

Take a group of five strangers who met on a Scottish Island, a shared love of gin and a passion for the island they call home and what do you get? Isle of Cumbrae Distillers. The distillery opened its doors in September 2020 and was established by Bronwyn Jenkins-Deas, Julia Dempsey, Lynda Gill, Philippa Dalton and Jenine Ward. With diverse nationalities including Canadian, American and British, the all female distilling team came together over a few gins and an idea to help raise funds to save Millport’s historic Town Hall building. It’s a commitment that brought the friends together and is still a cause that the friends and the distillery supports. As one of the few all-female distilling teams in Scotland, the distillery plans to not only offer tasting events but also tours that focus on the important women who play a role in the world of distilling.
Located on the West Coast of Scotland, Isle of Cumbrae is just short 8-minute ferry ride from the mainland town of Largs. Surrounded by an ever-changing sea and magnificent views of the surrounding islands, its main town of Millport embodies the typical small Scottish island community, with a historic Victorian town centre, dotted with a range of shops and pubs, overlooking the picturesque harbour.
Isle of Cumbrae Distillers signature gin, Nostalgin, celebrates the strong emotional connection and nostalgia Millport holds in so many people’s hearts, especially those who spent their childhood summers on the island in the 50’s and 60’s. The main botanicals of lavender, bramble and orange combine to capture the feeling of relaxation and calm that people experience on the 8-minute ferry ride to the island.
Key Botanical(s): Lavender, Bramble, Orange
Gin Style: Distilled
Strength: 43% vol
Goes great with: A slice of orange, tonic and ice.
The Isle of Cumbrae distillery can be found on the harbour front of Millport. The distillery is home to a traditional Portuguese alembic still. The distillery also features a shop that stock a selections of products and gifts. The distillery is not currently open for tours although the shop is open to members of the public and there are plans to introduce tours and tastings in the near future.
Tour: No
Shop: Yes
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