Review

Glen's Gin

Glen Catrine Ltd., Catrine, Ayrshire (Loch Lomand Distillers, Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire), Scotland, UK.

Loch Lomand Distillery.

Loch Lomand Distillers are a large family run business, established in 1842 by Gabriel Bulloch, partnering with Glasgow based JH Dewar. As this wholesale company grew (expanding beyond the supply of just Whiskey to include Gin and Vodka), they required a bottling plant and subsequently set up the Glen Catrine Bonded Warehouse Ltd. By this time Gabriel Bulloch had died, with the company run by his son Alexander (Sandy) Bulloch (the current chairman) as A. Bulloch & Co. Ltd. By 1985 the supply of Whisky was harder to find to meet demand and a malt distillery, Loch Lomand Distillery Co. Ltd., was purchased (based by the River Leven, at the southern end of Loch Lomand). They also obtained Glen Scotia Distillery in Cambeltown, Argyll, Scotland. This is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland, but with less than 6 employees, it is one of the most efficient.

Today Loch Lomand Distillers is the second largest family owned distiller in Scotland. Their Glen’s Vodka is thought to be the second largest selling Vodka in the UK and this led to their sister spirit, Gen’s Gin, being produced (we think in 2005).

How this Gin is made is undisclosed.

The Gin is presented in a tall clear rectangular bottle with a long blue and white label. At the top it shows a line drawing of the Houses of Parliament in London, including the famous clock tower of “Big Ben”.

London Dry Gin.

37.5% (75 Proof).

$$ - $$$. Not available in the USA. Try Master of Malt in the UK but prepare to pay an additional 50% for shipping.

Unknown.

Unknown, although it could be named after Glen Catrine or Glen Scotia (if made at this distillery). Alternatively it could just be used as the Scottish word, meaning valley, to indicate it’s Scottish origins.

On the nose are pine (juniper), floral notes, light peppery spice and alcohol. This is replicated on the palate with stronger floral aspects and a high level of alcohol taste. The close is peppery in the finish.

Whilst not a smooth sipping Gin, this is a very low price one (at least in the UK) making it popular with people on restricted budgets. It is best used as a spirit to mix in long drinks and punches.

Unknown.