Caorunn Gin and Tristan Stephenson collaborate for World Gin Day

This June 10th – World Gin Day – we’re taking a closer look at the fantastic partnership between celebrated Scottish gin Caorunn, and renowned mixologist Tristan Stephenson, and their uniquely blended cocktails created especially for the event.

Master Simon Buley creates Caorunn’s signature flavour is thanks to locally foraged and hand-picked Celtic botanicals, which include coul blush apple, dandelion, heather, bog myrtle and rowan berry, infused on the Speyside hills surrounding the Balmenach Distiller. Pronounced ‘ka-roon’, it’s been entrusted to gin authority Tristan (author of the Gin Palace and founder of the award winning gin bar, The Whistling Shop) to create something distinct that makes the most of the botanicals within.

The two cocktails are perfectly balanced, so let’s get acquainted with the Mons Meg and Lainie, shall we?

Serving up a Scottish twist on the classic French 75, Mons Meg uses a distinct ingredient known as apple shrub, made by mixing together cloudy apple juice, cider vinegar and heather honey. The shrub is then mixed with Caorunn gin, opening up it’s crisp flavours, and topped with sparkling wine for a light effervescence. Named for Scotland’s most famous canon, Mons Meg, paying homage for the French 75 it was inspired by.

The Lainie is a fresh summer tipple, setting off the crisp Caorunn botanicals with tart apple and refreshing mint. These ingredients are combined with a light sparkling cider which accents the Coul Blush Apple notes in the gin, the bubbles lifting the wild botanical aromas. The name chosen for this unique sparkler is Lainie, from the old Gaelic word for ‘light’.

Speaking to Tristan Stephenson, he had a few words to share on the partnership:

As someone who appreciates natural flavours and aromas, it was a real pleasure to collaborate with Caorunn. There’s an unmistakable baked apple note on the aroma of Caorunn, which is sharpened up by a touch of juniper and then delicate florals. Those initially volatile elements quickly dissipate however, leaving a light and elegant spiced base.

I’ve been inspired by the gin master, Simon Buley and how he personally balances the botanicals in each bottle of Caorunn. I have followed in suit and focused on enhancing each of the five Scottish botanicals, in particular the apple to showcase the best of this Scotland gin.”

Echoing his sentiments, the Master Distiller Simon Buley went on to say this about Caorunn and Tristan’s collaboration with them:

“Cocktails are a great way to savour the foraged ingredients in Caorunn gin. By combining Caorunn with other natural ingredients, Tristan’s really been able to enhance the experience, providing you with an aromatic taste of the rolling Scottish Highlands in every sip. Caorunn is classically served with an apple slice and Tristan’s two superb cocktails take this idea to the next level.”

Worship Street Whistling Shop will be serving up these beauties on World Gin Day this June 10th, but if you would like to enjoy Caorann in the classic G&T form, we suggest a large bowl glass, plenty of ice, a premium tonic, and complemented with some slices of fresh green apple. Then simply sit back and enjoy the refreshing, clean, full-bodied aromatic drink with a long-lasting dry and crisp finish.