First Impressions
Makar — the old Scots word for 'maker' or 'poet' — is Glasgow's first gin in over a century, produced by The Glasgow Distillery Company. In a city more commonly associated with whisky, shipbuilding, and an admirable directness of character, Makar announces itself with a gin of similar qualities: bold, unambiguous, and built with precision. Seven botanicals, juniper at the absolute centre, and a 43% ABV that gives the spirit genuine presence.
The Glasgow Distillery Company has invested in its craft with evident seriousness. Their copper pot still, named Annie, produces small batches of gin that prioritise juniper authority above all else — a refreshing commitment in an era when many craft gins seem embarrassed by their most essential botanical.
The Distillery
The Glasgow Distillery Company operates in the city centre, producing both gin and single malt whisky. The seven-botanical bill for Makar is characteristically restrained: juniper at the heart, supported by lemon peel, liquorice, coriander seeds, angelica root, cassia bark, rosemary, and black pepper. The inclusion of rosemary and black pepper — two assertive, savoury ingredients — gives the gin a robustness that reflects its Glasgow origins. This is not a gin that deals in delicacy or understatement.
Tasting
The nose is immediately invigorating. Fresh pine and eucalyptus juniper dominate with muscular intensity — this is a gin that makes no apology for being juniper-forward. Rosemary adds floral and herbal notes that complement rather than compete with the pine, while nutty angelica root and fragrant coriander provide supporting depth. Lemon citrus zest adds brightness at the edges. It is a nose of considerable power and clarity.
On the palate, Makar is superbly clean. Powerful pine and eucalyptus juniper leads with authority — the juniper here is not merely present, it is commanding. Coriander and angelica are the most obvious supporting botanicals, adding earthy warmth and fragrance. Good liquorice notes contribute sweetness that rounds out the dryness, and assertive cracked black pepper spice brings a warmth that builds through the mid-palate. The mouthfeel is attractively creamy — the 43% ABV providing the body needed for the juniper to express itself fully. The rosemary is subdued but detectable, adding an herbal dimension that connects the gin to the Scottish landscape.
The finish is long, smooth, and dry — a conclusion that befits the gin's juniper-forward character. Angelica root provides nutty warmth, and lingering pepper spice and rosemary extend the finish to an impressive length. It is a finish of real conviction.
How to Drink It
Makar demands a robust tonic in a G&T — Fever-Tree Indian or Schweppes will stand up to the juniper intensity. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary, which amplifies the gin's herbal quality beautifully. Avoid delicate or flavoured tonics that would be overwhelmed.
In a Martini, Makar is outstanding. The powerful juniper, creamy mouthfeel, and 43% ABV create a drink of genuine authority and Glasgow character. A Negroni with Makar is equally impressive — the juniper and black pepper stand up to Campari with magnificent defiance.
The Bottom Line
Makar earns an 8 for delivering a juniper-forward gin of exceptional clarity and conviction. The Glasgow Distillery Company has created a gin that knows exactly what it is — unapologetically bold, traditionally structured, and crafted with the kind of precision that a city of engineers would demand. The rosemary and black pepper give it a distinctly Scottish savouriness, the liquorice prevents austerity, and the creamy mouthfeel makes it a pleasure to drink in any format. At around £32, it represents superb value. Glasgow's first gin in a century was well worth the wait.
