Fiona Newton, Heathmount Hotel Inverness
• How many gins do you stock?
Over 30 and adding.
• What’s the most popular gin in your bar right now?
Undoubtedly Isle of Harris Gin from the Western Isles.
• Do you find customers are asking for gins by brand name more often nowadays?
Absolutely. We now expect them to request a favourite gin or ask for a recommendation, in the same way customers have traditionally asked for a malt whisky.
• How often do you add a new gin to the back-bar and how do you choose it?
As soon as we hear about a new and exciting craft gin on the market we source it and put it to the test.
• What’s your personal favourite gin and why?
Rock Rose served over ice with a slice of orange peel or a sprig of rosemary and Fever-Tree tonic because it tastes so refreshing.
Gary Smith, Portsonachan Hotel Dalmally, Argyll & Bute
• How many gins do you currently stock?
We currently have 31 different gins available.
• What’s the most popular gin in your bar right now?
McQueen Gins are the most popular as they are pretty local. The new Loch Fyne gin is starting to take off too.
• Do you find customers are asking for gins by brand name more often nowadays?
Customers appear to ask for local products more than asking for gin by brand name.
• How often do you add a new gin to the back-bar and how do you choose it?
We add new gins as and when they become available, with most of the focus being on locally distilled gin.
• What’s your personal favourite gin and why?
Sorry, I’m not a gin drinker. My colleagues certainly prefer the McQueen range.
Matthew McKean, The Crown Inn Biggar
• How many gins do you stock?
We currently stock 41 gins.
• What’s the most popular gin in your bar right now?
The most popular at the moment is Edinburgh Gin followed closely by Hendrick’s.
• Do you find customers are asking for gins by brand name more often nowadays?
Yes, we have a very detailed drinks list on each table which describes each gin and how we would recommend it to be served. I feel that because of this the guests feel more confident in brand calling particular gins, as opposed to a few years ago where we would be asked for a gin and tonic.
• How often do you add a new gin to the bar and how do you choose it?
We look to add a new gin to our list every month or so. Our patrons ask for specific gins quite often, when that happens we look to source and add to our selection. We love gin so really enjoy trying new products on the market.
• What’s your personal favourite gin and why?
I really enjoy Bulldog Gin, Mediterranean Fever-Tree and a slice of pink grapefruit. The gin is punchy and full of flavour, the tonic is slightly dry and the grapefruit adds that refreshing bit of citrus.
