From Garden to Glass: August in Our Scottish Gin Garden

Harvesting hollyhocks, violets, and grapes — how sustainability and seasonal botanicals shape the flavour and colour of our gins.

Despite the dry August we’ve had, our garden is still full of colour, fragrance, and flavour. The plants continue to give generously, and every day we gather fresh petals and herbs that will inspire our spirits and gins. Our cover photo shows the echinacea planted in front of our beehives flowering this month.

Source of Natural Colouring used in the Distillery

  This month we’ve been harvesting an abundance of black hollyhock petals and violets, both of which bring vibrant natural colour and delicate flavour to our distillations. These flowers are especially important for us because they create the base for our gins’ beautiful natural hues. The pigments in the petals react to changes in pH – so when you add tonic, the colour transforms. It’s a little bit of garden science in your glass, and a perfect example of how nature inspires the magic behind our colour-changing gins.

Our Gardeners' Work is Never Done

The lavender has now finished flowering, and we’ve begun trimming it back – removing the spent flower stalks not only keeps the plants tidy but also encourages a stronger, more bountiful bloom next summer.

The Apothecary rose has also had its seasonal cut. As an entirely natural garden, we never use herbicides or pesticides; instead, we rely on the plants’ own resilience and careful stewardship. By pruning after flowering, we encourage healthy new growth, allow good airflow between shrubs, and help prevent mildew. Before the colder months arrive, we’ll mulch with rich organic matter to protect and feed the roots – a simple, sustainable practice that nurtures the soil as much as the plants themselves.

Meanwhile, in the glasshouse, our vines are heavy with ripening grapes. This year promises a record harvest, with the fruit destined for our vermouths and Pinot Noir Gin. It’s a perfect example of how the garden and the glass are intertwined, each season shaping the flavours of our spirits. This garden-to-glass philosophy is at the very core of our distillery – every bottle of our Scottish gin begins with what we grow and tend by hand.

An Eco-friendly Garden

The garden is still alive with pollinator-friendly plants too. The paths are lined with flowering sages and wildflowers continue to add colour and scent for our visitors and tour guests, while the echinacea are buzzing with bees. Wandering around the garden is a reminder that every bloom, no matter how small, plays a role in the ecosystem we’re nurturing.

Our sustainable garden is at the heart of everything we create. From seasonal gins to limited releases, each botanical has its moment to shine – rooted in nature, crafted with care, and harvested by hand.