This gin is produced in the historic setting of Edinburgh’s Summerhall, a former veterinary school which began life (somewhat fittingly) as a brewery. It is now used as a community hub and arts centre.

When Summerhall Distillery opened in 2013, it was the first exclusive gin distillery to open in the city for 150 years.

The gin itself is inspired by an original Bombay recipe, dated to 17th of July 1947. This recipe remained a secret of the Pickering family for 66 years (Marcus Pickering, one of the distillery’s founders, inherited the recipe of a friend of his late father). This original recipe was robust and powerful, packed with flavours of spice and citrus. Pickering’s felt that a softer touch was required from a new gin in the 21st century.

As such, Matt Gammell, the distiller at Summerhall, created a giant bain-marie system for their 500 litre copper pot still (nicknamed ‘Gert’), which allows for slow, simmering distillation, revealing the botanicals’ softer side.

The botanicals used in this gin are juniper, coriander, cardamom, angelica, fennel, anise, lemon, lime, and cloves. Pickering’s is produced with a neutral grain base.

The final product offers flavours of bittersweet juniper, alongside subtle notes of earthy and grassy spice, juicy citrus, marzipan, menthol and liquorice. Pickering’s is bottled at 42% ABV for a touch more body and intensity.

A delightful gin with a superb history, this is subtle enough to enjoy over ice with a lemon twist. Pickering’s was a double gold medal award winner at the 2018 World Spirits Awards.

• Distillery / brand
  Pickering
• Country
  Scotland
• SKU
  035100