On Unst, the most northerly island out of the Shetland Isles, is the most northerly distillery in the UK. Shetland Distillery was started by four people sharing a passion for producing top quality produce, with their products drawing inspiration from the beauty of their surroundings, using local botanicals to create a gin that is unique and embodies Shetland.
Our favourite Shetland Distillery gin is the Ocean Sent Gin, a completely unique gin. Alongside the traditional gin botanicals of juniper berries, coriander seeds, orris root, citrus peel and cassia bark, Shetland Distillery have incorporated two locally grown and foraged botanicals – apple mint grown on the island, and bladderwrack seaweed harvested from the shoreline. Shetland Distillery wash and dry the seaweed before distilling it in their small copper pot still together with the other botanicals.
The seaweed adds a saltiness to the gin, with fragrant notes of juniper and sea salt coming through. The zesty notes are also noticeable, along with the apple with the contrast of the seaweed’s slight bitter and saltiness towards the end. Perfect served with a garnish of a fresh mint leaf as you sit outside on our terrace and enjoy the stunning sea views.
