Competition seeks cocktails that reflect a sense of place
BARTENDERS are being tasked with creating a cocktail that reflects the dramatic Caithness coastline in a new competition for Rock Rose Gin.
Mixologists have until midday on 20th September to submit an original recipe to social media using the hashtags #RRGcocktail and #ISGD (for International Scottish Gin Day, which takes place on 2nd October).
A shortlist of entries will then be selected by a judging panel that includes Claire and Martin Murray, owners of Rock Rose producer Dunnet Bay Distillers; a representative from SLTN; and Martin and Natalie Reid, co-founders of The Gin Co-operative.
Judges will then choose a winner, before the public are asked to vote for a separate ‘Consumers’ Choice’ winner.
Shortlisted bars will have a week to encourage their customers to vote via social media.
The creators of the winning cocktails will receive six bottles of Rock Rose gin, with their venue receiving a case of the gin as well.
Shortlisted candidates will each receive a bottle of the spirit.
Claire Murray, co-founder and co-owner of Dunnet Bay Distillers, said: “We are thrilled to be involved in International Scottish Gin Day and applaud The Gin Co-operative for initiating this annual event.
“Scottish Gins are renowned throughout the world. Rock Rose Gin alone sells in 24 countries. We so look forward to seeing the entries from creative mixologists in Scotland and beyond.”
Fellow Dunnet Bay Distillers co-founder and co-owner Martin Murray added: “Our spirits capture many of the botanicals which grow around us on and near the Caithness coastline.
“Dunnet Bay Distillers is the UK mainland’s most northerly distillery, and we take pride in the environmentally-friendly nature of the business.
“We grow several of our botanicals, whilst others are foraged locally.
“Once used, they are returned to the soil by a local farmer.
“The coastline here is glorious and our team helps keep it pristine with monthly beach clean-ups.
“We use solar energy and carefully manage water use.
“Our gins are not just delicious and well made; the business is thoughtful in its approach to the environment.
“The winning cocktail needs to reflect this sense of place.”
