Dunnet Bay Distillers Rock Rose Smoked Orange Gin (700ml)

Considered to be one of the first in a new generation of craft distilleries in Scotland’s growing Gin sector; Dunnet Bay Distillery, home to the Rock Rose gins, is the UK's most northerly mainland distillery. Situated in the picturesque coastal region of Caithness in the village of Dunnet Bay, it was established Martin and Claire Murray in 2014 after a long-held desire to return to their hometown. 

Launched in July 2022 and delivering a delicious citrus burst, their Smoked Orange edition employs Lapsang Souchong tea adding smoky notes that enhance the zesty organic orange peel. Complemented by tangerine sage and lemon verbena, other botanicals include cassia, liquorice, water-mint and bilberries. Like the rest of the range, this little treat comes presented in the brand's iconic Rock Rose porcelain bottle - so pretty, you'll want to keep it! 41.5% Alc./Vol.

Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Subtle hints of smoke lie underneath zingy citrus notes. PALATE: The clean pine smoke from Lapsang Souchong tea excites the tastebuds and, as it settles, a candied sweet orange rises through. FINISH: The finish is long as the deep rich smoke lingers on the palate. The fresh citrus notes of lemon verbena and tangerine sage resolve into a sweetness on the back of the tongue.

Other reviews... My overwhelming opinion at the end of sampling the Smoked Orange Edition is that this is an effort to truly be applauded. Here is a flavour profile that has been born out of wanting to step out of a comfort zone, which it achieves tenfold. At no point does the gin wobble from the tightrope of balance in to aggressiveness or overly assertive individual components. Rather, everything has its place and its reason for being. - theginshelf.uk/