Beinn an Tuirc Distillers was established in 2016 on the Torrisdale Castle Estate, located on the east coast of the Kintyre Peninsula, by husband and wife Niall and Emma Macalister Hall. Torrisdale Castle, the estate’s centrepiece, was constructed in 1815 by General Keith Macalister, designed by architect James Gillespie Graham, and has been home to the Macalister Hall family since 1890.
Since taking on the stewardship of the Torrisdale Castle Estate in 2013, Niall, the current laird of Torrisdale, and Emma, an advocate for rural enterprise, have invested their resources into diversification and innovation, breathing new life into both the castle and the estate, creating both a family home for their children and a must-visit destination in Kintyre.
Along with renovating and modernising several dilapidated buildings on the estate and building Nordic-style lodges complete with modern comforts, the couple has reinvigorated the walled garden with growing tunnels, fruit trees, and vegetable plots. The couple also added an on-site hydroelectric scheme and a biomass boiler system as part of their long-term ambitions of reducing the estate’s carbon footprint.
One of the couple’s other ideas was to transform a former, disused piggery on the estate into a modern Scottish distillery producing a range of spirits inspired by the local landscape and the estate’s history. The couple established Beinn an Tuirc Distillers in 2015, with construction work on the distillery completed in early 2016. The distillery houses a 230-litre Muller-engineered still, named Big Don in honour of Niall’s father, Donald Macalister Hall, powered by the estate’s hydroelectric scheme.
Beinn an Tuirc is the name of a prominent hill on the Torrisdale Estate, overlooking the estate. The name roughly translates from Scots Gaelic as “Hill of the Boar” as the estate was once home to wild boar, bears, wolves. In Scottish folklore Celtic symbolism, the wild boar represents strength, resilience, courage and a connection to the landscape and wilderness.
Niall and Emma spent the next twelve months building their distillery team and developing recipes for their signature Kintyre Botanical Gin. Sue Black, a graduate of Heriot-Watt University’s Brewing and Distilling Master’s course, was brought in as head distiller and helped Niall and Emma refine the final recipe.
The distillery released its signature Kintyre Botanical Gin in July 2017, featuring twelve botanicals, including Icelandic moss and sheep sorrel. Niall’s brother, Kenny, who runs a successful graphic design studio in Glasgow, helped with the branding and packaging. Construction of the new estate café-restaurant and the shop was also completed in 2017, providing visitors with various food and drink options, with several dishes featuring ingredients from the walled garden and a shop featuring a range of branded merchandise, spirits and more.
In May 2021, Niall and Emma opened the Kintyre Gin School. Visitors will learn more about the gin making process, botanicals, aromas, and flavours before being guided through crafting their own bespoke Scottish Gin. Several pre-distilled distillates, packed with fragrance and taste, are available that Kintyre Gin School attendees can blend, crafting two 20cl bottles of their unique Scottish Gin creation. They will then finish by sampling their Scottish Gin in a cocktail.
Since launching the Kintyre Botanical Gin, Niall, Emma, and the distillery team have released a range of Scottish Gins and spirits influenced by the estate. Some of these include Brandy and aue de vie, both featuring apples grown on the estate, a sea salt Scottish Vodka featuring Orsay Sea Salt from a local producer, and an orange coffee liqueur. They also bottle and blend a range of Scottish Rum and whisky.
Plans for the future include the construction of a single malt whisky distillery, along with continued investment in the estate through careful, sympathetic restoration work, planting trees, rewilding and more. Niall and Emma have always understood that they are the stewards of the Torrisdale Castle Estate. Thanks to their passion, dedication and genuine love of the place they call home, they have created a new legacy for the estate and local area, true to the Beinn an Tuirc motto, “Distilling to leave a legacy”.
Kintyre Botanical Gin from Beinn an Tuirc Distillers is a London Dry Scottish Gin crafted on the historic Torrisdale Estate at the Beinn an Tuirc Distillery using the renewable hydroelectric powered still.
Kintyre Botanical Gin captures the natural beauty and character of the Kintyre peninsula, combining classic gin botanicals with sustainably foraged ingredients gathered directly from the surrounding woodlands. Kintyre Botanical Gin reflects a commitment to environmentally conscious distillation while showcasing flavours inspired by the rugged landscapes of western Scotland. The blend of juniper, citrus, spice and wild botanicals gives the gin a refreshing, well-balanced profile that highlights both tradition and innovation.
In every sip, Kintyre Botanical Gin delivers a harmonious combination of bright citrus peel, earthy woodland notes and a clean juniper backbone. Foraged botanicals such as Icelandic moss and sheep sorrel introduce a natural depth and gentle tart freshness, while classic botanicals like coriander, cassia and orris root add warmth and structure. Versatile, expressive and unmistakably tied to its coastal origins, this Scottish gin is ideal for a crisp gin and tonic, creative cocktails or enjoyed neat to appreciate its layered botanical complexity.
On the nose, vibrant with clean juniper, bright citrus and delicate woodland notes.
On the palate, it opens with balanced, vibrant citrus, subtle spice, earthy depth from Icelandic moss, and a natural tartness from sheep sorrel.
On the finish, clean, gently warming, and refreshingly dry, with lingering juniper, citrus oil, and a soft woodland note.
Key Botanical(s): Icelandic Moss, Sheep Sorrel
Gin Style: London Dry Scottish Gin
Strength: 43% ABV
Goes great with: A slice of fresh lime, tonic and ice.
Tarbert Legbiter Navy Strength Gin from Beinn an Tuirc Distillers is a Navy Strength Scottish Gin crafted on the historic Torrisdale Estate at the Beinn an Tuirc Distillery using the renewable hydroelectric powered still.
Bottled at 57% ABV, Tarbert Legbiter Navy Strength Gin is a bold, expressive high-strength expression that delivers the intensity expected from a navy strength gin while showcasing a refined botanical structure and showing how high-strength gin can remain elegant and expressive.
The inspiration for Tarbert Legbiter Navy Strength Gin comes from the legend of Viking “Magnus Barelegs”, the King of Norway, and his sword, nicknamed “Legbiter”. The legend tells of Magnus and his Viking horde circumnavigating the peninsula of Kintyre in his longboat before berthing onshore and claiming it for himself. Tarbert Legbiter Navy Strength Gin captures both historical storytelling and contemporary craft distilling, offering a spirit with power, clarity and character.
Tarbert Legbiter Navy Strength Gin has a floral lift of hibiscus that softens the bold juniper core, while pink peppercorn adds spice, warmth and depth. Supporting botanicals such as angelica, cassia and coriander add structure, creating a balanced Navy Strength Scottish Gin that stands up beautifully in classic cocktails, neat over ice or in a classic gin and tonic serve.
On the nose, crisp, piney juniper leads with a bright floral note from hibiscus and a gentle warmth from pink peppercorn. Subtle citrus and spice tones sit beneath, giving depth and lift.
On the palate, full-bodied and assertive, with juniper at the centre. Hibiscus introduces a delicate floral sweetness, while pink peppercorn and cassia provide warm spice.
On the finish, long, warm and clean. Juniper resin and pink peppercorn spice linger with a soft floral echo from hibiscus and a dry, gently herbal fade.
The Gin Cooperative Awards for Tarbert Legbiter Navy Strength Gin include:
Silver - Navy Strength Scottish Gin Award 2024
Key Botanical(s): Coriander Seeds, Juniper Berries, Orange Peels
Gin Style: Navy Strength Scottish Gin
Strength: 57% ABV
Goes great with: Neat over ice or served a slice of fresh ginger, ginger ale and ice.
Kintyre Pink Gin from Beinn an Tuirc Distillers is a Flavoured Scottish Gin crafted on the historic Torrisdale Estate at the Beinn an Tuirc Distillery using the renewable hydroelectric powered still.
Kintyre Pink Gin is a fresh, fruity and contemporary Scottish Pink Gin that combines classic botanicals with Scottish Raspberries and oats to create a naturally blushed spirit inspired by Scotland’s rich culinary traditions. The result is Kintyre Pink Gin balances bright berry sweetness with the clarity of traditional distillation, offering a modern twist while retaining the character and complexity of a carefully crafted Scottish Gin.
Kintyre Pink Gin brings together a harmonious blend of ripe Scottish Raspberry fruit, creamy oat softness and a clean juniper backbone. Supporting botanicals such as coriander, cassia, and angelica add depth, while citrus peels bring lift and freshness. This approachable Flavoured Scottish Gin is full of vibrant flavour, making it ideal for summer serves, spritzes and modern cocktails where berry-led character and gentle sweetness shine through.
On the nose, sweet, fresh Scottish Raspberry aroma supported by light juniper, soft citrus peel and a creamy oat nuance.
On the palate, juicy Scottish Raspberry notes lead, followed by balanced juniper, bright citrus and gentle coriander spice. A smooth, rounded texture from oats and almonds creates a soft, creamy mouthfeel.
On the finish, light, fruity and gently sweet. Raspberry lingers with a soft, herbal dryness and a creamy fade.
Key Botanical(s): Scottish Raspberries, Oats
Gin Style: Flavoured Scottish Gin
Strength: 40% ABV
Goes great with: A few raspberries, tonic and ice.
Kintyre Citrus Gin Calvados Cask Aged Edition starts life as a citrus-forward gin before being rested in an ex-Calvados cask, allowing orchard-fruit character and gentle oak influence to develop naturally. The cask introduces layers of baked apple, soft vanilla, and warm spice that integrate with the gin’s bright citrus profile, adding depth and texture while preserving the clarity of the original spirit. The result is a refined cask-aged gin that bridges fresh citrus vibrancy with the mellow richness of French apple brandy wood.
On the palate, the Calvados cask softens and rounds the citrus-led structure of the base gin. Juniper remains central, supported by lemon and pink grapefruit peel, while the barrel contributes subtle sweetness, orchard fruit notes, and a smooth, warming mouthfeel. Balanced and expressive, this edition showcases how time in wood can enhance citrus-forward gin without overwhelming its botanical identity, offering a contemplative yet refreshing Scottish cask-aged gin.
On the nose, bright citrus oils rise first, led by pink grapefruit and lemon peel, followed by clean juniper. Soft orchard fruit, baked apple, and gentle vanilla emerge from the Calvados cask, adding warmth and depth.
On the palate, citrus remains lively and defined, with juniper providing structure. The cask influence introduces rounded apple sweetness, subtle oak spice, and a creamy texture that smooths the mid-palate without dulling freshness.
On the finish, long, warming, and elegant. Lingering citrus zest fades into soft apple, vanilla, and gentle oak spice, finishing clean with a lightly dry, orchard-led echo.
Key Botanical(s): Calvados Cask Influence (apples, vanilla, spice), Lemon Peels, Grapefruit Peels
Gin Style: Cask Aged Scottish Gin
Strength: 40% ABV
Goes great with: A twist of lemon peel, tonic and ice or neat over ice.
Kintyre Oak Aged Botanical Gin from Beinn an Tuirc Distillers is a Cask Aged Scottish Gin crafted on the historic Torrisdale Estate at the Beinn an Tuirc Distillery using the renewable hydroelectric powered still.
Signature Kintyre Botanical Gin is matured in American oak bourbon barrels for several months, allowing the wood to impart warmth, softness, and depth. The ageing process enriches the Kintyre Botanical Gin citrus-woodland botanical character, layering notes of vanilla, toasted oak, and mellow spice over the spirit’s naturally fresh, herbaceous profile. The result is a refined and textural Scottish Cask Aged Gin that showcases how cask influence can complement rather than overshadow the original botanical structure.
On the palate, the oak brings gentle sweetness and rounded texture, softening the juniper-led backbone of the base gin. Earthy undertones from Icelandic moss and the natural tartness of sheep sorrel remain present, now joined by the subtle vanilla, caramel, and warm spice tones drawn from the cask. The barrel maturation adds depth while preserving the clean, balanced character that defines the Kintyre gin range, making this expression ideal for sipping neat or enjoying in spirit-forward serves.
On the nose, soft vanilla and warm oak lead, supported by juniper brightness, citrus lift, and a faint woodland earthiness from the gin’s foraged botanicals.
On the palate, gentle spices with classic juniper and citrus peel are layered over mellow oak sweetness. Icelandic moss and sheep sorrel contribute subtle earthy-green notes balanced by soft caramel and vanilla from the oak cask.
On the finish, long, warming and delicately wooded, with lingering citrus, light spice and a gentle herbaceous echo carried by the original botanicals and the cask influence.
Kintyre Oak Aged Botanical Gin releases include: 2019 | 2024
The Gin Cooperative Awards for Kintyre Oak Aged Botanical Gin (2024 Edition) include:
• Silver - Cask Aged Scottish Gin Award 2024
• Highly Commended - New Scottish Gin Award 2024
• Highly Commended - Community Judges Award 2024
Key Botanical(s): Bourbon Cask Influence (oak, vanilla, spice), Icelandic Moss, Sheep Sorrel
Gin Style: Cask Aged Scottish Gin
Strength: 45% ABV
Goes great with: Neat over ice or served with ginger ale, a slice of fresh ginger and ice.
Isle of Gigha Coastal Gin from Beinn an Tuirc Distillers is a London Dry Scottish Gin crafted in collaboration with the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust, crafted on the historic Torrisdale Estate at the Beinn an Tuirc Distillery using the renewable hydroelectric powered still.
Isle of Gigha Coastal Gin was created to mark the trust's 20th anniversary. In 2002, the residents of the Isle of Gigha (pronounced Gee-a) formed the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust. They purchased the island, allowing the people who live there to manage and nurture the island, along with shaping its future. Located off the west coast of the Kintyre peninsula, the Isle of Gigha is known for its natural beauty, including pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and a variety of fauna, including stretches of machair.
Machair (Scots Gaelic for fertile plain") is only found in some specific parts of Scotland's west coast, predominantly in the Outer Hebridean islands and some parts of Ireland. This natural coastal habitat features low-lying grasslands rich in wildflowers and provides habitat for a wide range of animals, birds, and insects.
Isle of Gigha Coastal Gin celebrates the island's unique landscape and shores with island-inspired botanicals, including coastal elements such as sugar kelp and gorse harvested from the island’s shoreline, imparting a refreshing sea-mineral essence alongside herbal complexity. With each bottle supporting the Isle of Gigha community, the gin honours place, heritage, and sustainable craft distilling.
Isle of Gigha Coastal Gin opens with a crisp juniper backbone and bright citrus lift, quickly followed by coastal botanicals that evoke sea air and island heather. Gorse adds subtle floral warmth, while nettle and dandelion root contribute green, herbaceous notes, and mountain pepper adds a gentle spice. Sugar kelp introduces saline, maritime depth that lingers on the palate, making this coastal gin both evocative and versatile as a gin and tonic serve or as the base for contemporary, seaside-inspired cocktails.
On the nose, a bright coastal freshness rises first, mixing clean juniper with a gentle citrus lift. Soft floral warmth from gorse follows, supported by herbal green notes from nettle and a subtle mineral character from sugar kelp that hints at the island’s shoreline breeze.
On the palate, crisp juniper leads with clarity before opening into layered coastal botanicals. Sugar kelp introduces a delicate saline smoothness, while gorse adds floral sweetness, and mountain pepper brings a mild, warming spice. Nettle and dandelion root contribute fresh, earthy-green tones that echo the island’s wild landscape.
On the finish, refreshing and quietly complex, with lingering maritime salinity, a whisper of citrus, and a clean herbal fade. The final impression is dry, coastal, and delicately seasoned with soft spice and shoreline botanicals.
Key Botanical(s): Gorse Petals, Nettles, Sugar Kelp
Gin Style: London Dry Scottish Gin
Strength: 40% ABV
Goes great with: A wedge of grapefruit, tonic and ice.
Ceann Loch Citrus Gin from Beinn an Tuirc Distillers is a London Dry Scottish Gin crafted on the historic Torrisdale Estate at the Beinn an Tuirc Distillery using the renewable hydroelectric powered still.
Created to celebrate the opening of Hall’s of Campbeltown, a specialist bottle shop selling a range of wines and spirits, Ceann Loch Citrus Gin brings together bright citrus botanicals and classic juniper to produce a clean, fresh, modern Scottish Gin expression, it focuses on the vibrancy of pink grapefruit and lemon peel, pairing them with a traditional botanical core to create a gin that feels both energising and deeply refreshing.
Ceann Loch Citrus Gin balances lively citrus notes with the structural clarity of juniper and the soft herbal warmth of coriander. Fresh, zesty and well-defined, it offers an accessible style suited to a classic gin and tonic as well as more expressive citrus-forward cocktails.
On the nose, fresh pink grapefruit and lemon peel rise immediately, supported by clean juniper and a gentle herbal brightness.
On the palate, lively citrus takes centre stage, with pink grapefruit delivering a vibrant burst of flavour. Juniper and coriander add structure and balance, creating a smooth, refreshing profile with subtle warmth.
On the finish, bright, clean and zesty, with lingering citrus oils, soft herbal notes and a gently dry fade that leaves a crisp, invigorating impression.
Key Botanical(s): Lemon Peels, Juniper Berries, Pink Grapefruit Peels
Gin Style: London Dry Scottish Gin
Strength: 40% ABV
Goes great with: A wedge of pink grapefruit, tonic and ice.
Situated on the Torrisdale Castle Estate, the Beinn an Tuirc Distillery features the distillery, a gin school, a shop and a cafe restaurant. The distillery houses the Beinn an Tuirc still ‘Big Don’, a 230 litre Muller engineered still powered by the estate’s hydroelectric scheme, used to produce various gin expressions and other Scottish spirits.
Several experiences are available for visitors, including tours, tastings, and a Scottish Gin School experience. Visitors to the gin school can create a gin by blending pre-distilled distillates under expert guidance with one of the Beinn an Tuirc Distillery team.
The shop stock includes a variety of gins and spirits, gifts and branded merchandise. The cafe restaurant menu features wholesome snacks and lunches, often featuring seasonal ingredients from the estate’s walled garden and greenhouses and hot and cold drinks.
Please note distillery experiences may have changed since this information was published. Please check the booking link or brand website for the latest distillery experiences.
Tour: Yes
Gin School: Yes
Cafe: Yes
Shop: Yes
Booking: Learn more about Beinn an Tuirc Distillery experiences here
Learn more about Beinn an Tuirc Distillers by visiting the links below.
