit filled number that's designed to go as well with sparkling wine as it does in a cocktail.

Expect little waves of mango, passion fruit and pineapple.

5. Little Brown Dog (Little Brown Dog Spirits, Aberdeenshire)

The first core release from Little Brown Dog Spirits after seven years of R and D, LBD Gin is described as a "modern dry Scottish gin", so expect it to be big on the juniper.

They've added their own locally foraged ingredients including wood sorrel, rhubarb, birch sap and parsnip (yes you read that right) to create additional citrus, floral and woodland notes.

Complex and delicious, it's sure to have you coming back for more.

6. Gorgeous Gin (Miss G, Fife)

Gin lover Gail Sneddon has teamed up with spirit consultant and distiller at Elrick House to create this exciting new Scottish gin.

Designed to honour the memory of her late husband, Gorgeous Gin is aptly named both in flavour and style.

Designed to be fresh and citrusy, the use of nine carefully chosen botanicals including Lemon Verbena, Pink Grapefruit mean it has added depth with top notes of spice and liquorice.

7. Isle of Skye Pink Gin (Isle of Skye Distillers, Skye)

The latest release from the expert distillers at Isle of Skye is a raspberry infused full-strength Old Tom gin that's made using raspberries, blackcurrants, pear and meadowsweet.

As vibrant as its colour, the flavours in this tasty gin are deliciously sweet, with hints of juniper and blackcurrants balanced by a long finish of that fruity raspberry.

8. Brewdog Spirits Cactus Gin (BrewDog Distilling Co., Ellon)

The latest gin from Aberdeenshire's BrewDog Distillery was suitably launched on Cinco de Mayo as it's packed with Mexican style flavours.

The specially selected botanicals for this small batch gin include pressed cactus juice and Queen of the Night - a fragrant cactus flower that only appears after dark.

Fruit flavours from the cactus (including Lychee and watermelon) combine with the lime to create a zesty gin that's full of innovative flavours.

9. Lidl’s Raspberry & Blackberry Scottish Gin Liqueur (Lidl)

The latest gin release from Lidl is a Scottish gin liqueur made by a Glasgow Distillery that uses Scotland's famous sweet summer berries - Blackberry and Rasberry - to create a flavour that's sure to be a hit with any gin fan.

Perfect for those long summer evenings in the garden. 

10. Cait Sith Gin (Wild Thyme Spirits, Colonsay)

Colonsay's Wild Thyme Spirits are due to launch their new Old Tom style gin, Cait Sith (pronounced Caught Shee), in June.

Based on their original Colonsay Gin, the new expression is designed with summer flavours in mind and features notes of orange, pink grapefruit and vanilla, making it perfect for drinking on a warm day.

Bonus: Edinburgh Gin Raspberry Fizz

The ever popular Edinburgh Gin has just released a new Raspberry Gin Fizz.

The ready-to-drink can of sparkling wine and raspberry liqueur (ABV 6%) mix is great for any backyard BBQs in the sunshine.