Edinburgh Gin partners with world famous Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to launch exclusive 1670 gin
8 May 2018
Edinburgh Gin and the world renowned Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), have come together to create a new limited-edition gin that truly celebrates the history of the iconic botanic gardens. Edinburgh Gin 1670 is a bespoke gin using rare and exotic botanicals grown and handpicked in the city’s most famous garden.
Edinburgh Gin 1670 is named in honour of the year that the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh was founded as a physic garden*, almost 350 years ago. It will be sold in John Lewis stores UK wide, as well as in specialist retailers and the on-trade. 12,000 bottles have been produced with an RRP of £40.
Given Edinburgh Gin’s longstanding relationship working with world institutions like Heriot-Watt University MSc in Brewing and Distilling, it was fitting to work with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) to create this latest addition to the portfolio.
Both experts in their field, this partnership saw Edinburgh Gin’s Head Distiller, David Wilkinson, working closely with Botanist, Dr Greg Kenicer, over more than 12 months to carefully craft this tailor-made gin. Following careful research and experimentation, a mix of 14 native and exotic plants were chosen, inspired by botanicals present through the ages of the garden – from its origin as a medicinal physic garden in 1670 to the present day’s cutting-edge research and conservation work. Six species were handpicked from RBGE’s incredible collection of over 13,000 species of plants from around the world.
Using these handpicked ingredients, they have created a unique gin that includes fennel and sweet cicely alongside exotic plants such as Piper Leaf, Tasmannia Lanceolata Leaf and Tasmanian Mountain Pepper.
The result is that every 70cl bottle of Edinburgh Gin 1670 contains fresh botanicals grown and handpicked from RBGE and will be presented in a beautifully illustrated box with images of the botanicals adorning the pack.
Edinburgh Gin’s Head Distiller, David 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.”
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), Botanist Dr Greg 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 Botanics.
“It gives the team at the Botanics 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 is best enjoyed in a classic G&T garnish with a basil leaf, while its peppery notes suit classic drinks such as the RGBE Martini made with lemon bitters and fresh fennel.
Edinburgh Gin 1670 will be exclusively sold in John Lewis stores along with selected specialist retailers, the Edinburgh Gin distillery shop and online at www.edinburghgin.com.
