Here's Why Gin Lovers Are Flocking To Scotland

Let’s just take a moment to bask in the glory of gin. After all, no other tipple has experienced such a revival in recent years. Fresh, zesty, and brimming with a harmonious blend of botanicals, this juniper-infused drink sits at the forefront of a new era of distilling. Call it the ‘gin-aissance’, if you will.

Scotland is the leading light of gin production in the UK, partly due to the slew of small-batch distillers who have made their passion an art form. That, and the array of botanicals lining the country’s natural larder, means Scotland is the place to seek out the best gin.

Leading the pack is Hendrick’s, perhaps the most famous Scottish gin, which takes the term small-batch to a whole new level by distilling tiny batches of 500 litres at a time. To put this into perspective, 1000 litres or less is the general rule of thumb for small batch.

And then you have starlets like The Botanist, a dreamy elixir that boasts 22 wild foraged botanicals, and Edinburgh Gin, famed for its mastery of botanicals and deep understanding of what constitutes a fine drink. Praised as the world’s best London Dry Gin, NB Gin was voted one of the Top 100 Brands In The World by Rolls Royce and was also the only gin to make the cut for the Queen’s 90th birthday festivities. Queue a standing ovation.

The list of Scottish gins embellishing the best bars across the globe is seemingly endless. You’d think the fun would stop with the Old Curiosity Distillery and its hypnotic colour changing Secret Garden Gin. Quite the contrary — Glasgow now plays host to the world’s first ever botanically inspired gin spa! Dreams really do come true. Extending the frontiers of innovation and botanical bliss, The Gin Spa comes from the same brains behind leading bar Gin71. Drawing upon a deep knowledge of the botanical elements found in gin, this unique boutique day spa offers customers an unrivalled pampering experience, which comes complete with a complimentary G&T, of course.

Found in Glasgow’s stylish Merchant City area, the treatments range from full body massages to signature facials, and reflexology. But before the magic begins, gin enthusiasts can choose the desired state of mind they wish to gain — happy, active, tranquil, pure, energised or detox — during a personal consultation.

From there, a blend of key botanicals (the same kind found gracing the world’s finest gins) are selected from JustBe Botanicals, a Scottish line specialising in superior handmade products sourced from the finest natural ingredients. Quite the dynamic duo, JustBe joined forces with The Gin Spa to craft a specialty range that caters to the hearts of gin lovers.

Just some of the post-treatment perks include a spot of afternoon tea, a complimentary G&T from the Fever Tree trolley, decadent aromatherapy chocolate matched perfectly to each treatment and even a glass of fizz. Those in it for the Twilight Tasting can indulge in the five-course gin-inspired tasting menu at Gin71 after a luxury pampering session. All massages begin with a dreamy juniper foot soak or hot mitt foot cleanse. Swooning yet? We thought so.

Although the treatments themselves are non-alcoholic and you don’t submerge into a hot tub bubbling away with gin (sadly), this spirit-themed spa offers an unprecedented pampering experience dedicated to the star botanicals found in gin. And that makes it one of the greatest inventions ever! What’s next Scotland?

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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