First Impressions
McQueen Gin is produced by the Trossachs Distillery, founded by Vicky and Dale McQueen in Callander in 2015 — right at the gateway to Scotland's Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. The Chocolate Mint expression is one of six gins in their range, and it targets the dessert and liqueur market with cocoa nibs and mint alongside a classic gin botanical base. At 20% ABV, it is firmly in liqueur territory.
The Distillery
Trossachs Distillery in Callander produces McQueen's range of gins, each built on a classic botanical foundation (juniper, coriander, angelica, orris root, orange peel) with flavour-specific additions. The Chocolate Mint uses cocoa nibs for the chocolate character and mint for cooling freshness. The lower ABV makes it soft and approachable.
Tasting
The nose carries dark chocolate and orange peel — reminiscent of After Eight mints — with mint freshness adding cooling aromatics. Underneath, there is a gin backbone of juniper that prevents the nose from becoming purely confectionery.
On the palate, smooth chocolate with orange peel arrives first, and as the flavour develops, juniper and orris root shine through unexpectedly well. There is milk chocolate warmth and mint coolness creating a pleasing contrast. At 20%, the mouthfeel is gentle and inviting.
The finish is mild and warm with notes of milk chocolate, orange, and juniper — comforting and gently lingering.
How to Drink It
Serve as an after-dinner digestif over ice, or use as the base for an Espresso Mint Martini — shake with espresso and coffee liqueur for an indulgent cocktail. It also makes a decadent hot chocolate addition.
The Bottom Line
McQueen Chocolate Mint earns a 6.5 as a well-executed chocolate mint liqueur that maintains just enough gin character to justify its name. The cocoa nibs provide real chocolate flavour rather than artificial sweetness, and the mint is refreshing rather than overwhelming. At around £15 and 20% ABV, it is positioned as an accessible treat rather than a serious gin — and in that role, it delivers with Trossachs charm.
