Pràban na Linne

Isle Of Skye

Pràban na Linne is an artisanal producer of Scotch whisky located on the Isle of Skye. Owner Sir Iain Noble is a passionate advocate for preserving the Gaelic language. Pràban na Linne translates as “shebeen of the firth” – in reference to the illicit drinking dens that once dotted the water’s edge. The companyis one of the rare independent Scotch houses in the country and among only a handful based in the Scottish Hebrides. Their range includes awardwinning single malt and blended whiskies, as well as a small production of single-batch, copper-distilled gins.

Blended malt Scotch whisky is, as the name indicates, a blend of different single malts with the aim of highlighting a certain style. In the case of the 12-yearold Cùl na Creagan, the dominant notes are smoky and peaty. This is a brooding, weighty offering with lingering peppery notes.– jb

Whisky 43%

Smoke, peat, toffee, dried apple

Smoke, earthy, Sichuan pepper

Smoky and peppery

The Gaelic Gins are produced in a converted whisky still acquired by founder, Sir Ian Noble. The still was rumoured to have once been used to produce illicit spirits. A botanical infusing basket was recently added halfway along the copper lyne arm making this a perfect vessel for the company’s artisanal single-batch gins. First produced in 2017, this dry gin is infused with a wide range of botanicals including juniper, coriander, angelica, cassia bark, cardamom, and lemon peel. The nose features classic notes of juniper and fresh herbal nuances, with an underlying lemony fresh fragrance. The palate is smooth and supple with a linear structure and dry finish. A great gin for traditionalists; the ideal base for a gin and tonic on the rocks.– jb

Gin 40%

Juniper, lemon peel, fresh green herbs

Earthy, savoury, butterscotch, nutty

Smooth and dry

This is the first time that Pràban na Linne’s Gaelic Gins are being offered outside of Scotland! What better way to familiarize yourself with the range than this mixed case of dry, sweet and spiced gins.

In the 19th century, Juniper grew so abundantly across the highlands that a robust trade existed of Scottish juniper berries to Dutch gin producers. Over time, these hardwood habitats were depleted, and the juniper began to disappear. Sir Ian Noble has always been a passionate conservationist. His work to restore native woodlands included widespread juniper plantings: the result has been a slow but steady resurgence of juniper, and The Gaelic Gins are a tribute to Sir Ian’s dedication. This sweet gin is a new addition to the line up. It was first produced in 2021, after a succession of test batches to obtain the perfect balance of freshness, florality, and subtle sweetness. The main botanicals include juniper, coriander, cassia bark, hazelnuts, orange peel, orris root, honey and thyme.–jb

Gin 40%

Floral, citrus, juniper, fresh herbal hints

Citrus, juniper, subtly nutty and honeyed

Round and subtly sweet

The Gaelic Gins from Pràban na Linne are distilled using the Isle of Skye’s soft water, the same key ingredient that makes the producer’s Scotch Whiskies so distinctive. The labels bear the words Uisge Lusach in a bold cursive script. Uisge is the Gaelic term for water and lusach refers to an abundance of herbs. This is indeed a fitting name for these artisanal, single-batch gins produced with a diverse array of botanicals. The spiced gin was added to the range in 2019; its vibrant, warming flavours are derived from an infusion of juniper, cassia bark, orange peel, allspice, mace, liquorice root, sage, and almond. The result is very harmonious with each spice, botanical and fruit element knitting together to make a smooth, pleasing whole.– jb

Gin 40%

Cinnamon, juniper, citrus peel, licorice

Earthy, savoury, butterscotch, nutty

Spicy and vibrant

Chardonnay

A delightful Champagne crafted from 100% Chardonnay harvested in 2020 and older vintages. The bouquet transports one to the local bakery, with aromas of shortbread, lemon meringue pie and apple turnover. Minerality shines through on the palate balanced by flavours of lemon, pear and grapefruit. Ready to pour but will also continue to mature over several years. 2023-2027– lw