Port of Leith debuts Lind and Lime Gin

by Melita Kiely

Edinburgh-based Port of Leith Distillery has released its inaugural spirit, Lind and Lime Gin, as the company prepares to begin construction of its £11 million (US$14m) distillery next year.

Lind and Lime Gin has been distilled with seven botanicals, including lime and pink peppercorns. It has been bottled at 44% abv and carries an RRP of £35 (US$45) per 700ml. The gin is available in cases of six. Port of Leith has also released an oloroso Sherry sourced from Bodega Baron in Cadiz, Andalucia. The company’s Sherry, gin and whisky development is currently located at Tower Street Stillhouse close to the future distillery’s site, which will be located in the Leith district of Edinburgh in Scotland. A planning application for the Port of Leith Distillery was submitted in September 2017. Childhood friends Paddy Fletcher and Ian Stirling have now secured planning permission and financial backing to build the distillery – described as Scotland's "first vertical distillery" – with construction due to begin in spring 2019. The distillery is expected to be up and running by autumn 2020, with the first whisky bottles earmarked for release in 2023. The project will mark the first purpose-built malt whisky distillery in Edinburgh in more than 100 years. Stirling, co-owner of Port of Leith Distillery, said: “This is the start of a stand-out development in the Scottish drinks scene. Bringing distilling back to the Port of Leith is something that’s exciting, not just for us but for so many people across the industry. “We’ve had exceptional feedback from distillers, mixologists and retail partners and are delighted to be able to present a spirit that stands out in terms of taste, design and heritage.”