Glenrinnes unveils Eight Lands gin and vodka
Scottish producer Glenrinnes Distillery has released two organic spirits: Eight Lands Organic Speyside Gin and Eight Lands Organic Speyside Vodka.
Father and stepson team Alasdair Locke and Alex Christou co-founded Glenrinnes Distillery, which features 5,400 square feet of space. It is located at the foot of the Ben Rinnes mountain in the Speyside region of Scotland. The name ‘Eight Lands’ was inspired by the eight counties that can be seen from the top of Ben Rinnes, weather permitting. Eight Lands spirits are made using organic ingredients, including some botanicals that are sourced from the Glenrinnes estate. Farming on the estate has been organic since 2001. The distillery features a 1,000-litre pot still called Rebecca, named after Christou’s wife, as well as two 10-plate rectifying columns. The production team comprises Meeghan Murdoch, operations manager, and Katrina Stewart, distiller. Murdoch has been part of the team since the start of 2018 and has more than 25 years’ experience in the drinks industry, covering everything from production and sales, to brewing, wine making and distilling. This will be Stewart’s first distilling role since completing an MSc in brewing and distilling from Heriott Watt University. Christou said: “I genuinely believe we have created something special with our organic vodka and gin, and I’m really proud of the team at the distillery for the hard work and passion that they have put into this. “We have ambitious plans to build the Eight Lands brand globally in the months ahead and I know that my family and our production team are incredibly excited about sharing our spirits with both the UK and other markets.” Eight Lands Organic Speyside Gin has been bottled at 46% abv and will be priced at RRP £39 (US$50) per 700ml bottle. It is said to have a “big juniper” aroma, with pine and citrus, leading to tart red berries and citrus. Eight Lands Organic Speyside Vodka has been bottled at 42% abv and will cost RRP £37 (US$47) per 700ml. It is said to have notes of marzipan and vanilla pods on the nose, leading to butterscotch and coconut on the palate.
