Isle of Bute Distillery has distinguished itself in the spirits market by producing world-class spirits that capture the essence of the island. The distillery is the result of a small team's dedication and passion, with some members native to Bute and others who have chosen the island as their home. Their craft is inspired by the scenic beauty of Scotland’s west coast and the wild places of Bute.
The journey of Isle of Bute Distillery began in 2018 when a group of friends while sailing around the island and reminiscing about past visits to Bute, realised the island lacked a distillery. They saw this as an opportunity to create something exceptional. Within a few months, armed with a 200-litre copper still and a couple of recipes, they began producing small-batch craft gin using locally sourced botanicals.
The distillery welcomed the public in the summer of 2020, and the Isle of Bute Gin Garden quickly became a favourite spot for both locals and visitors, who have shown great support for the venture. Always innovating, Isle of Bute Distillery looks forward to new projects, including Heather Gin, Oaked Gin, Scottish Tonic Water, Scottish Rum, and more, all while seeking new ideas and creative recipes.
Isle of Bute Distillery's range includes the world's first Oyster Gin, a maritime-inspired spirit with citrus notes, enhanced by the savoury taste of Scottish oyster shells from Loch Fyne. It's a gin that pairs wonderfully with seafood and makes an ideal base for a martini. Their Gorse Gin, crafted with yellow gorse flowers from Mount Stuart Estate, offers a floral nose with hints of coconut and vanilla. The Heather Gin, infused with wild heather from the island, presents a bright, floral aroma with a citrus finish.
The Island Gin expresses the best of Bute, combining herbal notes with pineapple and mint for a tropical taste, while the Oaked Gin, aged in Scottish whisky barrels, blends vanilla, raisins, and stone fruit for a nod to Scotland's rich distilling history. Calum’s Cabin Gin, supporting a local charity, features thistle root for a rich, spicy, and earthy flavour.
Dead Run Rum, handcrafted in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute, is a premium spiced rum that embodies maritime adventure with its warm fruit aromas and cinnamon spice over vanilla and caramel sweetness, appealing to all gin or whisky enthusiasts.