We’re so proud of the final result and are delighted to share this with gin lovers across the globe.” Peebles Hydro has turned distiller as it launches a new gin, distillery and school, using water from its own hillside spring water.

In 1881, after three years of construction, Peebles Hydro was built to be a hydropathic hotel due to its very own private spring - Shieldgreen. Affluent city dwellers came far and wide for the hotel’s clean water supply and water-related medical treatments. Many of them wanted to retreat from the city pollution. The waters purity became legendary for ‘alleviating’ a wide range of ailments. Found on the eastern shore of Loch Auchlossan, on the edge of the Cairngorm National Park, the Lost Loch Distillery school experience will give you access to a 5-litre alembic still and a large botanical library to try your hand at creating your own gin. Aimed at drinkers of all levels, the gin school features an in-depth look (and tasting of) at the distillery's own bottles, as well as the chance to make your own under the guidance of one of the team, with each guest personally selecting botanicals, running their own individual miniature copper pot still, and bottling and labelling the finished product - which they get to take home. Orkney - Orkney Gin School expert judges from the distilling and drinks industry were presented by flights of samples and asked to taste and assess each liquid across a range of quality standards. Wake up each morning, refreshed and ready to explore together. Saunter hand in hand along the winding trails surrounding Glencoe Lochan. Gaze in awe at the spectacular wildlife.

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They have created four premium gins including London Dry, Pavilion Pink and Subtly Smoked. The fourth gin, Navy Strength at 57% ABV is stronger than the others at 40%, and is named after the Dutch sailors of the 18th century who were known to drink gin for ‘Dutch courage’ before going into battle. Four 1881 gins have been included in the new range, with London Dry, Pavilion Pink, Subtly Smoked and the Navy Strength available in two sizes - 70cl and 20cl. To bring the best out of these premium gins, four tonic waters have also been created – Tonic 81. All using the same water source, these include Premium, Light, Pink grapefruit and Elderflower.

Make a date to catch up on missed celebrations and enjoy an idyllic overnight stay at Dalhousie Castle. Birthdays, anniversaries, engagements – whatever the milestone, it’ll be a celebration fit for royalty. So what are you waiting for? Book your mini break with breakfast on both days and dinner on the first night. Founded by the Wilson brothers, the gin school was designed to give not only an insight into how this unique spirit is created but also show how the botanicals sourced on the island play a key part in their particular gin's make up. Can’t make it to Peebles Hydro? Have the 1881 Gin Bus head to you.1881 Gin has a new mode of transport and it’s ready to make an appearance at your wedding, festival or family gathering. The gins were analysed in a wide-ranging blind tasting session carried out as part of a live event and managed by the international sensory management consultancy Cara Technology.Holyrood Distillery and Eden Mill tied in first place for the most amount of medals achieved with each of them taking home four medal positions. To match the newly released set of gins, four tonic waters have also been created - Tonic 81 - all four having been created using the same water source as the gins, these include Premium, Light, Pink grapefruit and Elderflower. Four gins and four tonics have been released. A tour can be taken around the distillery, in which visitors can learn all about the history of Peebles Hydro, all things gin and can get up close to the school's copper still which makes up to 220 bottles of 1881 gin every day. Full disclosure I’m an official supporter of International Scottish Gin Day and my bottle of Subtly Smoked gin was gifted, along with the competition prize* Visit 1881 Gin Distillery at Peebles Hydro Hotel Surrounded by gin, it’s where they do their best thinking so if you are looking to get creative in a space that nurtures experimental creativity or looking for private dining, drinks reception or even just a private gin school experience.