Luxury Scotland have created their very own Ultimate Gin Tour, a magical six-day journey around the hottest hotels and dreamiest distilleries in Scotland. A botanical triple-threat, this tasting sensation trip takes in three incredible hotels that each make their own unique gin. Home to many of the world’s best-selling gin brands, with 70% of the UK’s gin production, Scotland also has a thriving small-craft scene. Discover the best producers – from city-centre Edinburgh and the idyllic isle of Islay, to the North Coast 500’s breathtaking landscapes.
Each journey starts in Edinburgh with an airport or railway collection in a beautiful vehicle by Little‘s Chauffeur Drive. A private chauffeur is assigned to each guest during the trip.
Begin at The Dunstane Houses, a romantic family-run, five-star townhouse hotel, celebrating the owners Orkney heritage. Settle in to a two night stay with a welcome tray featuring a bottle of DunGin with tonics and garnishes, plus Orkney marshmallows and popcorn, before paying a visit to The Secret Herb Garden where the hotel DunGin is made. In the evening, enjoy an Orkney Gin Flight with tasting notes followed by a three-course dinner at Ba’ Bar, home to Edinburgh’s best selection of craft and artisan gins.
After a culture-filled city break, sink into the scenic drive through the west coast to catch the ferry to Islay and a two night stay at The Machrie Hotel & Golf Links, set on seven miles of pristine beach with a world class links course and a beautiful spa. Big skies, soaring eagles and famous smoky malts – Islay is also home to four artisanal gin distilleries. The Machrie Gin has been beautifully crafted using sorrel foraged directly from the hotel’s world-renowned dunes to create a unique and refreshing flavour. Savour it with a sunset beach picnic, bringing to life the island’s Hebridean spirit.
Once returning to mainland Scotland from the ferry, head further north along the stunning North Coast 500 route to the award-winning Torridon in Wester Ross, a Victorian shooting lodge – now a luxe resort – with kayaking, cycling and coasteering. Set at the head of a magnificent sea loch, The Torridon have their own gin, Arcturus, for which they created a special gin garden planted with all the botanicals required, from sea kelp to Scots lovage, and of course the pure loch water.
Round off this gin-immersive trip with another picturesque drive along the North Coast 500 heading North-East. On arrival, enjoy a bracing walk along the beautiful beaches to visit Dunnet Bay Distillers, wrapping up this sensational Scottish sojourn at the most northerly distillery in mainland Britain. Dunnet Bay Distillers make multi-award-winning Rock Rose Gin, recently given CoolBrands status due not only to the exceptional taste profiles of this range of gins but also because the distillery is run on eco-friendly principles. From its fully recyclable sustainable packaging to the fact that many of the botanicals are grown in the distillery’s own garden or foraged or sourced locally, this family-owned distillery is admired for its ethos. The gin sells in 24 countries and so visiting the source of the inspiration is a special treat. Visitors can enjoy the shop and also a tasting experience and distillery tour. Whilst there, check out Holy Grass Vodka, another award-winning spirit from this company.
Littles Chauffeur Drive will be happy to tailor your Ultimate Gin Tour according to your personal preferences. Airport transfers in a hybrid saloon car start at £76.00 + VAT with rates for a fully curated and personally tailored chauffeur driven tour over 7 days starting at £4000 + VAT, based on two people. Please email: reservations@littles.co.uk or call: +44 (0)141 883 2111 or +44 (0)131 334 2177.