This plant is associated with New Zealand and famed for its famous Manuka honey as the bees absolute love this plant. However, we have four huge Manuka shrubs growing here in our gardens surrounded by lavenders - they are absolutely covered in our honey bees at present as they are in full bloom - their tiny white flowers have the sweetest aroma which seems to call to the bees, they fly in what looks like a trance, to enlighten and drink the sweet nectar. These four large plants came from one cutting I was given about 10 years ago, they seem so happy and love the south-facing slope they are planted on.
We harvest the leaves which are also very aromatic, they are then placed in our drying room which they then receive the perfect conditions to allow these leaves to dry to perfection, capturing all the scents. These leaves are then added to the still along with the Juniper, Angelica Root, winter savoury and coriander seeds to be masterfully distilled to produce this intense, complex gin. There will be no other gin made with Scottish Mauka in the world - it is funny how Scotland doesn't grow Manuka but is popular in Cornwall - there is definitely a case that we here at the Secret Garden should grow so much more, they and the bees seem to love it here as I am sure you will love the results.
We harvest the leaves which are also very aromatic, they are then placed in our drying room which they then receive the perfect conditions to allow these leaves to dry to perfection, capturing all the scents. These leaves are then added to the still along with the Juniper, Angelica Root, winter savoury and coriander seeds to be masterfully distilled to produce this intense, complex gin. There will be no other gin made with Scottish Mauka in the world - it is funny how Scotland doesn't grow Manuka but is popular in Cornwall - there is definitely a case that we here at the Secret Garden should grow so much more, they and the bees seem to love it here as I am sure you will love the results.
