FIRST JOURNEYS - THE HIGHLANDS TRAIL- PIN 08 OF 22
KINRARA GIN, Cairngorms, Scotland
A JOURNEY EXPLORING THE HIGHLANDS OF SCOTLAND
Our Scottish gin journey now turns south to the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, where mountains, forests and Highland heritage provide the backdrop for Kinrara Distillery.
For this stop, I opened a much-loved special edition of their Highland Dry Gin—Struan, the second artist edition created in collaboration with illustrator Kat Baxter. Featuring a striking red stag decorated with Kinrara tweed and the botanicals used in the gin, the bottle itself tells a story of the landscape that inspired it.
Inside is a beautifully balanced Highland gin, with bright juniper and citrus notes at its heart. Inspired by its connections to Robert Burns, I decided to create a twist on a classic cocktail: the Burns Negroni.
But first, the story behind Kinrara.
Established in 2017, Kinrara Distillery began producing its Highland Dry Gin in 2018 from an old farm steading on the Kinrara Estate. The estate has a fascinating history, once belonging to Lady Jane Gordon—one of 18th-century Scotland's most colourful characters.
Born in Edinburgh, Lady Jane rose from modest beginnings to become a celebrated socialite, fashion icon and influential hostess. After marrying Alexander Gordon, 4th Duke of Gordon, she became a central figure in Edinburgh society, hosting lavish gatherings attended by many of the leading figures of the day.
Among those guests was poet Robert Burns, who famously read his work to Edinburgh society in her drawing room.
Lady Jane became one of his earliest supporters, helping promote his poetry and purchasing many of his first published works.
Her influence stretched beyond the arts. She was also associated with the formation of the Gordon Highlanders, famously said to have recruited soldiers using charm, confidence and considerable persuasion during a well-known episode involving the promise of the King's shilling.
Following the breakdown of her marriage, Lady Jane moved to Kinrara House in the late 18th century, where she continued to entertain until her death in 1812.
The estate has since passed through various hands and remains a place shaped by generations of Highland stories.
Today, Kinrara Distillery continues that tradition of storytelling, capturing the character of the estate through carefully chosen botanicals and spirits inspired by the surrounding landscape.
A fitting tribute to a gin born from a place where art, history and the Highlands come together.
From Highland estates and literary legends to the botanicals in the glass, Kinrara is a reminder that every bottle carries a connection to the landscape it comes from.
For today's serve, the Burns Negroni brings together the flavours of Scotland in a modern twist:
- 25ml Kinrara Gin
- 25ml Campari
- 15ml Fino Sherry
- 10ml Blackberry Cordial
- 10ml Single Malt Whisky
- 2 dashes orange bitters