Scottish gins with Lemon Peel
Lemon peel adds clean citrus oil — the brightest of the citrus botanicals. Used in nearly every contemporary gin to lift the juniper.
10 gins · sorted by TasteSCOT rating
NB Gin
Made at NB Distillery in North Berwick, on the East Lothian coast. NB London Dry is a precise, citrus-forward London Dry made the slow way — small batches, single shots, no shortcuts. The Navy Strength bottling at 57% is the bottle bartenders order.
Kirkjuvagr Orkney Gin
Orkney's first dedicated gin distillery, on the harbour in Kirkwall. Kirkjuvagr (the Old Norse name for Kirkwall, pronounced 'kirk-you-vaar') uses Scapa Flow seaweed as a signature botanical alongside Orcadian angelica and burnet rose.
Makar Glasgow Gin
Made by the Glasgow Distillery Co., the city's first whisky and gin distillery for over 100 years. Makar is a juniper-forward London Dry — drier and more traditional than most Scottish contemporaries, with the Glasgow distillery's seven-pot-still expertise behind it.
McLean's Gin
A Glasgow-made London Dry gin that leans into juniper and spice rather than the floral/herbal direction most Scottish gins have taken. The cinnamon is the distinguishing feature — it's present without being overwhelming, adding warmth to the finish. Produced in small batches in Glasgow's south side. Available in most Glasgow bars and specialist shops, and increasingly in Edinburgh and online.
Gordon's
The everyday gin of every British pub for the last fifty years. Distilled at Cameronbridge in Fife — the same Diageo grain distillery that makes Tanqueray and J&B — Gordon's is a classic juniper-led London Dry that does the basic job better than most things at twice the price.
Orkney Gin
Made on Orkney using the ancient bere barley variety that's been grown on the islands for over 4,000 years. The gin reflects its geography — maritime, wind-swept, and unlike anything from the mainland. Small production runs and limited distribution outside the islands, but available from specialist retailers and direct from the distillery. Worth picking up if you're visiting Orkney.
Avva Scottish Gin
A small-batch Aberdeenshire gin that uses silver birch sap from the local woodland as one of its key botanicals. The birch gives a subtle, slightly sweet woody character that's different from the maritime or heather notes you find in most Scottish gins. Produced by a husband-and-wife team, which keeps the batches small and the quality consistent. Available from specialist retailers in the north-east and online.
Eilean Mòr Gin
From Beinn an Tuirc Distillers on the Kintyre peninsula — the first gin distillery in Kintyre and powered entirely by renewable energy from their own hydroelectric and solar installations. The distillery's sustainability credentials are genuine: carbon-negative production, local botanical foraging, and a commitment to minimal waste. The gin itself is gentle and floral — a good representation of the Kintyre landscape. Available from the distillery, Campbeltown shops (combine with a Springbank visit), and online.
Glaswegin
A young Glasgow gin made in Springburn that has gained shelf space fast. Soft, citrus-led, and more affordable than most premium contemporaries — Glaswegin is the gin you reach for at a barbecue rather than a martini.
Darnley's Gin
From the Wemyss family, who also own Kingsbarns whisky distillery in the East Neuk of Fife. Darnley's takes its name from Lord Darnley (husband of Mary Queen of Scots) and the estate's connection to the Stuart court. The gin is more restrained than many Scottish contemporaries — elderflower and citrus rather than heavy botanicals — making it a good alternative for drinkers who find gins like Rock Rose or The Botanist too complex.