The Highland Liquor Co. has grown from the village of Ullapool just as the village grew from the 1788 fishing station planned on the shores of Loch Broom. The original settlement, on Scotland’s West Highland coast, included a boat builder, a rope maker, a cooper, a blacksmith, a fish curer and a mason.
Several of these crafts survive to this day and have been joined by many new makers including The Highland Liquor Co. Back in 1791, the original settlers in the first seven dwellings sought to establish the village by generating growth and this drive continues in the community today. In the spirit of these original settlers, The Highland Liquor Co. are the creators of exceptional handmade spirits in the North West Highlands.
On the nose, rich, round aromatic notes of juniper, pepper with a noticeable hint of ripe plum. To taste, opulent notes of perfumed forest fruit and a suggestion of woodland. The juniper is assertive with spicy hints of coriander and pink pepper and a long, warm finish. With tonic, still allows gin to shine (1 part gin to 2 parts tonic) on the nose. Served with orange slice (massage oils from zest into gin). Palate is balanced with tonic softening the alcohol allowing the distinctive character of the gin to assert itself. To finish, fresh, clean G&T with balanced and elegant yet distinctive flavours of juniper, pepper, orchard fruit and a poised, spicy finish.
Key Botanical(s): Pink Peppercorns, Cubebs, Fresh Lemon Peel
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 43% vol
Goes great with: A slice of orange, tonic and ice.
Fisherman’s Strength is a nod to the distillery's home town of Ullapool, which has a thriving fishing community. This is a Navy Strength edition, coming in at 57% abv and it’s of no surprise to see the beautiful ombre bottle return, this time with a beautiful coastal blue hue. The flavour profile is described as juniper led with forest floor notes coming through and hints of ripe blueberry, cracked black pepper, pink pepper and a touch of spicy coriander.
Key Botanical(s): Pink Peppercorns, Cubebs, Fresh Lemon Peel
Gin Style: Navy Strength
Strength: 57% vol
Goes great with: A slice or twist of orange, tonic and ice or in an ice cold martini.
Ullapool Gin is described as a juniper led gin in the classic sense with the juniper at the fore underpinned with a herbaceous backbone along with punchy, spicy notes. A well balanced classic style gin that uses rowan berry, coriander, juniper along with other gin botanicals to create a well balanced, classic gin. The bottle features artwork by Ullapool based artist Charlotte Watters, both label and gin capture the essence of Ullapool, a warm, friendly place that combines natural beauty and a slice of Scotland.
Key Botanical(s): Juniper, Rowan Berry, Coriander
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 43% vol
Goes great with: A slice of orange, tonic and ice.
Isle Martin Gin 2020 Edition was created with the support of the Isle Martin Trust and uses botanicals foraged from Isle Martin, an uninhabited island in Loch Broom on the west coast of Scotland. Regeneration of the native woodland on the island started in the 1980’s, including the planting of juniper. It was in 2018, when the Highland Liquor Company was creating their signature Seven Crofts Gin, that they were approached by the Isle Martin Trust and asked to create a gin marking 20 years of the trust. The team spent 12 months foraging, drying and developing the final recipe which includes Juniper, Angelica Root, Burdock Root, Loganberry Flower and Bog Myrtle, creating a unique and limited edition Scottish Gin.
Key Botanical(s): Burdock Root, Loganberry Flower, Bog Myrtle
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 43% vol
Goes great with: A wedge of grapefruit, tonic and ice.
On the nose, aromatic notes of spice, wild herbs and juniper. On the palate, opulent sweet fruit notes with a spicy, juniper back bone. The assertive coriander and juniper character of the gin mixes nicely with your favourite tonic. Long lasting with an elegant citrus and aromatically spiced. Limited edition now sold out.
Key Botanical(s): Cubebs, Lemon Peel, Cardamom
Gin Style: Distilled
Strength: 43% vol
Goes great with: A slice of orange, tonic and ice.
On the nose, vivid notes of juniper, orchard fruit notes and aromatic pepper spice note. On the palate, spicy, crisp and assertive without tonic. With tonic, the coriander element mixes beautifully with the tonic whilst allowing the pink peppercorn and fruit notes to come through. A satisfying gin and tonic. Limited edition now sold out.
Key Botanical(s): Pink Peppercorns, Lemon Peel, Cardamom
Gin Style: Distilled
Strength: 43% vol
Goes great with: A slice of pink grapefruit, tonic and ice.
On the nose, scents of the forest floor with a twist of pepper and coriander spice and zesty citrus hint. On the palate, spicy, warm notes of coriander and cinnamon (perhaps a hint of curry powder) with a pleasing juniper and toffee character. With tonic the coriander and juniper come to the fore with a warm, spicy finish. Holds well with the tonic and an orange slice. A well flavoured gin to warm those winter nights (or days). Limited edition now sold out.
Key Botanical(s): Pink Peppercorns, Orange Peel, Cinnamon
Gin Style: Distilled
Strength: 43% vol
Goes great with: A slice of orange, tonic and ice.
Discreetly tucked away in the heart of Ullapool you’ll find the Highland Liquor Co. Distillery. All production aspects are undertaken at the distillery including distillation, bottling and labelling. The distillery houses two large, traditional style Alembic copper stills that are used to create Seven Crofts.
Tour: No
Shop: No
Booking: Not open to the public
You can learn more about the maker by clicking the links below.
