Spotlight on Suppliers: The Gin Bothy

Here at Red Bus Bistro, a great amount of thought is given to choosing suppliers for our bus tours. We look for many things such as provenance, quality and of course price. When it came to choosing our signature Gin supplier, the decision was easy. The good people at The Gin Bothy proved they had all the attributes we were looking for and more!

Located in Kirriemuir in the foothills of the breathtaking Glens of Angus, owner Kim Cameron happened upon her gin business almost accidentally. Originally a jam maker and owner of Peel Farm Coffee shop & Crafts, Kim’s creative output initially won her an award for her jam making skills when she became the World Jampionship Jampion. Ever the entrepreneur, and on her mum’s suggestion, the fruits leftover from the jam-making process were soon put to good use and infused into her first batch of gin.

The Gin Bothy was born. The Old Smiddy  near Kirriemuir became home to Kim’s artisan production line where the gin batches were made by hand, using simple accoutrements like jugs and buckets.  With the ongoing success of the company, Kim has since moved to larger premises where customers are encouraged to bring back their bottles in exchange for money off their next purchase. Recycling at its best.

Following the ethos of the Slow Food Movement, Kim ensures that her gin batches are not mass produced. She follows the same fruit calendar for jam making with initial infusions of raspberry, strawberry, sloe and chili sourced from the local area.

Gin Foraging

One of the advantages of living in such idyllic surroundings is the opportunity to go foraging. In May when gorse is in plentiful supply, the brilliant yellow flower is transformed into gorse flower syrup, which is then used as a natural flavouring for gin. Infused with essence of coconut and butter almond, the gorse flower syrup is a wonderful addition to Kim’s gin.

Then there is Mulled Gin, often described as ‘Christmas in a Glass’, this aromatic drink infused with cinnamon, clove and nutmeg heightens the senses while warming the soul.

The Bothy Original takes you back to the hills with hints of heather, hawthorn berries, milk thistle, and the refreshing aroma of pine needles while hearty Gunshot makes an ideal accompaniment to a good book in front of a roaring fire.

Old-School Glamour

Most recently for Mother’s Day, Red Bus Bistro collaborated with The Gin Bothy and served up the delectable Rose Gin Cocktail with our eclectic afternoon tea. This cocktail was such a hit on the Glasgow and Edinburgh bus tours, that we have reproduced the recipe for you below:

Rose Cocktail Ingredients

50ml – Gin Bothy Rose Liqueur
15ml – Crème De Violette Liqueur
25ml – Lemon Juice
Elderflower Tonic
Method
Add ice to Boston Shaker add ingredients shake well.
Pour into a wine glass along with the ice.
Top with Elderflower Tonic
Garnish with Mint Leaves and Rose Petals

Other options to try include:

Bothy Original Gin

Mulled Infused Gin

Gunshot Infused Gin

Stirrup Cup

Speycast

Blueberry Infused Liquer

Raspberry Infused Liqueur

Amaretto Infused Liqueur

Chili Infused Liqueur

Rhubarb Infused Liqueur

Sloe Infused Liqueur

Strawberry Infused Liqueur

Gingerbread Infused Liqueur

To find out more go to www.ginbothy.co.uk

Or email info@ginbothy.co.uk