Nose of the Fairy Hill Gin

Raspberry, lavender and hazelnut form the recognisable trio behind Nose of the Fairy Hill Gin. Graeme and Vicki Aitken launched The Strontian Distillery in 2024 and included this bottle in their Four Elements Collection. Its name translates the Gaelic Sròn an t-Sìthein, the place-name Strontian, giving the label a precise local connection. The producer describes a light, floral and fruity gin. Raspberry supplies fresh red-fruit acidity, lavender brings a measured aromatic lift and hazelnut adds a soft, rounded undertone around the juniperJuniperThe one compulsory botanical: gin must taste predominantly of juniper. Its "berry" is really a small conifer cone, resinous and peppery.Glossary. The combination avoids the sweetness often associated with pink or berry-led spirits; at 43% vol., pine and dry structure remain visible through the finish. In 2024 it reached the finals of the Scottish Gin Awards and The Gin Cooperative Awards, appearing in categories that included Best London DryLondon DryA style, not a place of origin: every flavour comes from distilling natural botanicals. After distillation only water and a trace of sugar may be added, with no flavouring or colouring.GlossarySee London Dry gins Scottish Gin, Best New Gin and the Industry Judges Award.

Dry · Floral · Fruity · Herbal

Hazelnut is the quiet ingredient that keeps raspberry and lavender from reading as perfume. Its gentle roundness anchors the fruit and flower, allowing juniper to close the palate on a dry line. This measured arrangement explains why the gin can be light without becoming slight. The local name and young distillery matter because the liquid supports them with a clear identity.

Taste it first neat, as the producer suggests, then add ice and tonic. For the finished drink, use a 4 cl measure beneath a 10 cl pour of neutral tonic, adding a slim lemon slice, one raspberry and a tiny lavender sprig among the cubes. Arrange lemon, berries and lavender beside the stem, keeping the flower restrained.

Hazelnut anchors raspberry and restrains lavender, allowing juniper to return through the dry finish. The floral lightness therefore retains substance and clarity.