Rock Rose Original Gin

Rock Rose Original Gin. Dunnet Bay Distillers, Dunnet, Caithness, Scotland — a Northern Highland gin made in the UK's most northerly mainland distillery, built on 18 botanicals including locally hand-foraged Rhodiola rosea (rock rose), rowan berries, sea buckthorn, and blaeberries from the rugged Caithness coastline.

Rock Rose Gin was founded by Claire and Martin Murray, who returned to their hometown of Caithness after years working elsewhere and established Dunnet Bay Distillery in 2014 — the UK's most northerly mainland distillery. Before settling on their recipe, Claire and Martin ran 55 separate distillation experiments. The final recipe was first distilled on 17 August 2014, and the gin is named for Rhodiola rosea, the "rock rose" plant that grows on the rocky, exposed cliffs of Caithness and gives the gin both its name and a unique botanical character. The Vikings prized Rhodiola for its supposed strength-giving properties on long journeys.

The 18 botanicals blend locally hand-foraged Caithness ingredients with classic gin botanicals. Rowan berries, sea buckthorn, blaeberries (European blueberries), verbena, and Rhodiola rosea represent the local coastal landscape. Juniper is sourced from two countries — Italian juniper for warmth and depth; Bulgarian juniper for lemon sherbet notes — and both are vapor-infused through the basket of bespoke copper pot stills named Elizabeth and Margaret, made by John Dore & Co., the oldest still maker in the world. The result is a gin that genuinely tastes of its remote, wild origin.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: A delicate bouquet of rose and cardamom with a touch of citrus. Bright berries and soft heather florals follow, with maritime hints and juniper in the background.
• Palate: Fruity berries merge with floral notes to give a full-bodied, rounded gin. Cardamom comes forward first, then a good mouthful of blueberry-like flavor. Bright juniper notes ping through the mid-palate.
• Finish: The sharpness of sea buckthorn emerges, rounded off by berries and a juniper heart. Smooth sherbet lemon notes create a lingering, refreshing finish.

Specs

• Distillery: Dunnet Bay Distillers, Dunnet, Caithness, Scotland
• Style: Scottish Pot Still Gin
• Base Spirit: Wheat
• Botanicals: Rhodiola rosea (rock rose), rowan berries, sea buckthorn, blaeberries, verbena, cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, orris root, juniper (Italy & Bulgaria), and others (18 total)
• Distillation: Vapor infusion, copper pot stills (Elizabeth & Margaret by John Dore & Co.)
• ABV: 41.5% (83 Proof)
• Size: 750ml

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What does Rock Rose Gin taste like? Delicate rose and cardamom on the nose with bright berries and citrus. The palate is full-bodied and rounded with cardamom, blueberry, and vibrant juniper. The finish is refreshing with sea buckthorn sharpness rounded by berries and sherbet lemon.
• What is Rhodiola rosea and why is it in gin? Rhodiola rosea (rock rose) is a hardy plant that grows on exposed coastal cliffs in Caithness, Scotland. It was prized by Vikings for its supposed strength-giving properties. In the gin, it contributes a subtle floral and herbal complexity that defines the brand's character and name.
• Why does Rock Rose use two types of juniper? Italian juniper provides warmth and depth to the gin's foundation, while Bulgarian juniper contributes bright lemon sherbet notes. The combination creates a more layered juniper character than either variety alone.
• Where is Rock Rose Gin made? At Dunnet Bay Distillery in the village of Dunnet, Caithness — the UK's most northerly mainland distillery, founded by Claire and Martin Murray in 2014.
• What cocktails is Rock Rose best in? Classic G&T with premium tonic, garnished with a sprig of toasted rosemary for a savory serve, or a curl of orange peel for a sweeter one. The berry and cardamom character also works beautifully in a Gin Sour or Bee's Knees.