The University of Edinburgh has announced the first release of its own branded small batch gin.
In a statement to The Student, Gordon Chalmers, Head of Retail for the University, said, “Our newly launched small batch gin is inspired by the rich traditions of the University and the city itself.”
The gin’s label bears the University crest and a large “1583” for the year the University was founded.
According to Chalmers, the gin was released following the success of the limited-addition University Whisky in 2022, he said: “We wanted to create something special for gin-lovers,”.
Initial conversations relating to the Whisky started in early 2022, with the idea for a gin arising in June 2023.
For bottling and production, the University partnered with Gleann Mor Spirits, the parent company of several distilleries in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The company is also the Official Spirits Partner for the Hibernian Football Club.
Gleann Mor provided the University with samples of different styles and flavours of gin which were taken to blind tastings.
The final product was selected, according to Chalmers: “purely on the merits of its fabulous taste.”
This is not the first gin to bear the University of Edinburgh crest. Earlier this year, the Uni’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies partnered with SummerHall Distillery, which sits on the site of the school’s former small animal hospital.
The collaboration produced a gin commemorating the vet school’s bicentenary, bottles sell on the Distillery’s website for £45.00.
Investment in spirits, specifically gin, marks the University’s entry into a lucrative Scottish industry.
In 2016, The Guardian reported on a modern “renaissance” in the UK gin industry, with new distilleries opening and high projected sales.
Today, the UK is the largest exporter of gin in the world, with Scottish gin accounting for 70% of the UK’s total product.
According to HMRC data, 2022 UK gin exports produced £730.9 million in revenue.
The University of Edinburgh’s 70cl, 40.0% abv. gin is available on the University’s online gift shop for £29.99.
Chalmers states, “The gin is perfect for those with a connection to the University of Edinburgh, whether that be current students, staff or alumni, or indeed anyone who simply likes to try different or unique gins.”
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