First Impressions
Dornoch Distillery is primarily a whisky operation in the Scottish Highlands, and their experimental gin batches reflect a whisky-maker's sensibility. The base is organic floor-malted Odyssey barley — the same quality of grain they use for their whisky — which provides a grainy richness that neutral grain spirit cannot match. Multiple experimental batches explore different botanical combinations, each one a variation on a Highland theme.
Tasting
Eleven botanicals: juniper, angelica root, cardamom, aniseed, orange peel, lime peel, lemon peel, black peppercorn, coriander, meadowsweet, and pine needles. The nose is citrus-driven — triple citrus with pine needle freshness. On the palate at 45.7%, citrus-forward with spice: the organic barley base adds grainy richness, cardamom and black pepper provide warmth, meadowsweet contributes floral Highland character. The finish is spicy and warming with persistent pepper and pine.
The Bottom Line
Dornoch Experimental earns a 7 — a gin from a whisky distillery that treats gin as seriously as its primary spirit. The organic floor-malted barley base is the quiet hero, providing body and character. The experimental batch format means each release is slightly different — collect and compare if you can. At £28, remarkable value for an organic, Highland-distilled, cask-strength gin from a distillery of this calibre.
