Esker Spirits is Royal Deeside’s first gin distillery and was founded in October 2015 by husband and wife Steven and Lynne Duthie. A keen interest in gin evolved into nearly two years of experimentation with a one-litre copper still in their kitchen. An empty workshop at the bottom of the garden became the first Esker distillery with one goal – to produce premium spirits with a real taste experience for the consumer.
In the summer of 2016, thanks to the growing popularity of Esker Gin, Steve and Lynne decided the time was right to find a permanent home for the business and distillery. The search began for new premises, and in early 2017, the distillery relocated to the Kincardine Estate on Royal Deeside. Steve and Lynne knew the estate well, with Steve tapping the estate’s Silver Birch trees for their silver birch sap, a key botanical in several Esker spirits.
A multi award winning gin produced on the Kincardine Scottish Highland Estate. A classic gin with enhanced flavours, complimented by mixers and garnish, not defined by them. With over a dozen botanicals, it is a classic but distinctive full flavoured gin distilled in a traditional copper pot still.
Key Botanical(s): Silver Birch Sap, Pink Peppercorns, Rosehip
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 42% vol
Goes great with: Orange peel, tonic and ice.
This gin is based on the multi award winning Esker Gin but with the addition of honey and additional spices for a warming twist, not unlike a spiced Old Tom style of gin. What was originally a limited edition gin known as Esker Honey Spiced is now part of the core range due to its popularity. Can be served with tonic or ginger ale.
Key Botanical(s): Honey, Silver Birch Sap, Pink Peppercorns
Gin Style: Distilled
Strength: 40% vol
Goes great with: Orange peel, ginger ale and ice.
Signature Esker Gin is infused with honey and a blend of festive spices and botanicals including cinnamon, nutmeg and citrus peels to create Esker Christmas Gin, a seasonal limited edition Scottish Gin. The nose and palate delivers a bright burst of aromatic festive spices, with the palate also adding an extra layer of sweetness and warming spice across the palate and finish.
Key Botanical(s): Honey, Cinnamon, Nutmeg
Gin Style: Distilled
Strength: 40% ABV
Goes great with: Neat over ice or ginger ale and ice.
Distilled using classic Esker Gin botanicals including silver birch sap, pink peppercorns, rosehip along with mint. The flavour profile delivers juniper upon first taste, which transitions into a slight spice before a long, fresh, minty finish. Well balanced and refreshing, Silverglas premium gin is a modern classic gin.
Key Botanical(s): Juniper, Mint
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 40% vol
Goes great with: A sprig of mint, tonic and ice.
Distilled using classic Esker Gin botanicals including silver birch sap, pink peppercorns, rosehip along with fresh Scottish Raspberries. The flavour profile delivers juniper upon first taste, which transitions into fresh, bright raspberries on the finish. A modern flavoured gin that is well balanced and refreshing, Silverglas Scottish Raspberry Gin gets its pink hues from mother nature and not artificial colourings or additives.
Key Botanical(s): Scottish Raspberries, Juniper, Silver Birch Sap, Pink Peppercorns
Gin Style: Flavoured
Strength: 40% vol
Goes great with: A handful of raspberries, tonic and ice.
Distilled using classic Esker Gin botanicals including silver birch sap, pink peppercorns, rosehip along with Valencian oranges. The flavour profile delivers juniper upon first taste, which transitions into a fresh and bold citrus from the Valencian oranges. A modern flavoured gin that is well balanced and refreshing, Silverglas Valencian Gin gets its orange hues from mother nature and not artificial colourings or additives.
Key Botanical(s): Valencian Oranges, Juniper, Silver Birch Sap, Pink Peppercorns
Gin Style: Flavoured
Strength: 40% vol
Goes great with: A slice or orange, tonic and ice.
The Esker Spirits Distillery was Aberdeenshire’s first gin distillery and was founded in October 2015 by husband and wife Steven and Lynne Duthie. Located on the Kincardine Highland Estate, Royal Deeside, the Esker Spirits Distillery sits atop of an Esker, a ridge created by a glacier and hence where the business and products get their name. With stunning views over Royal Deeside that capture the Cairngorms National Park and the River Dee, the distillery is a true rural distillery that produces spirits directly influenced by the terroir. The distillery is kitted out with two traditional copper pot stills.
Tour: No
Shop: No
Booking: Not open to the public.
Learn more about Esker Spirits by visiting the links below.