The Scottish Gin Awards is the one of the largest gin competitions in the UK and revealed its winners following a rigorous judging process involving 46 leading experts, the assessment of 63 written entries and the blind tasting of over 200 gins, all distilled in Scotland. Adam Hardie, chairman of the Scottish Gin Awards and Head of Food and Drink at Johnston Carmicheal, said: “The Scottish Gin Awards 2022 is a great opportunity to celebrate the many accomplishments of our industry over the last 12 months. In the highly sought after taste competition, 12 Gold Medals were presented with Caorunn, Edinburgh Gin, Holyrood Distillery and Isle of Bute each collecting two golds each. Leave any worries and stresses behind and enjoy a two-night romantic break together in gorgeous Glencoe. Adding to Orkney's already burgeoning brewing and distilling scene, Orkney Distillery, which can be found at Kirkwall, offers the island's first bespoke distilling experience.

Founded by the Wilson brothers, the gin school was designed to give not only an insight into how this unique spirit is created but also show how the botanicals sourced on the island play a key part in their particular gin's make up. The 1881 gin has been created by distiller Emma Millar, a graduate from the Brewing & Distilling MsC course at Heriot Watt University, together with Jamie Baxter, who is owner of Craft Distilling Services and who launched his first craft distillery in 2006.

Their Gin School is the largest residential gin school in the UK whereyou’ll find 26 individual copper stills neatly lined in rows and glass jars brimming with botanicals. A tour can be taken around the distillery, in which visitors can learn all about the history of Peebles Hydro, all things gin and can get up close to the school’s copper still (Felicity) which makes up to 220 bottles of 1881 gin every day. Budding distillers can also indulge in their own unique gin distiller experience, in which they can enjoy a distilling class, creating and crafting their very own gin. Full disclosure I’m an official supporter of International Scottish Gin Day and my bottle of Subtly Smoked gin was gifted, along with the competition prize* Visit 1881 Gin Distillery at Peebles Hydro Hotel The results have revealed a league table of the best-tasting gins and the winners will be announced at the annual Scottish gin industry event taking part in November.

The results are highly regarded as they are independently audited by a panel of experts and judged live in a rigorously assessed blind tasting event. They have created four premium gins including London Dry, Pavilion Pink and Subtly Smoked. The fourth gin, Navy Strength at 57% ABV is stronger than the others at 40%, and is named after the Dutch sailors of the 18th century who were known to drink gin for ‘Dutch courage’ before going into battle. The distillery offers a selection of tours and experiences to suit everyone: 1881 Gin Discovery tour Leave any worries and stresses behind and enjoy a two-night romantic break together in picturesque Perthshire. Surely the best part of learning about how gin is made is learning about where it comes from and what inspired the distillers to make it in the first place - and on the Isle of Skye, which surely one of the most beautiful parts of the country, it's readily apparent.Glimpse behind the distillery scenes with our masterclass in all things gin. We offer a range of distillery tours and experiences where you can try your hand at making your own bespoke blend of gin. Find out more here. In 1881, after three years of construction, Peebles Hydro was built to be a hydropathic hotel due to its very own private spring - Shieldgreen. Today, the draw is rather different: Shieldgreen now supplies the gleaming copper stills of their very own gin and tonic: 1881 Gin and Tonic 81. Found on the eastern shore of Loch Auchlossan, on the edge of the Cairngorm National Park, the Lost Loch Distillery school experience will give you access to a 5-litre alembic still and a large botanical library to try your hand at creating your own gin. Gin fans can take a look at this year's best Scottish gins after the finalists in the 6th annual Scottish Gin Awards were revealed.

Aimed at drinkers of all levels, the gin school features an in-depth look (and tasting of) at the distillery's own bottles, as well as the chance to make your own under the guidance of one of the team, with each guest personally selecting botanicals, running their own individual miniature copper pot still, and bottling and labelling the finished product - which they get to take home. Orkney - Orkney Gin School When it comes to accommodation in Scotland, there's a fantastic choice of amazing stays from luxury hotels to glamping getaways.They have created four premium gins including London Dry, Pavilion Pink and Subtly Smoked. The fourth gin, Navy Strength at 57% ABV is stronger than the others at 40%, and is named after the Dutch sailors of the 18th century who were known to drink gin for ‘Dutch courage’ before going into battle. To bring the best out of these premium gins, four tonic waters have also been created – Tonic 81. All using the same water source, these include Premium, Light, Pink grapefruit and Elderflower. Surrounded by gin, it’s where they do their best thinking so if you are looking to get creative in a space that nurtures experimental creativity or looking for private dining, drinks reception or even just a private gin school experience. At the peak of the popular hydropathic movement, it was this water which drew people in from all over the UK for its healing properties. Make a date to catch up on missed celebrations and enjoy a relaxing overnight stay at Ednam House. Birthdays, anniversaries, engagements – whatever the milestone, Ednam offers something for everyone.