First Impressions
Ben Lomond Gin comes from the Loch Lomond Distillery, using eleven botanicals including handpicked blackcurrants and locally foraged rowan berries. The rowan berries add a distinctly Scottish wild fruit character, and the Szechuan pepper provides unexpected spice. Double Gold at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition with a remarkable 98/100 score.
Tasting
The nose delivers aromatic citrus balanced with sweet summer berries and delicate rose petals. On the palate, smooth and zesty with lemon, crisp juniper and Szechuan spice — the perfect balance of fruit, floral, citrus, spice, earth and juniper. The finish is soft and fruity with lingering rowan berry sweetness.
The Bottom Line
Ben Lomond earns an 8 for a Scottish gin that punches far above its profile. The 98/100 and Double Gold at San Francisco is exceptional for any spirit, and the rowan berries give it a wild Highland identity that sets it apart. At around £30, seriously underrated.
