Craobh, pronounced Kroov, meaning tree in Scots Gaelic, was established in 2022 by award-winning graphic designer Michael Melvin, his nephew Liam Anstruther, who runs a successful mortgage brokerage and Michael’s long-time friend Paul Boyden, owner of a well-established engineering firm. Michael, Liam and their family visited a gin show in Glasgow in 2021 and were amazed at the variety of brands and gins available. Michael had worked with drinks brands through his design business and had always toyed with the idea of starting his own Scottish Gin brand. One evening, over a few gin and tonics, Michael discussed his idea of launching a Scottish Gin with his nephew Liam. A few days later Liam phoned his uncle, full of enthusiasm and an offer to be part of the business.
Michael knew Liam would be a great addition to the company, but he knew starting from scratch in the world of spirits would be a steep learning curve, so he contacted Paul Boyden, whom he knew would be another perfect fit with his business experience. Paul saw it as a unique chance to be involved with a new Scottish spirits business and an exciting opportunity to work alongside his long-time Michael and Liam.
Initially, the Craobh team worked with Darren Young at Illicit Spirits in Glasgow, who helped develop a range of recipes, initially focusing on the recipe for the signature Scottish Gin that features a line-up of classic gin botanicals alongside a variety of Scottish inspired botanicals. Darren and Craobh team then developed a fruit inspired recipe focused on the bright and summer flavours of clementines. Michael was also busy creating the branding and packaging. Because the Craobh team featured family and friends, Michael took inspiration from the idea of the brand being like a family tree. After some research, concepts and development the branding and packaging for Craobh was finished.
The Craobh team proudly launched their signature Craobh Scottish Dry Gin and Craobh Scottish Clementine Gin in November 2023. In February 2024, the Craobh team launched their third Scottish Gin, Craobh Scottish Berry Gin, which focused on red berry flavours.
In 2025, the Craobh team moved production to the Lost Loch Distillery in the heart of Royal Deeside in Aberdeenshire. The Lost Loch Distillery was known for its expertise in helping spirits brands with their recipe development and production alongside their industry and spirits business experience. The distillery also had a variety of environmentally focused processes and procedures, which the Craobh team saw as another positive. The Craobh team also saw this as an opportunity to refine the recipes for their signature Craobh Scottish Dry Gin and Craobh Scottish Clementine Gin with the help of Peter Dignan, the Master Distiller at Lost Loch Distillery.
With its three Scottish Gins and eye-catching branding and packaging, the Craobh team has grown a dedicated customer base. They are focused on growing the brand and increasing sales both in the UK and internationally, as well as exploring new Scottish Gins and spirits.
Craobh Scottish Dry Gin is the signature Scottish Gin from Craobh and features twelve botanicals. Botanicals include a selection of classic gin botanicals including angelica root, coriander, juniper, lemon and orange peel alongside a selection of Scottish inspired botanicals including bilberry, milk thistle and sea buckthorn. On the nose, vibrant citrus notes with some earthy notes. One the palate, juniper is balanced with light citrus and some earthy spices. The finish builds with notes of citrus before mellowing to a rich, drying spice note.
Key Botanical(s): Bilberries, Milk Thistle, Sea Buckthorn
Gin Style: London Dry Scottish Gin
Strength: 40% ABV
Goes great with: A twist of lemon peel, tonic and ice.
Craobh Scottish Clementine Gin from Craobh features a similar range of botanicals as the signature Craobh Scottish Dry Gin, with the addition of fresh and zesty clementines. Although the complete botanical line-up is a well-guarded secret, it has fresh, bright, and zesty citrus notes on the nose. On the palate, classic gin flavours are layered with zesty, refreshing clementines. The finish builds with notes of fresh citrus before developing some subtle earthy and spice notes.
Key Botanical(s): Clementines, Lemon Peel, Orange Peel
Gin Style: Flavoured Scottish Gin
Strength: 40% ABV
Goes great with: A slice of orange peel, tonic and ice.
Craobh Scottish Berry Gin from Craobh features a similar range of botanicals as the signature Craobh Scottish Dry Gin with the addition of fresh and fruity red berries. However, the complete botanical lineup is a well-guarded secret. On the nose, ripe summer fruits like strawberries and raspberries fuse with piney juniper with a subtle, slightly sweet note of honey. Summer fruits are prominent on the palate with hints of piney, earthy juniper, mild spices and citrus. The finish provides a final burst of summer fruits before fading into earthy, aromatic spice notes.
Key Botanical(s): Bilberries, Raspberries, Strawberries
Gin Style: Flavoured Scottish Gin
Strength: 40% ABV
Goes great with: A sliced strawberry, tonic and ice.
Learn more about Craobh by visiting the links below.