Located outside Pitlochry, Perthshire, the Badvo Distillery officially started producing Scottish Gin in 2018 with Badvo founder and distiller Helen Stewart at the helm. Helen’s family have been farming the land where the Badvo Distillery sits for over 400 years, so Helen’s connection to the local landscape runs deep. The idea of establishing a distillery was something that Helen had nurtured throughout her time in higher education, knowing that for her future and the future of her family farm, it would open the doors to new opportunities.
Helen knew a distillery would allow her to incorporate locally foraged botanicals in her signature gin, showcasing the landscape she loved. The distillery would also provide favourable circumstances for the diversification and regeneration of the farm. Helen set to work renovating and restoring some of the older, unused buildings on the farm, pushed herself to learn the distillation process and built a distillery complete with two traditional style alembic copper stills. Helen also spent a year foraging and exploring the local botanicals, which she used to develop the final flavour profile for her signature Badvo Scottish Gin.
Badvo Gin is made using 100% hand foraged Scottish botanicals, including juniper, which grows extensively on the family's Pitlochry farm land. Key botanicals include nettles and wild mint giving the gin a crisp, fresh and herbal taste.
Key Botanical(s): Scottish Juniper, Nettles, Wild Mint
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 45% vol
Goes great with: Orange peel, Mediterranean tonic and ice.
1451 is a gin created by Badvo Distillery for the University of Glasgow, of which Helen is a graduate. Similarly to the original Badvo Gin, this edition is 100% hand foraged Scottish Gin. 1451 is the year the University was established and this gin is a celebration of its long history. Peppery juniper on the almost, almost woody. Underlying citrus notes and cute apples. Warm stewed apples and juniper on the palate. Sweeter notes and honey and delicate florals. An extremely long and warming finish with a signature Badvo wild mint finale.
Key Botanical(s): Scottish Juniper, Apples, Wild Mint, Meadowsweet, Honeysuckle
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 40% vol
Goes great with: A slice of green apple, tonic and ice.
Housed in an old converted stone farm building in a wild Scottish glen near Pitlochry, Badvo Distillery looks like any other farm building in the area. Step inside, and you’ll discover the copper glow of two traditional style alembic copper stills where the distillation, bottling, and labelling take place, led by distiller Helen, along with the help of the family. The area is also rich in botanicals and fauna. You can often see red deer, birds of prey, red squirrels, and a local grey heron, often seen flying up and down the glen. The sight of this local heron inspired the Badvo branding and packaging.
Tour: No
Gin School: No
Cafe: No
Bar: No
Shop: No
Booking: Not open to the public.
Learn more about Badvo Distillery by visiting the links below.