An Angus gin maker has forged ahead with a move to a new premises which will allow it to triple its current production.
Gin Bothy, formerly located at Peel Farm, revealed its new headquarters on Saturday with an open day for gin fans at Garlowbank Smiddy, a former blacksmiths and forgemasters.
Located just outside Kirriemuir with picturesque views overlooking the Airlie Monument, the traditional, stone-floored Garlowbank Smiddy is the new home for Gin Bothy and the Bothy Larder.
The relocation represents an ambitious expansion for ‘accidental gin maker’ Kim Cameron for a business that has grown organically since 2013, in the midst of a global explosion of interest in craft drinks distilling.
The workshop facilities at Garlowbank Smiddy will allow the company to triple its current production.
Hilary Tasker from Taste of Angus said, “I am constantly impressed by the passion and enthusiasm local producers have for their food and drink.
“What Kim has done with Gin Bothy exemplifies this.
“Her ambition combined with her love of local ingredients has resulted in an amazing range of products and fantastic new premises.
“We wish her continuing success in her new venture and look forward to continuing to support this top class local business.”
The growing thirst for gin has caused a surge in the number of distilleries, with about 40 opening in 2016.
In 2010, there were only 116 distilleries in the UK, according to HM Revenue and Customs figure, but around 100 new distilleries have opened in the past two-and-a-half years alone, with Gin Bothy very much part of that movement towards craft products based on natural ingredients, local production, and established provenance and authenticity.
Annual gin sales smashed through the £1bn barrier for the first time in the UK last year, leading the drink industry to declare 2016 the “year of gin”.
About 40m bottles were sold in 2016, enough to make 1.12bn gin and tonics, or roughly 28 for every person of legal drinking age in the UK, according to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association.
