Caithness distillery marks 10 years in business with limited edition spirit

A far north distillery is raising a glass to 10 years in business by releasing a limited edition Caithness gin.

Martin and Claire Murray set up Dunnet Bay Distillers in August 2014, with their signature release, Rock Rose Gin, priding themselves on handcrafting spirits that celebrate the heritage and provenance of the county.

Their spirits use locally-foraged botanicals and are distilled by hand in bespoke copper pot stills, made by John Dore & Co Ltd, the oldest still maker in the world.

The approach has served them well, resulting in several industry awards over the last decade, including Martin winning the Outstanding Contribution to Scottish Gin at the the Gin Cooperative Awards 2023.

They are currently in the process of bringing the 200-year-old Castletown Mill back into use, renovating the dilapidated 19th-century building and converting it into a destination whisky distillery and visitor centre.

The two replacement roofs - one of Caithness flagstone and the other of Welsh slate - are almost complete, with the building expected to be fully watertight by the end of August.

To celebrate the company’s 10th anniversary, Dunnet Bay Distillers are releasing a celebratory, limited edition, Rock Rose Gin 10th Birthday Edition, complete in a beautifully illustrated ceramic bottle.

The couple explained: “Our special 10th Birthday Edition has been lovingly hand-distilled using our precious key botanicals, along with Caithness summer berries and vanilla, to create a celebratory Rock Rose Gin that’s perfect for raising a glass to toast our 10 years!

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“Our stunning intricate bottle design is a timeline which very cleverly wraps around the entire bottle, highlighting exciting moments in our ten years and making it a fitting tribute to our big day.”

The new release is described as “reminiscent of a Scottish summer meadow”, adding: “The nose of this limited edition is bursting with fresh strawberries and raspberries. On the palate warm juniper gives way to deliciously fruity notes rounded off with creamy vanilla. It finishes with delightful sweetness followed by smooth light notes of rose and lemon sherbet.”

Today, Dunnet Bay Distillers are key players on the Scottish spirits scene. Along with a range of Rock Rose Gin editions, from Navy Strength and seasonal editions to an Old Tom Pink Grapefruit and guest flavours, Dunnet Bay Distillers also offers a Holy Grass Vodka and a recently released Mapmakers Rum.

The company employs 18 staff and runs tours and tastings at the distillery, which is in a key location on the North Coast 500. It exports to countries across Europe and Asia and has recently won a US distribution deal with Barbera Imports with distribution secured in Texas, Arizona, Massachusetts, California, Florida and New Hampshire.

In the UK, its spirits are available in retailers and bars including Sainsbury’s stores in Scotland, Fortnum & Mason, Harvey Nichols and Cameron House, as well as Master of Malt and House of Bruar.

The limited run of Rock Rose Gin 10th Birthday Edition is priced £45 and will be released on July 31.

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