Lidl launches unicorn-inspired Aquine gin

by Melita Kiely

Taking inspiration from 'Scotland’s national animal', the unicorn, budget supermarket Lidl has launched its own-label Scottish gin – Aquine.

Aquine has been created in partnership with The Glasgow Distillery and is made with eight botanicals: orange peel, lemon peel, juniper, coriander seeds, angelica root, rosehip, liquorice and bramble. It is said to be “full-bodied with a fruity finish”. The name ‘Aquine’ is a combination of the words ‘aqua’ and ‘equine’, in reference to the Scottish water used to make the gin and the legend of the Scottish unicorn. This is also reflected in the packaging, with a label featuring a unicorn illustration. Bottled at 41.5% abv, Aquine will form part of Lidl’s permanent gin range in Scotland and is available to purchase at an RRP of £19.99 (US$26). Paul McQuade, Lidl’s head of buying in Scotland, said: “Following our successful inaugural Scottish Gin Festival earlier this year, and with the continued demand and interest in Scottish craft gin, creating our own Scottish craft gin Aquine is a natural next step. “The Glasgow Distillery has an outstanding reputation within the Scottish gin market, producing their own top quality premium range, and is therefore the perfect partner to team up with on this exclusive product.”