The story of Hendrick’s Gin came to life in the mid-1990s after William Grant & Sons Master Blender David Stewart, a secret gin aficionado, was sitting in his garden one summer day enjoying the quintessential cucumber sandwich admiring the aromas from his rose garden. He wondered if he could create a gin that captured these aromas and flavours. Charles Gordon, a direct descendant of William Grant & Sons founder, William Grant, had also been pondering the creation of a new Scottish Gin. Having previously purchased two rare stills at an auction in 1966, with both stills sitting unassembled in a warehouse for almost 40 years, Charles began work on the original Hendrick’s Gin distillery, which would house the Carter-Head Still dating from 1948 and the even rarer Bennet Still dating from 1860.
Working with Lesley Gracie, who had joined the liquid development team at Girvan in 1988 and had relocated from her native Yorkshire, David and Lesley began work on developing what would eventually become Hendrick’s Gin. Together, they worked through approximately 21 recipes before they arrived at the final botanical combination and an original flavour profile they were both pleased with. Working at the newly finished Hendrick’s Gin Distillery located in the Girvan Grain Distillery, David and Lesley were able to create two separate distillates using the two gin stills, which helped capture some of the more delicate flavours and aroma from the botanicals that would typically end up being destroyed or lost in the distillation process. These two distillates, which feature the same botanicals but differ in aromas, flavours and mouthfeel due to the different gin stills, are blended to create the final gin.
With the gin recipe finished, this new Scottish Gin from William Grant & Sons would need a name. The story goes that Janet Sheed Roberts, who lived to be the oldest woman in Scotland at 110 years old and the granddaughter of William Grant and Aunt to Charles Gordon, had a gardener at home in Dufftown. The gardener had a peculiar name that always stuck with Janet. The gardener’s name was Hendrick. With its original name, unique flavour profile, and eye-catching Victorian Apothecary-style bottle, Hendrick’s Gin officially launched in 1999.
Fast forward to the present day. At first glance the Girvan Grain Distillery might easily be mistaken for an industrial estate, with a labyrinth of steaming pipework, and the hustle and bustle of people and vehicles arriving and leaving through the main gates. But look closer and you might just spot an inconspicuous black wall with a tall, large wooden door. Behind this wall sits the Hendrick’s Gin Palace, which opened in October 2018 and is the brand home of Hendrick’s Gin and all its production. The Gin Palace is home to four Carter-Head Stills and eight Bennet Stills, including the original stills from the old Hendrick’s Gin distillery. The new additional stills have been carefully fabricated to match the original stills, down to the screws and bolts, with each still an identical replica of the original stills ensuring every batch of Hendrick’s Gin is consistent. Although the still designs over the years have been customised and upgraded to accommodate various safety features, all distillation is carried out manually using the same traditional methods Lesley used when she created the first batch of Hendrick’s Gin back in 1999.
Master Distiller Lesley Gracie can be found at the Hendrick’s Gin Palace, perfecting the next Hendrick’s Gin releases and overseeing the production of the signature Hendrick’s Gin. With several liquid developments stills available for product development, plus two greenhouses growing an array of tropical botanicals, a bar area, and more, the Hendrick’s Gin Palace is where distillation magic happens.
In 2025 Lesley Grace was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Scottish Gin Award by The Gin Cooperative, recognising her valuable contribution to the world of Scottish Gin and dedication to the art of distillation.
Hendrick’s Gin with it’s apothecary style packaging, distinct flavour profile, cucumber garnish and at the time of its release innovative distillation process that blends two distillations from two different gin stills, plus quirky marketing has helped Hendrick’s Gin become an iconic Scottish Gin in the world of gin. Still produced in 500 litre batches, Hendrick’s Gin features eleven botanicals including angelica root, Bulgarian Damask rose petals, caraway seeds, chamomile, coriander seeds, cubeb berries, cucumber, juniper, lemon peels, orange peels and orris root.
On the nose, fresh and floral notes with delicate rose with a hint of crisp cucumber.
On the palate, gentle piney juniper melds into floral and zesty citrus before moving into earthy and spicy undertones with hints of refreshing cucumber.
On the finish, long and lingering finish leads with florals and herbs before finishing with a crisp, refreshing cucumber note.
Key Botanical(s): Bulgarian Rosa Damascena, Cucumber, Juniper
Gin Style: Distilled Scottish Gin
Strength: 41.4% ABV
Goes great with: Three slices of cucumber, tonic and ice.
Hendrick’s Oasium Gin is the eighth limited edition expression released as part of Master Distiller Lesley Gracie’s “Cabinet of Curiosities” series of Hendrick’s experimental Scottish Gins. The inspiration for Hendrick’s Oasium Gin was Lesley’s visit to a desert oasis where she discovered an array of exotic and unique plants and fauna growing thanks to the natural desert phenomenon of the oasis. Hendrick’s Oasium Gin botanicals include a selection from the signature Hendrick’s Gin and a secret selection of desert and oasis inspired fruits and herbs reminiscent of chervil, dates, guava, marjoram, mulberry and papaya.
On the nose, tropical fruit salad with gentle hints of rose and florals.
On the palate, bold piney juniper is married with ripe peaches and candied orange peels that transition to notes of dried dates and sweet, tangy guava with some herbaceous spice.
On the finish, blends citrus notes of tart grapefruit, herbs and a hint of liquorice.
Key Botanical(s): Several secret key botanicals
Gin Style: Distilled Scottish Gin
Strength: 43.4% ABV
Goes great with: A slice of cucumber, tonic and ice.
Hendrick’s Sunspell Gin, a duty free travel exclusive release, is the seventh limited edition Hendrick’s Gin expression released as part of Master Distiller Lesley Gracie’s “Cabinet of Curiosities” series of Hendrick’s experimental Scottish Gins. The inspiration for Hendrick’s Sunspell Gin was the sunsets on the west coast of Scotland, specifically Girvan, home to the Hendrick’s Gin Palace where Master Distiller Lesley Gracie spends her evenings looking over to the majestic Ailsa Craig. This sizeable round mountain island dominates the skyline. Hendrick’s Sunspell Gin botanicals include a selection from the signature Hendrick’s Gin along with several secret botanicals.
On the nose, bright citrus and soft green spices.
On the palate, prominent aromatic spices complement the piney juniper before building into a burst of citrus.
On the finish, balanced spice and citrus elements, creating a refreshing and clean finish.
Key Botanical(s): Several secret key botanicals
Gin Style: Distilled Scottish Gin
Strength: 43.4% ABV
Goes great with: A slice of cucumber, tonic and ice.
Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret Gin is the sixth limited edition expression released as part of Master Distiller Lesley Gracie’s “Cabinet of Curiosities” series of Hendrick’s experimental Scottish Gins. The inspiration for Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret Gin was a 17th century French experimental spirit derived from the distillation of stone fruit that was said to liven up any soirées. Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret Gin botanicals include a selection from the signature Hendrick’s Gin and a secret selection of stone fruit and herbs.
On the nose notes of fresh apricots and sweet peaches with a subtle hint of rose and some juniper notes.
On the palate, juniper, orange, lemon and peaches before moving through to notes of apricots and deep plum with some florals and herbaceous notes.
On the finish, further stone fruit notes with cherry, apricot, light elderflower and a mild peppery note.
Key Botanical(s): Apricot, Elderflower, Peach
Gin Style: Distilled Scottish Gin
Strength: 43.4% ABV
Goes great with: A slice of cucumber, tonic and ice.
Hendrick’s Flora Adora Gin is the fifth limited edition Hendrick’s Gin expression released as part of Master Distiller Lesley Gracie’s “Cabinet of Curiosities” series of Hendrick’s experimental Scottish Gins. The inspiration for Hendrick’s Flora Adora Gin was flowers and fauna growing near the Hendrick’s Gin Palace. Lesley was fascinated by the pollinating insects who preferred some flowers and plants over others. These flowers and plants ended up as the key botanicals in Hendrick’s Flora Adora Gin. Although the exact floral botanicals are a secret, they are reminiscent of clover, honeysuckle, jasmine, lavender, lemon balm, peony, rosehip and thyme, combining wildflowers, meadow flowers and garden florals. These botanicals sit balanced alongside a selection of botanicals from the signature Hendrick’s Gin.
On the nose is a fragrant, bright, lively floral bouquet with hints of freshly cut herbs and citrus notes.
On the palate, light, elegant and florally forward with subtle herby complexity is balanced with a bright citrus burst. The palate also features a background of piney juniper, cucumber and rose.
On the finish, a refreshing blend of florals and herbs with a clean citrus note.
Key Botanical(s): Several secret botanicals
Gin Style: Distilled Scottish Gin
Strength: 43.4% ABV
Goes great with: A slice of cucumber, tonic and ice.
Hendrick’s Neptunia Gin is the fourth limited edition Hendrick’s Gin expression released as part of Master Distiller Lesley Gracie’s “Cabinet of Curiosities” series of Hendrick’s experimental Scottish Gins. The inspiration for Hendrick’s Neptunia Gin was the Scottish coastline beside the Hendrick’s Gin Palace. Hendrick’s Neptunia Gin botanicals include a selection from the signature Hendrick’s Gin and locally sourced coastal botanicals, including sea kelp, coastal thyme and extra lime peels.
On the nose, zesty citrus and fresh sea breeze with some green, herby notes. On the palate, zingy citrus bursts of grapefruit, lime and bergamot develop into coastal herbaceous notes with a touch of maritime salinity and savoury umami note.
On the palate, a background of piney juniper, cucumber and rose.
On the finish, notes of bright citrus balanced with a herby coastal note and subtle salinity before soft florals develop.
Key Botanical(s): Bulgarian Rosa Damascena, Cucumber, Coastal Thyme, Kelp Seaweed
Gin Style: Distilled Scottish Gin
Strength: 43.4% ABV
Goes great with: A slice of cucumber, tonic and ice.
Hendrick’s Amazonia Gin, a duty free travel exclusive release, is the third limited edition Hendrick’s Gin expression released as part of Master Distiller Lesley Gracie’s “Cabinet of Curiosities” series of Hendrick’s experimental Scottish Gins. The inspiration for Hendrick’s Amazonia Gin was Lesley's visit to South America in 2013. It was here she met not only Mr Charles Brewer-Carías, one of the world’s most respected explorers, she was also introduced to a host of fascinating flora and fauna. Exploring the Amazon rainforest and jungles of Venezuela, the experience left a lasting impression that inspires Lesley to this day. Hendrick’s Amazonia Gin botanicals include a selection from the signature Hendrick’s Gin and a variety of exotic florals and tropical fruit from the Amazon.
On the nose, bursts of fresh and vibrant topical citrus and hints of sweet florals.
On the palate, a juicy citrus burst followed by juniper and earthy notes that develops through the classic rose and cucumber associated with the signature Hendrick’s Gin before evolving into a rich, herbal spice.
On the finish, blends the floral and spice elements before a cooling fresh cucumber and citrus note emerges with gentle, earthy undertones. For every bottle sold, One Tree Planted, a non-profit organisation, will plant tree in the Amazon.
Key Botanical(s): Amazonian Flora, Bulgarian Rosa Damascena, Cucumber
Gin Style: Distilled Scottish Gin
Strength: 43.4% ABV
Goes great with: A slice of cucumber, a pineapple cube, tonic and ice.
Hendrick’s Lunar Gin is the second limited edition Hendrick’s Gin expression released as part of Master Distiller Lesley Gracie’s “Cabinet of Curiosities” series of Hendrick’s experimental Scottish Gins. The inspiration for Hendrick’s Lunar Gin was the evening aromas from the botanicals growing in the Hendrick’s Gin Palace greenhouses, where Lesley spends evenings tending to the many plants that have been carefully selected and nurtured for inspiration for future Hendrick’s Gin expressions. Hendrick’s Lunar Gin botanicals include a selection from the signature Hendrick’s Gin and a variety of night blooming flowers and aromatic spices.
On the nose, gentle and fresh florals reminiscent of sweet honeysuckle and jasmine.
On the palate, gentle jasmine and chamomile lead followed with light citrus florals before warming, delicate spices emerge.
On the finish, reminiscent of a complex spiced herbal tea that blends into earthy spices before a zesty citrus note.
Key Botanical(s): Cucumber, Floral Essences, Juniper
Gin Style: Distilled Scottish Gin
Strength: 43.4% ABV
Goes great with: A slice of cucumber and sprinkling of black pepper, tonic and ice.
Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice Gin is the first limited edition Hendrick’s Gin expression released as part of Master Distiller Lesley Gracie’s “Cabinet of Curiosities” series of Hendrick’s experimental Scottish Gins. The inspiration for Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice Gin was the fleeting beauty of a summer’s day, crafted to evoke the fragrant aromas of a midsummer garden in full bloom. Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice Gin botanicals include a selection from the signature Hendrick’s Gin and a variety of floral essences, including lavender, elderflower, orange blossom, peony and other summer florals.
On the nose, intense aromatic florals and freshly bloomed flowers.
On the palate, juniper and coriander are layered with lively citrus elements balanced with light florals with distinct red berries notes that develop into the refreshing signature rose and cucumber notes.
On the finish, light florals and citrus, leading to a piney, earthy note balanced with orange blossom.
Key Botanical(s): Elderflower, Orange Blossom, Peony
Gin Style: Distilled Scottish Gin
Strength: 43.4% ABV
Goes great with: A slice of cucumber, orange twist, tonic and ice.
Hendrick’s Orbium Gin, a limited edition release, was inspired by the question, “What would Hendrick’s taste like if it was designed for a more unusual, deeply complex drinking experience?” Master Distiller Lesley Gracie set out to create a new Hendrick’s Gin expression that was deeply complex in flavour whilst retaining some of the character of the signature Hendrick’s Gin. Hendrick’s Orbium Gin features the original eleven Hendrick’s Gin botanicals but with the addition of blue lotus blossom, wormwood and quinine. The blue lotus blossom is a psychoactive plant thought to have been used medicinally by the Mayans and Ancient Egyptians. Quinine is the key botanical in tonic water and wormwood is a key botanical in vermouth and absinthe.
On the nose, herbal and floral with hints of cucumber and rose are paired with woody, earthy notes.
On the palate, an initial fresh cucumber note develops into complex herbs with a dry, bitter note before developing further into a delicate floral sweetness.
On the finish, provides a distinct bitter tang, evolving into herbals and florals with citrus and spice at the end.
Key Botanical(s): Blue Lotus Blossom, Quinine, Wormwood
Gin Style: Distilled Scottish Gin
Strength: 43.4% ABV
Goes great with: A slice of cucumber, tonic and ice.
Opened in October 2018, the Hendrick’s Gin Palace is a place of work, wonder and fun. Within the William Grant & Sons Girvan Grain Distillery, Hendrick’s Gin Palace features two still houses and six stills, including four Bennet stills and two Carter-Head stills. The Gin Palace also features a laboratory for experimentation and innovation and two Victorian-style greenhouses used to grow and nurture botanicals for possible use in future Hendrick’s Gin expressions. Distillery tours are by invitation only as the Hendrick’s Gin Palace is not open to the public.
Tour: No
Gin School: No
Cafe: No
Bar: No
Shop: No
Booking: Not open to the public.
Learn more about Hendrick’s Gin by visiting the links below.
