Stirling’s SpiritFEST is right now in full swing, running from the 28th October through to the 6th November, book-ended by the back to back weekends of the Stirling whisky and gin festivals.
This weekend coming, the 8th Stirling Gin Festival will take place at the historic Golden Lion Hotel in the centre of the town, offering lots of exclusive and new release gins for guests to try.
There will be wide range of craft distilleries attending, including Independent drinks distributor Indie Brands who will be bringing Silent Pool to the Gin Festival for the first time. Made in Surrey with 24 botanicals, Silent Pool Gin is an award-winning classic London Dry with a contemporary twist.
Coming from the opposite direction, all the way from the Outer Hebrides, the Isle of Harris Distillery will also be there for the first time on Saturday 5th November, with their popular sugar kelp infused Harris gin.
Edinburgh-based Rutland Square is the world’s first Chai-spiced gin and will be a new brand at the event. Named after the home of the Indian Consulate in Edinburgh, the premium craft gin draws inspiration from the East and includes a blend of 14 of the finest botanicals, including Oolong white tea, giving the gin a sweet and unique taste.
Another new product for this year is Fassfern’s Highland Gin, offering a taste of the Highlands with their heather and pine infused creation. With citrus notes of orange and lemon, Grains of Paradise, cardamom and a hint of exotic spice from pink peppercorn, it’s one not to be missed.
Purist Gin, the multi-award-winning Glaswegian gin company, have just released their latest limited-edition bottle of Purist Art gin. Each new batch made features an independent Scottish artist on the label, and for Christmas 2022 Purist’s gin will feature a piece called ‘Tinsel Tango’ by renowned Scottish artist Alexander Millar.
Purist owner Bruce Walker said: “This is a huge collaboration for us and there are only #495 bottles available so it’s a huge reason for visitors to come and see us at the gin festival!”
Stirling’s own Distillery will launch its seasonal, apple and cinnamon infused spicy Winter Gin at this year’s gin festival – one for the cold nights to keep you warm, ideally served in a gin and tonic garnished with orange peel and cinnamon stick or mixed with spicy ginger beer or in a gin hot toddy.
Over the course of Stirling SpiritFEST there are a range of drinks-based events, including a rum masterclass from Matugga Rum Distillery on 3rd November. Full details can be found at www.stirlingspiritfest.com.
