Two Gin Distilleries in Two Days

Distillery One.

On the evening of Friday 27th September I was delighted to host A Scotch Malt Whisky Society members tasting in the visitor centre of The Stirling Gin Distillery, which sits just below Stirling Castle. The Society members not only had a grand tasting of some of the Societies single cask/cask strength malts, but got a fine tour of the Distilleries production area by a very enthusiastic Charlie.

Charlie finished his tour with an insight of how the distillery came into being. Finally all got a Gin and tonic with ice and lemon. 

At Stirling Gin Distillery they have loads on offer, including tours, tastings, masterclasses, drinks education and training and many seasonal events throughout the year.

On the 28th of October 2015 which is June and Cameron McCann’s 26th wedding anniversary they decided to do something completely different, they distilled their first bottle of Stirling Gin.

From that date the Distillery has gone from strength to strength with a range of gins’s including :-
Stirling Gin 70 cl 43% Alc/vol £34.95
Stirling Gin Battle Strength 50 cl 55% Alc/vol £34.95

The Folklore Collection, Liqueurs Green Lady 50 cl  25-28% Alc/vol £27.99 and Red Cap 50 cl 24-28% Alc/vol £27.99
A selection of minis and other gin paraphernalia are on display to purchase.

Now for something special – Join the Journey

For just £125 you will take ownership of: 

• A collector’s edition bottle of the very first gin to be legally distilled in Stirling, from our new home The Stirling Distillery;
• A fascinating tour for two at the state-of-the-art premises finished with a full sampling session;
• Your experience enshrined forever by having your name engraved on the bespoke glass panel at the heart of our new home;
• A commemorative certificateto make sure you never forget an unforgettable day out;
• Access to limited release, seasonal gin recipes created just for our members;
• The exclusive opportunity to invest in all future rum and whisky casks by receiving first refusal upon release.
  

The Stirling Gin Distillery is a must visit for all gin lovers, please visit their website for more information.

Distillery Two

On Saturday 28th September 2019, Whisky wife Jacqueline and I took a drive to Callander. We were just about to enter the town when I saw a sign saying McQueen’s Distillery 1 mile. I had heard of McQueens’ gin but never knew where it was distilled. So, when we left Callander we turned up the country lane and sure enough 1 mile later there was the Distillery.

Founded by Dale & Vicky McQueen in July 2015 and started with four premium gins in June 2016.

There is a lovely shop displaying their full range of gins and other gin related products.

The McQueen Gin core range was set out for tasting and these included:-

Super Premium Dry
Sweet Citrus
Smokey Chilli
Mocha
Chocolate Mint
Spiced Chocolate Orange

All are 50 cl , 42% Alc/vol and £20.00 per bottle.

An important note is that the gins are not flavoured by adding flavour to the gin. They are 100% distilled flavour with no flavour elements added after the gin leaves the still.

My go to gin taster, Jacqueline tasted the Super Premium Dry and also the Sweet Citrus loved them both so she had to buy a bottle of each.

Check out their website for full details of the Distillery, all their gin products and the history. Do not miss a visit when you next take a wee drive to Callander.

So in two days I managed two Grand Gin Distilleries, as a Whisky Boy I shall need to get back to Whisky.