Nestled deep in the picturesque Speyside region of the Scottish Highlands, not far from the banks of the world famous River Spey and the tiny hamlet of Cromdale, is the home of Caorunn Gin. Set against a backdrop of stunning mountains, forests and rivers, the Balmenach Distillery has been producing Scottish spirits in one shape or another since it was established in 1824 by James MacGregor. James was originally from a family of farmers in the small village of Tomintoul, a few miles from the distillery. Like others at the time, with easy access to agricultural land with rich crops and fresh water from the River Spey, James tried his hand at illicit distilling, often high up on a hillside away from the prying eyes of the local Excise officer. Originally called the Balminoch Distillery, it changed its name to the Balmenach Distillery just a few years before the beginning of the 19th century. It remained with the MacGregor family until 1922 when it was sold to another business.
Jump to 2009, and under the stewardship of Inver House Distillers, distiller Simon Buley was tasked with creating a new Scottish Gin at the newly established Caorunn Distillery, which features the world’s only working copper berry chamber, initially used in the world of perfume for extracting delicate aromas. Simon foraged various botanicals from around the distillery and local area, including Rowan Berries, which inspired the name. Caorunn (pronounced ‘ka-roon’) is the Gaelic word for Rowan Berry.
Expertly handcrafted in small batches of 1,000 litres by Simon Buley. Harnessing Scotland’s unique natural resources, Caorunn is infused in the world’s only working Copper Berry Chamber. The highest quality pure grain spirit and crystal clear Scottish water are married with 6 traditional and 5 Celtic handpicked botanicals from surrounding hills. Caorunn (pronounced ‘ka-roon’) from the Gaelic ‘Rowan Berry', is a quadruple distilled modern London Dry. The taste is clean, sweet, full-bodied, with a fresh, long-lasting finish.
Key Botanical(s): Rowan Berries, Coul Blush Apple, Heather, Dandelion, Bog Myrtle
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 41.8% vol
Goes great with: Slices of red apple, tonic and ice.
Created to mark 10 years since the Caorunn brand was established, this flavoured gin, which is a first for Caorunn, is produced in batches of 1,000. Using the signature recipe for Caorunn with the addition of Scottish raspberries creates a gin that is unmistakably Caorunn whilst still delivering a bright and clean burst of fruit. With raspberries sourced from Perthshire and distilled using the unique Copper Berry Chamber, the gin carefully blends the traditional with the contemporary to create a gin that has lingering notes of vanilla and raspberries.
Key Botanical(s): Rowan Berries, Coul Blush Apple, Heather, Dandelion, Bog Myrtle, Raspberries
Gin Style: Flavoured
Strength: 41.8% vol
Goes great with: Raspberries, red apple slices, tonic and ice.
Distilled and bottled at 54% ABV, Caorunn Highland Strength is a peppery, fruity and herbaceous gin with a strong juniper character. The higher ABV delivers more fragrance on the nose and a deeper, more complex flavour profile.
Key Botanical(s): Rowan Berries, Coul Blush Apple, Heather, Dandelion, Bog Myrtle
Gin Style: Navy Strength
Strength: 54% vol
Goes great with: Red apple slices, tonic and ice.
This juicy, citrus tipple was actually a result of some consumer research by the brand who considered twelve different flavour options and Blood Orange came out on top. Similarly to their Caorunn Scottish Raspberry Gin, this is a full strength, naturally flavoured gin, with no artificial flavours and colourings and no added sugar. Caorunn’s Celtic botanicals perfectly complement the natural flavour of Blood Orange, further enhanced with a hint of Chilli essence to create a vibrant, refreshing, and fruity gin. The taste is sweet and elegant, with a spicy, floral warmth.
Key Botanical(s): Rowan Berries, Coul Blush Apple, Heather, Dandelion, Bog Myrtle, Blood Orange
Gin Style: Flavoured
Strength: 41.8% vol
Goes great with: A slice of orange, tonic and ice.
Almost a decade after launch, this is the first extension to the Caorunn range. Crafted exclusively for travel retail, Gin Master Simon Buley created this expression using a balance of traditional and foraged botanicals to create an exceptionally fresh, clean flavour bursting with vibrant juniper and the soft fruity notes of rowan and apple, perfectly encapsulating and enhancing the vert essence of Caorunn. Bottled at 48%, Caorunn Master’s Cut boasts the highest ABV of any gin in British airports.
Key Botanical(s): Rowan Berries, Coul Blush Apple, Heather, Dandelion, Bog Myrtle
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 48% vol
Goes great with: Slices of crisp green Granny Smith, tonic and ice.
Caorunn Cask Aged Gin 2023 Edition is a limited edition release of only 797 bottles. This cask aged Scottish Gin pays tribute to the craft and heritage of Balmenach Distillery, Caorunn’s brand and distillery home. Caorunn's signature gin has been rested in Spanish Oak Casks. The ageing process adds another layer to signature Caorunn Gin with the additional flavours of candied citrus fruits, sweet spices and rich toffee notes. The higher ABV of 56% amplifies the already flavoursome signature gin whilst still providing a balance of flavours across the palate with a creamy mouthfeel shaped with the ageing process.
Key Botanical(s): Rowan Berries, Coul Blush Apple, Heather
Gin Style: Cask Aged
Strength: 56% vol
Goes great with: A sprig of rosemary, ginger beer and ice or neat over ice.
The Caorunn Gin Distillery at Balmenach Distillery is home to the world’s only operational copper berry chamber. A crucial part of the distillation process, the copper berry chamber was discovered sitting abandoned in a warehouse before being given a new lease of life, forming part of the distillery. Visitors to the Caorunn Gin Distillery can enjoy an intimate and personal Scottish Gin experience at the distillery. Visitors can learn more about the production process and a behind-the-scenes look at the distillery. Visitors will then experience a tutored deconstructed nosing and tasting session of Caorunn Gin, allowing guests to explore and discover more about the botanicals along with a neat tasting of Caorunn Gin. The tour is finished with a perfect serve Caorunn Gin and tonic. For those looking to explore the Caorunn Gin range, the Caorunn brand shop is the ideal place to pick up a bottle or Caorunn themed gift.
Tour: Yes
Gin School: No
Cafe: No
Bar: No
Shop: Yes
Booking: Book a Caorunn Gin Distillery experience online here here
Learn more about Caorunn by visiting the links below.
