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.
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. To nose, floral with fruity citrus notes. On the palate, lavender, bramble, orange and piney juniper. To finish, fresh with lasting citrus.
Key Botanical(s): Lavender, Bramble, Orange
Gin Style: Distilled
Strength: 43% vol
Goes great with: A slice of orange, tonic and ice.
Croc Rock Gin celebrates Millport's Crocodile Rock, one of the most recognised symbols of the island for over 100 years. The gin's main botanicals of Cacao, stem ginger and orange symbolise the love locals have for the Croc, while at the same time recognising the potential danger of his bite. Every visitor to Millport has special moments and memories of Crocodile Rock. For the distillery team, Croc Rock truly symbolises the spirit of Millport and the gin is made to capture this magical spirit. To nose, sweet warm citrus. On the palate, chocolate, ginger, orange and piney juniper. To finish, complex with citrus and slightly peppery heat.
Key Botanical(s): Cacao Nib, Orange, Ginger
Gin Style: Distilled
Strength: 43% vol
Goes great with: A julienne of fresh ginger, light tonic and ice.
The third in the range of gins from Isle of Cumbrae Distillers is a very local, community focussed gin, entitled Restoration Gin. A portion of sales go to the Millport Town Hall restoration project, something the team are very passionate about, having been inspired to make gin that would raise funds to save the Town Hall in the very first place, before the idea for their distillery was even born. The taste of the gin is deep and fruity having used Pineapple, Mango and Elderberry in the distillation. To nose, deep and fruity. On the palate, pineapple, mango, piney juniper and peppery tones. To finish, fresh with rich fruit notes.
Key Botanical(s): Pineapple, Mango, Elderberry
Gin Style: Distilled
Strength: 41% vol
Goes great with: A slice of pineapple, light tonic and ice.
This special edition to the Isle of Cumbrae Distillers range is called Maura meaning ‘Star of the Sea’ and celebrates Scotland’s women and west coast. The team worked with Scottish painter Hope Blamire Artist to create something which pays tribute to the legends, stories and history of Scotland; a design fitting of their business and special island location. To nose, light and fruity. On the palate, sweet berries and piney juniper with notes of orange and grapefruit. To finish, fresh and light with a fruit finish.
Key Botanical(s): Raspberry, Blaeberry, Red Clover, Elderflower
Gin Style: Distilled
Strength: 43% vol
Goes great with: A slice of orange or pink grapefruit, 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 selection of products and gifts. The distillery is open to the public with gin tours and tastings available on selected days. The tour not only covers the fascinating history of gin, but ties in the colourful smuggling stories of the Clyde and the history of Millport, as well as their own persona; story behind the all-female distillery business.
Tour: Yes
Shop: Yes
Booking: Book a tour and tasting here
You can learn more about the maker by clicking the links below.
