Dark Art Distillery official opened in July 2021 with the launch of its signature Sky Garden Gin. Established by Andrew Clark Hutchison in the small town of Kirkcudbright, Andrew has long family ties to the area and is the fifth generation of his family to live and work in the town. The distilling team at the distillery is led by Fiona Williamson, a graduate of Heriot-Watt University’s Institute of Brewing and Distilling.
Sitting on the edge of the Galloway Forest Park, the distillery takes inspiration from the park itself, which at night becomes one of the darkest places in Europe for star gazing. Kirkcudbright has also been a magnet for artists since the 1800s, including home to members of the ‘The Glasgow Boys and Girls’ art movement. Set in a refurbished primary school that had been left derelict, the distillery sits alongside a number of other businesses who share the site including the Dark Space Planetarium and a number of art studios. Many of the original school features remain including the original clock tower and chalk boards.
Dark Art Distillery’s signature Sky Garden Gin is a classic London Dry Gin flavour profile. Combining piney juniper, vibrant citrus and other classic gin botanicals, Sky Garden Galloway Gin also features a number of night blooming floral botanicals.
Key Botanical(s): Grapefruit, Gorse, Calamint
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 42% vol
Goes great with: A slice of lime, tonic and ice.
Forming part of the larger site of the former primary School, the Dark Art Distillery houses a custom-built 450 litre Carl still named ‘Peggy’ after Andrew’s grandmother who hailed from Kirkcudbright. The distillery provides tours where visitors can learn more about the history of the area, history of gin and enjoy some samples. Tours last approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
Tour: Yes
Booking: Book a distillery tour here
You can learn more about the maker by clicking the links below.
