Two icons of the whisky world have joined forces to produce Wolfcraig Distillers’ first gin. Master Blenders Richard Paterson OBE and Ian MacMillan may be best known in the world of whisky, but they also boast expert credentials when it comes to gin.
After judging together on some of the most prestigious gin awards panels, they have now put their decades of experience into creating their own original premium gin.
Richard Paterson, affectionately known as ‘The Nose’ for his renowned palate, retains legendary status within the whisky industry, largely on account of his career at Whyte & Mackay, where he served as Master Blender since 1975, and at The Dalmore Distillery. As well as being inducted into the Whisky Hall of Fame, he was named an OBE on the Queen’s Honour List in 2021.
Ian MacMillan is an award-winning distiller with over 40 years’ experience, revered for having created some of the sector’s most recognised single malts working for the likes of Bunnahabhain, Tobermory and Deanston. His gin pedigree is impressive, with globally celebrated gins such as Tanqueray and Gordons on his resume. He also worked at Burn Stewart’s Deanston distillery, producing their range of gins, including a special formula for M&S.
Since uniting at the helm of Wolfcraig Distillers, Ian and Richard have launched a 30 Year Old Premium Blend composed of hand selected rare finds which is now also available to buy.
Speaking ahead of the gin’s release, director Jamie Lunn said: “Anyone in the whisky world will understand what a big deal Richard and Ian bringing their decades of experience into creating their own original premium gin is.
“There are a lot of gins in the market but we expect there to be a lot of curiosity around what two of the most respected names in the whisky world can do with their first collaboration in gin. This is just the start of Wolfcraig’s journey.
“It is exciting to have our Wolfcraig Gin as part of our original portfolio to set the bar for our products in the drinks space, and we are looking forward to receiving feedback on our juniper-led sophisticated gin as people choose Wolfcraig as their drink of choice coming into the summer months.”
The inaugural gin release is a complex and sophisticated premium Scottish spirit with tantalising notes of juniper, orange peel, vibrant lemon and cassia, elegantly infused with 17 botanicals, including raspberry and wild thyme, from Stirling to inspire a ‘wildly Scottish spirit’. What’s more, the bespoke bottle is designed to reflect wolf’s fur, paying homage to the Wolfcraig legend.
It’s a spirit that champions versatility, giving drinkers the freedom to pair the gin as they wish; whether that’s enjoying the flavour as it is without garnish or pairingwith citrus, spice, or an aromatic herb to speak to its array of botanical notes.
The distillers’ mission is to produce an innovative and premium spirits brand out of the heart of Scotland. Ian and Richard spent several years developing the perfect flavour profile, using the ‘most authentic’ method of gin creation – where all the botanicals are combined and distilled in a copper still rather than added in afterwards.
Ian said: “Our gin has been designed to impress even the most discerning gin drinkers. Whether paired traditionally with citrus fruit or part of a classic short cocktail, we are really excited about gin lovers exploring its different expressions for the first time through the summer
“I’m known as a bit of a traditionalist and this is a true pot still distilled premium gin, created by observing the time-honoured methods – this is a unique formulation of botanicals which complement each other in a way that can only be achieved through this most authentic method.
“It was important to Richard and I that our first gin collaboration was high-quality but versatile so it could be enjoyed by everyone from seasoned gin drinkers to casual consumers.”
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