First Impressions
The 1881 Pavilion Pink takes its name from the original Victorian pavilion at Peebles Hydro Hotel, which once overlooked more tennis courts than Wimbledon. The gin celebrates that era of elegance with wild Scottish red berries and hibiscus alongside a remarkable fourteen-botanical base including hawthorn berries, milk thistle, birch, fir needles, and grapefruit — botanicals that reflect the Scottish Borders landscape surrounding the hotel.
Tasting
Fourteen botanicals including wild Scottish red berries, hibiscus, hawthorn, milk thistle, birch, and fir needles. The nose is silky red fruits and cream backed by juniper and spice. On the palate at 40%, fresh raspberry and strawberry complemented by hibiscus, gentle cardamom and grains of paradise spice. Hawthorn and milk thistle add hedgerow character, fir needles provide forest depth. The finish is creamy fruit fading to citrus and pine.
The Bottom Line
1881 Pavilion Pink earns a 7 — a pink gin with fourteen botanicals creating genuine complexity. The wild Scottish berries, hawthorn, milk thistle, and fir needles give this a Borders terroir that mass-market pink gins cannot replicate. Best with premium or elderflower tonic, fresh raspberries, and mint. At £35, a Scottish pink gin with Victorian elegance and genuine botanical ambition.
