Raise a glass to local gins

Gin goes back a long way. Some credit 16th century Dutch doctor Franciscus Sylvius de la Boe as the inventor of gin, but there are previous mentions in a Flemish manuscript dating from the 1200s.

Genever arrived in England in the 17th Century and proved popular. By 1733, the population of England and Wales was around six million people, who collectively got through 47 million litres of gin. G&T became possible in 1858 when the first tonic water was launched by Erasmus Bond.

Nowadays we have a crop of artisan producers across the North East, marrying traditional techniques with interesting botanicals.

Roehill Springs ___

Take Roehill Springs Distillery, where Duncan and Shirley Morrison produce small-batch gins on their family farm near Keith. Their Honeyberry Gin which combines a tart opening with a sweeter finish. If you want to confound your friends, try Roehill’s Blue Gin, which changes colour from blue to pink or purple when the tonic is added thanks to the inclusion of Butterfly Pea flowers. If you’d prefer something equally magical, but more traditional, Roehill Springs No. 5, combines juniper with coriander, citrus and floral notes for a great mouthfeel.

porter's gin ___ house of elrick ___ little brown dog spirits ___ LOST LOCH SPIRITS ___

Porter’s Gin is created in the basement micro-distillery of one of Aberdeen’s most popular cocktail bars. The vacuum still prevents heat damaging delicate botanicals which are then added to a Juniper-led recipe from one of the UK’s oldest distillers. Porter’s Modern Classic has a bright citrusy appeal thanks to the addition of cold-distilled Buddha’s Hand Citron, while Porter’s Tropical Old Tom Gin is a rich, fruity tropical tangle of passion fruit, guava and white tea. Orchard Gin is an autumnal combination of apple, pear and soybean inspired by great French wines. House of Elrick gins come from the distillery on Elrick Estate just south of Portlethen, which uses a 500 litre copper pot still called Charlie and a blend of nine botanicals to produce 600 bottle batches of gin. Their Spirit of Loch Ness gin includes dried petals of the Jacobite rose as well as juniper, coriander seeds, angelica root and citrus peel, built around a core of heather, pink peppercorns and sweet fennel. Elrick’s recipes are created by Dr. David Clutton, who combines over 50 years’ experience in the spirits industry with being the only person in the world with a PhD on the flavour of gin. Little Brown Dog Spirits is an experimental micro distillery based at West Aquhorthies farm near Bennachie. Their LBD gin is a modern dry Scottish gin that co-owner Andrew describes as being, “Like sookin’ sherbet lemons, dipped in beeswax, while sitting in a scots pine forest after the rain.” The botanicals, which are locally foraged or grown where possible, include wood sorrel, rhubarb, parsnip and juniper. They’ve even planted five acres of juniper which they hope to incorporate into their production in a few years’ time when the plants have matured. Lost Loch Spirits lies in the heart of Royal Deeside, on the banks of the now drained Loch Auchlossan or the Lost Loch. They offer micro-distillery tours and a great Spirit School. They’re known for their innovative small-batch spirits that combine local ingredients with environmentally friendly production. Their enticing eeNoo Gin is, essentially, the local landscape in a bottle, combining Royal Deeside honey, heather flowers, brambles, raspberries and rosehips with spices and Italian Juniper. Their Singular Series includes a raspberry and stem ginger gin infusion and the deep green Rucolo, which takes its colour from rocket and chives, offset by citrus peel.

• TOURS & TASTINGS • GIN SCHOOL • VOUCHERS • EVENTS SPACE

Deeside Activity Park, Aboyne AB34 5BD T. 07790 340001 lostloch.com @lostlochspirits

New cafe opening! Serving wraps, coffee, rolls & more •

22 Rose Street Aberdeen AB10 1UA

New dessert parlour for West End

16 Below has opened at 3 Whitehall Road, serving handcrafted cheesecakes, cookie sandwiches and handmade Mackies ice cream. There’s also vegan ice cream from Shorty’s of Ballater. We’re also proud to serve a range of handmade vegan ice cream from Shorty’s in Ballater. 16 Below is open from 1.30 to 9.30 each day. Find out more at facebook.com/16BelowAbz

St. Margaret’s pupils’ charity run success

Class IIIS pupils at St. Margaret’s School raised £950 after completing a sponsored run. Their running target was 100km and they went above and beyond that to cover an impressive 206km. Many of the girls ran in fancy dress. The sponsorship donations will be used to support babies and families whilst in the Neonatal unit. This could include specialist equipment like Giraffe incubators and breast pumps, advanced staff training, photos of special moments, counselling sessions and bursaries for parents who are struggling financially. To find out more about their vital work, visit archie.org

Orchid's Signature

Ingredients: Bacardi Coconut | Tiki Blend | Coco Réal Pineapple | Lime | Bitters

Hailing from Puerto Rico in the early 19th century, this perfect blend of White Rum, Cream of Coconut and Pineapple quickly took the world by storm. We've added a bit of Orchid love to enhance this much loved classic! With the Bacardi Coconut Rum and our very own Tiki Blend this one'll definitely transport you to the beaches of Puerto Rico!

Football Training School Scores 150th Student in Just Six Months

An innovative Aberdeen-based football training school has welcomed its milestone 150th player, just six months after the venture kicked off.

Endgame FC is the brainchild of Aberdeen-based sports science graduate Richie Reid. Endgame offers sessions at Bridge of Don and Ellon. Richie already employs four coaches including former Scotland international player, Melissa Stirling. The company runs sessions for children of all abilities from pre-school and girls’ only classes to advanced sessions. They also run baby sessions with mini players as young as 18 months making an early start on their ball skills. To find out more, email info@endgamefc.com

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From front to back gardens our team of passionate designers can take your ideas or use their inspiration to achieve garden perfection. The unique service Papillon provide includes project management of the entire work scope. Ensuring a high standard of workmanship and will reflect the specifications of your garden design. Tel: 01224 791569 papillonlandscape.co.uk

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Collections • Commissions • Wedding Ring Specialists BE INVOLVED IN YOUR WEDDING RING DESIGN. Come in and browse our collections and examples of individual designs, or phone to make an appointment.

265 North Deeside Road, Peterculter, AB14 0UL Tel: 01224 735000 lavajewellery.com