Isle of Bute Distillery is known for its top-quality spirits. It reflects the island's character. The team includes locals and newcomers, all inspired by the beauty of Bute and Scotland's west coast.
The distillery started in 2018. A group of friends, sailing around Bute, noticed there was no distillery. They saw this as a chance to make something special. They started with a 200-litre copper still and a few recipes, making craft gin with local plants.
In 2020, they opened to the public. The Isle of Bute Gin Garden became popular with locals and tourists. The distillery keeps coming up with new ideas. They plan to make Heather Gin, Oaked Gin, Scottish Tonic Water, Scottish Rum, and more.
Their range includes the first Oyster Gin. This spirit has citrus and the savoury taste of Scottish oyster shells from Loch Fyne. It's great with seafood or in a martini. The Gorse Gin, made with gorse flowers, has a floral smell with coconut and vanilla hints. The Heather Gin, with wild heather, offers a bright, floral smell and a citrus taste.
The Island Gin combines herbal, pineapple, and mint flavours for a tropical taste. The Oaked Gin, aged in whisky barrels, has vanilla, raisins, and stone fruit. It honours Scotland's distilling history. Calum’s Cabin Gin, helping a local charity, features thistle root for a rich, spicy, and earthy taste.
Dead Run Rum, made in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute, is a premium spiced rum. It has warm fruit smells, cinnamon spice, vanilla, and caramel sweetness. It appeals to gin and whisky fans.